The Unexpected Romance: Who Is Ariana Grande Dating Now? A Deep Dive Into Her Relationship With Co-Star Ethan Slater

As of December 2024, global superstar Ariana Grande is in a committed relationship with actor and singer Ethan Slater. The two first met on the set of the highly anticipated musical movie adaptation, Wicked, where their professional collaboration as co-stars blossomed into a private, yet highly publicized, romance that has captured the attention of fans and media worldwide. This relationship marks a significant new chapter for Grande following her separation from husband Dalton Gomez.

The couple has maintained a relatively low profile since news of their relationship broke in July 2023, but recent public appearances and updates confirm they are still going strong. Their bond, forged in the fantastical world of Oz, has become one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings, blending the worlds of pop music royalty and Broadway stardom.

Ethan Slater: Biography, Career, and Role in Wicked

Ethan Samuel Slater is the man who currently holds the attention of the "Thank U, Next" singer. While his name may be new to some pop culture enthusiasts, he is a highly respected and accomplished figure in the world of theater and acting.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Age (as of 2024): 32
• Place of Birth: Washington D.C., U.S.
• Education: Vassar College (Graduated 2014 with a degree in Drama)
• Known For: Playing the title role in the Broadway musical SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical (2017), for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
• Wicked Role: Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin who is in love with Glinda (Ariana Grande's character) but eventually becomes the Tin Man.
• Other Works: His career also includes work as a writer, composer, and musician, releasing EPs like "Wanderer" and "Life Is Weird."

Slater's breakthrough came on the Broadway stage, where his energetic and endearing performance as SpongeBob earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a theatrical talent. His transition to the big screen in the *Wicked* adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, positioned him directly opposite Grande, setting the stage for their real-life romance.

The Wicked Set: How Glinda and Boq's Romance Began

The love story of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater is inextricably linked to the production of the two-part film adaptation of the beloved musical, Wicked. The pair spent extensive time together filming in the UK, where they were cast as two pivotal characters.

Meeting on the Set of a Blockbuster

Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda Upland, the future Glinda the Good Witch, opposite Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba. Ethan Slater was cast as Boq, the lovestruck Munchkin who carries a torch for Glinda. Their on-screen dynamic, though complicated, involved many shared scenes and long hours on set, which provided the environment for a close friendship to develop into a romantic relationship.

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News of their pairing first surfaced in July 2023, shortly after Grande’s separation from her husband, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, became public. Simultaneously, it was reported that Ethan Slater had also separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son. The timing led to significant media scrutiny and public discussion about the nature of their relationship.

A Private, Yet Public, Timeline

Despite the intense public interest, the couple has made a conscious effort to keep their relationship out of the relentless media spotlight. However, key moments have confirmed their status:

• July 2023: Multiple sources confirm the two are dating following their respective separations.
• October 2023: Grande and Slater are reportedly seen spending time together in New York City, demonstrating their commitment post-filming.
• June 2024: The couple made a rare public appearance together, attending a Stanley Cup Final playoff game in Sunrise, Florida, a subtle but firm confirmation of their ongoing relationship.
• November 2024: They shared their first photo on social media together, a major step toward making their relationship more public.
• December 2024: They were photographed together by a fan while Christmas tree shopping in New York City, showing their shared holiday activities.

The Context of Change: Grande's Recent Life Transitions

Ariana Grande's relationship with Ethan Slater did not begin in a vacuum. It followed a period of major personal and professional transitions for the pop icon. Understanding this context is crucial to grasping the significance of her current dating life.

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The End of the Dalton Gomez Marriage

Grande married Dalton Gomez in May 2021 in a private ceremony. However, by early 2023, reports began to surface about difficulties in their marriage, largely attributed to the challenges of Grande's demanding filming schedule for *Wicked* overseas. The couple officially separated in early 2023, and their divorce was finalized later that year.

The split from Gomez marked the end of a relationship that began during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. The transition from a private, pandemic-era romance to the demands of a global superstar's life proved challenging, leading both parties to move forward with their lives.

Focus on 'Wicked' and Music

Professionally, Grande has been deeply immersed in the world of *Wicked*. Her commitment to the role of Glinda has been a primary focus, resulting in the two-part film release: *Wicked: Part One* (scheduled for 2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (scheduled for 2025).

Her work on the film has not only brought her a new partner but also a renewed artistic focus. The relationship with Slater, a fellow theater professional, seems to provide a foundation of shared experience and mutual understanding, a departure from her previous high-profile romances with figures like Pete Davidson and the late Mac Miller.

Topical Entities and Key Takeaways

The romance between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater is a story of two artists finding common ground amidst major life changes and a demanding film production. The key entities and concepts that define this current chapter of her dating life are:

• Ethan Slater (New Boyfriend)
• Wicked (Movie Adaptation)
• Glinda Upland (Ariana's Role)
• Boq Woodsman (Ethan's Role)
• Dalton Gomez (Ex-Husband)
• Lilly Jay (Ethan's Ex-Wife)
• Cynthia Erivo (Co-Star/Elphaba)
• Jon M. Chu (Director)
• SpongeBob SquarePants Musical (Ethan's Broadway Role)
• Wicked: Part One (2024 Film)
• Wicked: For Good (2025 Film)
• Pop Culture Scrutiny
• New York City (Recent Sightings)
• Stanley Cup Final (Public Appearance)
• Vassar College (Ethan's Alma Mater)
• Private Relationship Status

The relationship remains a major talking point in Hollywood, largely due to the circumstances of its beginning. However, as the couple continues to be seen together, from hockey games to mundane holiday shopping, the narrative is shifting toward a stable partnership built on shared professional and personal interests.