5 Shocking Ways Ariana Grande's Boyfriend Ethan Slater And Brother Frankie Grande Are Connected (Updated 2025)

The relationship between pop superstar Ariana Grande and her current boyfriend, actor Ethan Slater, continues to be one of the most talked-about topics in Hollywood as of December 2025. Following their high-profile pairing after meeting on the set of the musical film Wicked, the couple has maintained a low profile while still making headlines for their supportive appearances and career milestones. This dynamic is made even more fascinating by the involvement of Ariana’s equally famous older brother, Frankie Grande, who has publicly weighed in on the new romance, giving his seal of approval.

The Grande family unit has always been tight-knit, and any partner of Ariana’s must pass the 'Frankie test.' As news of their relationship continues to develop into 2025, the spotlight has turned to the surprising and often-discussed connections between Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande, from their shared professional background to a physical resemblance that has sparked countless memes and psychological theories across the internet.

Detailed Biography Profiles: Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, and Frankie Grande

To fully understand the current dynamic, here is a complete profile of the three key figures:

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• Ariana Grande-Butera
  • Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
  • Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer.
  • Key Achievements: Multi-platinum selling artist, Grammy Award winner, known for her four-octave vocal range and hits like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings." Currently starring as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked.
• Ethan Samuel Slater
  • Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
  • Occupation: Actor, Singer, Writer.
  • Key Achievements: Tony Award nominee for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants in the SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. He plays Boq Woodsman alongside Grande in the Wicked films.
• Frank James Michael Grande Marchione
  • Born: January 24, 1983, in New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Television Host, Producer, YouTuber.
  • Key Achievements: Appeared on Broadway in shows like Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages, and gained reality TV fame on Big Brother 16 and Celebrity Big Brother 18. He is Ariana's older half-brother. He is married to Hale Leon.

1. The Surprising Physical Resemblance That Broke the Internet

Perhaps the most viral and talked-about connection between Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande is their striking physical similarity. When the news of Ariana and Ethan's relationship first broke, social media was flooded with side-by-side photos comparing the two men.

• The Fan Theory: Many fans and commentators noted that Ethan Slater is the spitting image of Frankie Grande, sharing similar facial features, hair color, and energy.
• The Psychological Angle: This observation led to widespread discussion about the "Do you date people who look like your family?" phenomenon, a psychological concept that suggests people are sometimes drawn to partners who share features with their siblings or other family members.
• The Clickbait Factor: The uncanny likeness immediately made the relationship a massive talking point, fueling curiosity and bringing immense attention to the new couple.

2. Frankie Grande’s Official 'Sweet Guy' Seal of Approval

A crucial factor in any of Ariana Grande's relationships is the approval of her brother, Frankie. The two share an incredibly close bond, and Frankie has been a vocal supporter of his sister throughout her career and personal life.

• Public Endorsement: In a recent interview, Frankie Grande publicly gave his blessing to the relationship, calling Ethan Slater a "sweet guy."
• Shared Public Appearances: Further cementing the family's acceptance, Frankie and Ethan were photographed together at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards in January 2025, appearing friendly and comfortable in each other's company. This public display signaled that the relationship is serious and fully integrated into the Grande family circle.
• The Importance of Family: This approval is a significant milestone, especially given the intense media scrutiny surrounding the beginning of Ariana and Ethan's romance. Frankie's endorsement provides a layer of stability and acceptance for the couple.

3. Their Shared Broadway and Musical Theatre Roots

While Ariana Grande is known globally as a pop icon, her roots, and the roots of both Ethan and Frankie, are firmly planted in musical theatre. This shared professional world creates an immediate and deep connection between the three of them.

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• Ethan Slater's Broadway Success: Ethan Slater is a Tony Award-nominated Broadway star, most famous for originating the title role in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical.
• Frankie Grande's Broadway Career: Frankie is an accomplished Broadway performer, having appeared in major productions like Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages.
• Ariana's Theatre Start: Ariana Grande herself began her career on Broadway in the musical 13 before transitioning to television and music. Her current role in Wicked is a return to her theatre beginnings.
• The 'Wicked' Connection: Ariana and Ethan met as co-stars in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, a project that is a dream role for any theatre kid. This shared experience of filming a massive musical together provides a unique and powerful bond.

4. The 'Wicked' Co-Star Dynamic That Sparked the Romance

The set of Wicked became the epicenter of Ariana and Ethan's relationship. Their connection is a pure Hollywood co-star romance, which is a key entity in their shared story.

• The Meet-Cute: The couple met while filming the two-part movie musical, where Ariana plays Glinda and Ethan plays Boq.
• Shared Professional Support: News reports into early 2025 highlight how "incredibly supportive of each other’s careers" the couple is. When Ariana earned her first Oscar nomination for her role in Wicked, Ethan was reportedly one of the proudest people.
• A New Chapter: This relationship marks a new, professionally focused chapter for Ariana, following her separation from ex-husband Dalton Gomez. The transition from her marriage to a new partner who shares her theatrical passion has been closely followed by the media.

5. The Double-Dating Potential with Frankie and Hale Leon

With both Ariana and Frankie in serious, committed relationships, the potential for a powerful celebrity double-date duo is high. This is a common and highly anticipated dynamic for celebrity siblings.

• Frankie's Marriage: Frankie Grande is married to his longtime boyfriend, Hale Leon. The couple tied the knot in May 2022.
• The Family Unit: The public acceptance of Ethan Slater by Frankie suggests that the two couples are likely to spend time together, integrating Ethan fully into the Grande family's inner circle alongside Hale Leon.
• A United Front: As Ariana and Ethan continue to navigate the spotlight during the press tours for the Wicked films, having Frankie and Hale as a supportive, united front is invaluable. This family backing ensures stability as their relationship progresses through 2025 and beyond.