5 Major Updates On Ethan Slater And Ariana Grande's Relationship: From *Wicked* Set To 2025 Oscars

The relationship between pop icon Ariana Grande and Broadway star Ethan Slater continues to be one of Hollywood’s most intensely scrutinized pairings, with new developments and public sightings constantly fueling the media cycle. As of December 2025, the couple has firmly moved past the initial storm of controversy surrounding their meeting on the set of the *Wicked* film adaptation, transitioning into a more public phase of their romance, which has included everything from date nights at sporting events to tearful moments at major award ceremonies.

The latest updates, including their confirmed public outings and the recent emotional display at the 2025 Oscars, suggest the couple is weathering the persistent breakup speculation and rushing-to-marry rumors that have followed them since their relationship was first reported in July 2023. This deep dive explores the complete, updated timeline of their romance, their professional lives, and the lingering impact of their respective divorces from Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay.

Complete Biography Profiles of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater

The foundation of this highly-publicized relationship is two successful careers rooted in musical theater and pop culture. Understanding their individual backgrounds provides necessary context for the magnitude of their coupling.

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Ariana Grande-Butera

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. Began her career in the 2008 Broadway musical *13*. Rose to prominence on the Nickelodeon series *Victorious* and *Sam & Cat*. Known for her powerful four-octave vocal range. Major albums include *Thank U, Next*, *Positions*, and the 2024 release *Eternal Sunshine*.
• Key Role in *Wicked*: Glinda Upland (The Good Witch).

Ethan Samuel Slater

• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington D.C., U.S.
• Career Highlights: Tony Award-nominated American actor, singer, and writer. Best known for originating the title role in the 2017 Broadway musical *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*. Also a musician who has released EPs like "Wanderer" and "Life Is Weird."
• Key Role in *Wicked*: Boq, a Munchkin who is in love with Glinda.

The *Wicked* Set: Where Glinda Met Boq

The epicenter of the couple's story is the production of the two-part film adaptation of the blockbuster musical *Wicked*, directed by Jon M. Chu. Ariana Grande was cast as the iconic Glinda, while Ethan Slater secured the role of Boq, a character who harbors an unrequited affection for Glinda.

Filming began in the U.K. in 2022, and it was during this intensive production schedule that the two stars, who were both married at the time, reportedly grew close. Their on-screen chemistry as Glinda and Boq, the Munchkin, appears to have quickly translated into a real-life connection. This professional environment, where they were immersed in the world of Oz and the demanding schedule of a major film musical, created the unique circumstances for their romance to blossom. The film, set for a late 2024 release, will forever be linked to the genesis of their highly publicized relationship.

The Tumultuous Timeline: Separation, Divorce, and Public Scrutiny

The announcement of their relationship in July 2023 immediately sparked a media firestorm, primarily because both stars were still legally married. This overlapping timeline became the central point of public and media scrutiny, dramatically increasing the topical authority of their story.

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Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez: News of Grande's separation from her husband, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, broke on July 17, 2023. Court documents later revealed their official date of separation was February 20, 2023. Grande officially filed for divorce in September 2023, and the divorce was finalized six months later, with Grande agreeing to pay Gomez a settlement of $1,250,000.

Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay: Just days after Grande's separation was reported, news of Slater’s new relationship with Grande surfaced. Slater, who had been married to his high school sweetheart Lilly Jay since 2018 and shared a young son with her, filed for divorce in July 2023. The swiftness of the filing, following the public news, drew immediate criticism.

Lilly Jay, a key entity in this narrative, later broke her silence, expressing that she felt "blindsided" and detailing the "sudden" nature of the divorce. She described her "dark" days of navigating a public downfall of her marriage "in the shadow" of his new high-profile relationship. These emotional statements from Jay amplified the public debate over the ethics and timing of the new romance, making it a polarizing celebrity story.

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2024-2025 Updates: Shutting Down Rumors and Looking Ahead

Despite the intense public backlash and persistent rumors, the couple has maintained a low-profile yet steady relationship through late 2024 and into 2025, offering several key public moments that confirm their status and shut down breakup speculation.

1. First Public Date Night (June 2024): One of their first major public appearances came in June 2024 when they were seen together enjoying a date night at the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, Florida, signaling a step toward normalizing their relationship in the public eye.

2. Instagram Official (November 2024): Following the premiere of *Wicked*, the couple quietly made their relationship "Instagram official," a major milestone in the modern celebrity romance timeline, confirming their commitment after months of speculation.

3. The Oscars Moment (March 2025): The most significant and emotional update came in March 2025. During the Academy Awards, Ethan Slater was reportedly seen getting teary-eyed while watching Ariana Grande perform a song from *Wicked* with co-star Cynthia Erivo. This public display of emotion was widely interpreted as a strong sign of their deep connection and mutual support, effectively putting to rest any immediate breakup chatter.

4. Marriage Rumors Persist: Despite the steady appearances, rumors of the couple rushing to marry have continued to circulate, sometimes linked to alleged behind-the-scenes drama from the *Wicked* production. However, sources close to the couple have consistently dismissed these reports, suggesting they are focused on their careers and navigating their new reality one step at a time.

5. Career Trajectories Merge: While the relationship started on the *Wicked* set, their professional lives continue to intersect. Grande's album *Eternal Sunshine* (2024) and the subsequent promotional cycle, alongside the highly anticipated release of the *Wicked* film, keeps both stars firmly in the spotlight. Their shared professional world, from Broadway roots to major film projects, provides a unique bond that fuels their romance.

The journey of Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande is a testament to a relationship that began under the most controversial of circumstances. With the latest public updates in 2025 showcasing their mutual support and commitment, the conversation is slowly shifting from the scandal of their beginning to the future of their partnership, as they navigate the demands of Hollywood and the public’s relentless gaze.