5 Shocking Revelations And Updates On Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s 'Wicked' Romance In 2025

The whirlwind romance between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater continues to dominate headlines in late 2025, over two years after their relationship first blossomed on the set of the highly-anticipated Wicked film adaptation. What began as a controversial affair amid two ongoing marriages—Grande's to Dalton Gomez and Slater's to Lilly Jay—has evolved into a committed, albeit private, partnership that has been consistently confirmed by their recent public appearances throughout the year.

As of December 2025, the couple has seemingly moved past the initial intense media scrutiny, stepping out together at high-profile industry events, signaling a new, more public phase for the two Wicked costars. This article provides the most current updates and a complete look at the timeline of their relationship, from their first meeting to their latest red carpet moments.

The Biographies: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s Career Profiles

The pairing of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater brought together two distinct worlds of entertainment: global pop music and prestigious Broadway theatre.

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Ariana Grande-Butera (Glinda)

• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida.
• Career Start: Began her career in 2008 in the Broadway musical 13, followed by her breakout role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s Victorious (2010–2013).
• Music Milestones: Known for her four-octave vocal range and albums like Thank U, Next and Sweetener. She is a multi-Grammy Award winner.
• Wicked Role: Plays Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good Witch) in Jon M. Chu's film adaptation.
• Previous Marriage: Was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez from 2021 to 2023.

Ethan Samuel Slater (Boq)

• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C.
• Career Start: Graduated from Vassar College in 2014. His career highlight came with the title role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical.
• Accolades: His performance as SpongeBob earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical in 2018.
• Other Work: He is also a musician and composer, having released EPs like Wanderer and Life Is Weird.
• Wicked Role: Plays Boq, a Munchkin who is in love with Glinda, in the film adaptation.
• Previous Marriage: Was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young child.

The Full Relationship Timeline: From Costars to Committed Couple

The relationship between Grande and Slater is inextricably linked to the production of the Wicked movie, where they first met and developed a close bond. The timeline below tracks the key milestones of their romance.

December 2022: The Initial Connection

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater first met in London as rehearsals began for the Wicked film. Grande was cast as Glinda, while Slater took on the role of Boq. At this time, Grande was still married to Dalton Gomez, and Slater was married to Lilly Jay, with their first child having been born just months prior.

Early 2023: Friendship Deepens

Filming for the movie began, and sources noted that Grande and Slater developed a deep friendship on set. They spent significant time together in the UK, often sharing social media posts with other cast members, including Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Jon M. Chu (Director).

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July 2023: The Bombshell News

News broke that both Grande and Gomez had separated earlier in the year, and shortly after, it was confirmed that Grande and Slater were dating. The news was immediately controversial, as it was revealed that Slater had also separated from Lilly Jay around the same time. Jay later expressed her shock and disappointment in a public statement, referring to Grande as "not a girl's girl."

Late 2023: Divorce Proceedings and Privacy

Both Grande and Slater navigated high-profile divorce proceedings. Grande filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez, which was finalized in October 2023. Slater also filed for divorce from Lilly Jay. The couple maintained a very low profile, focusing on their work and family matters.

2025: Stepping Out and Shutting Down Breakup Rumors

Despite persistent speculation about the longevity of their relationship, 2025 has been the year that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have made their most significant and visible public appearances together, effectively confirming their status as a committed couple.

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January 2025: National Board of Review Gala

The couple made one of their first major joint appearances at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala in New York City on January 7, 2025. They were photographed together, showing rare public affection and signaling the end of their period of extreme privacy.

February 2025: Critics Choice Awards Cuddle

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were photographed cuddling up to each other while attending the 2025 Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Friday, February 7, 2025. This display of affection was widely reported, further cementing their status.

March 2025: The Oscars Performance

The pair attended the 2025 Academy Awards together, where Grande was performing with her Wicked costar Cynthia Erivo. Slater was reportedly seen getting teary-eyed while watching Grande perform, a moment that was noted by several outlets and served as a powerful, emotional show of support.

September 2025: VMA Support

Although Ethan Slater did not attend the 2025 MTV VMAs, he publicly showed his support for Grande's win by sharing one of her acceptance speeches on his social media, effectively "squashing breakup rumors" that had circulated due to a brief period of no joint sightings.

The Impact of the 'Wicked' Film on Their Future

The release of the two-part Wicked film adaptation—with *Wicked Part One* and *Wicked: For Good* (Part Two)—is the central entity around which their entire relationship revolves. Their on-screen chemistry as Glinda and Boq is now viewed through the lens of their real-life romance, which creates a unique and intense promotional dynamic.

Navigating the Press Tour

Sources noted that during the initial press for the films, Grande and Slater maintained a professional distance, often not appearing together in interviews or major photo calls. This was a strategic move to focus the conversation on the film's creative merits rather than their personal lives. However, their joint appearances at the Critics Choice and Oscar events suggest a shift in this strategy as the release dates approach.

The 'Toxic Feud' Rumors

Another persistent rumor that circulated throughout 2024 and 2025 involved a supposed "toxic, mediated feud" between Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stemming from the intense on-set atmosphere and the personal drama. While these claims remain unverified and often sensationalized, they add another layer of complexity to the public narrative surrounding the *Wicked* cast dynamics.

Future Plans and Speculation

With their respective divorces finalized, the next major speculation entity is marriage. Reports in late 2025 suggested that the couple is "very much together" and are looking toward a future, though any talk of a 2026 wedding remains unconfirmed fan chatter. They have successfully navigated the most challenging phase of their relationship—the initial controversy and the subsequent legal separations—and are now seen as a stable, committed partnership in the demanding world of Hollywood.

In summary, the relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater has evolved from a tabloid scandal into a visible, committed celebrity pairing. Their appearances at the National Board of Review, Critics Choice Awards, and the Oscars in early 2025 served as definitive proof that the 'Wicked' romance is a serious, long-term commitment, solidifying their place as one of the most talked-about couples in the entertainment industry today.