The Full Story: Who Is Ariana Grande's Boyfriend, Ethan Slater? (Updated December 2025)

As of today, December 12, 2025, the man who holds the title of Ariana Grande's boyfriend is her Wicked co-star, Tony-nominated actor Ethan Slater. Their relationship, which first made headlines in the summer of 2023 following Grande's separation from husband Dalton Gomez, has since become one of the most intensely scrutinized celebrity romances in Hollywood, with the couple now making subtle but public appearances together, confirming their status as a serious item.

The couple, who met while filming the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, has kept a relatively low profile amidst the media frenzy, but recent sightings and industry events—including a cozy appearance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards—solidify their status as one of the entertainment world's most talked-about duos. This deep dive provides the most current profile of Ethan Slater, the timeline of their controversial yet enduring romance, and what the future may hold for the star-studded couple.

Complete Profile: Who is Ethan Slater?

Ethan Slater, the man who captured the heart of the global pop superstar, is an accomplished American actor and singer, best known for his work on the Broadway stage. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Slater achieved early fame and a Tony Award nomination for his titular role in the musical SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. His career has seen a significant boost following his casting as Boq in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked, where he met Ariana Grande.

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Here is a detailed look at his biography and professional milestones:

• Full Name: Ethan Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33 years old
• Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Primary Profession: Actor, Singer, Writer
• Known For: Tony-nominated role as SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway (2017-2018)
• Current Major Role: Boq Woodsman in the film adaptations Wicked (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025)
• Education: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Between $1 million and $3 million, primarily from theater, film contracts, and television appearances.
• Previous Marriage: Married to Lilly Jay (2018-2024); they share one son. His divorce from Jay was reportedly finalized in 2024.

Slater’s journey from a celebrated Broadway talent to a major Hollywood film actor and a figure in the tabloid spotlight has been rapid. His commitment to the craft is undeniable, having earned critical acclaim long before his relationship with Grande made him a household name outside of the theater community.

The 'Wicked' Connection: Unpacking the Relationship Timeline

The romance between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater began under the intense scrutiny of the public eye, largely due to the timing of their respective separations from their former partners. The narrative of their relationship is inextricably linked to the production of the *Wicked* films, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq.

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The timeline of their relationship is crucial for understanding the current public perception of the couple:

• Late 2022/Early 2023: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater begin filming *Wicked* in London, developing a friendship as co-stars. During this time, Grande was still married to Dalton Gomez, and Slater was married to Lilly Jay.
• July 2023: News breaks that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez have separated after two years of marriage. Shortly after, sources confirm that Grande is dating Ethan Slater. The news is met with significant controversy, as Slater had recently welcomed a child with his estranged wife, Lilly Jay.
• Late 2023: Both Grande and Slater begin the process of legally ending their previous marriages. Grande's divorce from Gomez is finalized, and Slater's divorce from Lilly Jay is also finalized, reportedly in 2024.
• Early 2024: Grande releases the single "Yes, And?", which many fans and critics interpret as a response to the public criticism and scrutiny surrounding her new relationship. The song sparks further debate and discussion about the couple's private life.
• February 2025: Ethan Slater publicly expresses his pride and support for Ariana Grande after she earns her first Oscar nomination for her role in *Wicked*, signaling a strong, supportive bond between the two.
• November 2025: Amid the press tour for *Wicked: For Good*, the couple maintains a low profile but subtly hints at their continued relationship status on social media. Rumors of a breakup, including a brief connection between Grande and actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, are quickly dismissed by sources confirming Grande and Slater are still dating.
• December 2025: The couple is seen together at a high-profile industry event, such as the Critics Choice Awards, appearing comfortable and affectionate, cementing their relationship status as stable and ongoing.

Their shared experience on the set of the highly anticipated musical, which is set to conclude its two-part release, has clearly been the foundation of a deeper connection. Despite the initial backlash and the complicated circumstances of their beginnings, the couple has managed to navigate the intense media spotlight and maintain their relationship.

The Future: Why the Relationship Endures and What's Next

The longevity of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's relationship, despite the public controversy, suggests a deep connection beyond their professional collaboration. Sources close to the couple often cite their shared understanding of the entertainment industry's unique pressures and their mutual respect for each other's talents as key factors in their bond.

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One of the most significant aspects of their current dynamic is the effort they put into keeping their private life *private*. Unlike many high-profile celebrity couples, Grande and Slater have opted for a more discreet approach, limiting public appearances and social media posts about their romance. This strategy appears to be a conscious effort to focus on their careers and their personal stability, away from the constant noise of the tabloids.

Grande herself has occasionally defended her partner, reportedly stating that he has "a better heart" than anyone, indicating a strong emotional foundation that helps them weather the storms of public opinion.

Key Entities and Topical Authority:

The relationship has been a major point of discussion alongside other key entities in Grande's life and career, including her ex-husband Dalton Gomez, the *Wicked* co-stars and production team, the music from her album *Eternal Sunshine* (which includes the hit "Yes, And?"), and the widespread media coverage from outlets like TMZ, People, and Harper's Bazaar. The couple's ability to transition from a controversial beginning to a stable partnership through the completion of the *Wicked* saga, culminating with the release of *Wicked: For Good* in 2025, speaks volumes about their commitment to each other.

Looking ahead, as the promotional duties for the *Wicked* films wind down, the couple is expected to continue supporting each other's individual projects. Ethan Slater’s career is set to expand beyond Broadway into more mainstream film and television roles, propelled by his performance in the globally anticipated musical. For Ariana Grande, her focus remains on her music and acting career. The public will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if their relationship continues to flourish away from the immediate pressures of the movie set, but as of late 2025, all signs point to a committed and lasting partnership.