5 Shocking Updates On Ariana Grande's Boyfriend: Who Is Ethan Slater And What Happened To Dalton Gomez?

The whirlwind romance between pop superstar Ariana Grande and her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater, continues to dominate headlines, with new developments surfacing well into late 2025. Following a year of intense scrutiny, the couple has managed to navigate the complexities of their high-profile relationship, which began under controversial circumstances on the set of the highly anticipated movie musical. This article delves into the most current status of their partnership, Ethan Slater’s full profile, and the lingering questions surrounding the simultaneous breakdown of their previous marriages.

As of December 2025, sources confirm that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still very much together, despite efforts to keep their private lives out of the press, especially during the promotional tours for the *Wicked* film series. Their bond, initially forged while filming the adaptation of the beloved Broadway hit, has proven resilient against the media storm, transitioning from a closely guarded secret to a confirmed, albeit low-key, Hollywood pairing. The latest updates show a commitment to their future, even as they face the public's intense curiosity about their origin story.

Ethan Slater: The Man Who Stole Glinda's Heart (A Full Profile)

Ethan Samuel Slater, the actor who plays Boq alongside Grande's Glinda in the *Wicked* movies, was a relatively unknown Broadway star before his relationship with the global pop icon went public. His career is marked by significant stage achievements, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated theater fanbase prior to his leap to the big screen. Here is a detailed look at Ariana Grande's current boyfriend.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Age (in 2025): 33 years old
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a degree in Drama.
• Career Breakthrough: Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his performance as the title character in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical (2017).
• Current Role: Boq in the film adaptations of the musical Wicked (*Wicked: Part One* and *Wicked: For Good*).
• Previous Marriage: Was married to Lilly Jay, his high school sweetheart, from 2018 until his divorce filing in July 2023. They share one young son.

Slater’s background is deeply rooted in musical theater, a world that aligns perfectly with Grande’s own history, which began on Broadway in the musical *13*. His Tony-nominated performance as SpongeBob solidified his status as a formidable talent on the stage, setting the foundation for his major film role in *Wicked*.

The Controversial Timeline: From Set to Separation

The relationship between Grande and Slater is inextricably linked to the production of the *Wicked* films, where they first met and began working closely together. The news of their romance broke in July 2023, just days after it was confirmed that Grande had separated from her husband, real estate agent Dalton Gomez.

This timeline immediately sparked intense media speculation and public debate, primarily because both stars were married when their connection began. Grande had been married to Dalton Gomez since May 2021, while Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a son.

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The controversy deepened when Slater filed for divorce from Lilly Jay in New York City shortly after the news of his new relationship with Grande became public. Lilly Jay later spoke out about the "sudden" nature of the split, detailing the "dark days" she faced in the shadow of the high-profile romance. Her emotional essay provided a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the collateral damage of the Hollywood affair, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the new couple.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez’s divorce proceedings were finalized relatively quickly, allowing both parties to move forward. The swiftness of both divorces, particularly Slater's, kept the couple firmly in the spotlight throughout 2024 and into 2025, forcing them to adopt a strategy of extreme privacy.

Relationship Status in Late 2025 and Future Predictions

Despite the initial firestorm, the relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater has shown remarkable longevity, proving it was more than just a fleeting on-set fling. Their commitment to each other is evident in their joint public appearances and continued support.

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Key Updates in 2025:

• January 2025 Gala: The couple made a notable public appearance at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, where they reportedly showed public displays of affection (PDA), signaling confidence in their relationship status.
• February 2025 Podcast Confirmation: During an appearance on the *Smartless* podcast, a subtle but clear confirmation of their relationship was given when a host referred to them as a "perfect couple," a sentiment Grande seemed to embrace.
• November 2025 Low Profile: As the press tour for *Wicked: For Good* ramped up, Grande and Slater opted to keep their interactions minimal in the public eye, prioritizing the focus on the film itself rather than their personal lives. This strategic move suggests a mature approach to navigating their careers while maintaining their bond.

The couple has successfully shut down persistent breakup chatter throughout the year, with sources consistently confirming they are "very much together." There have even been rumors, though unconfirmed, about the possibility of a future marriage, indicating the seriousness of their intentions. The resilience of their bond, forged amidst intense public scrutiny and personal upheaval, suggests a deep connection that transcends the initial controversy.

As both stars prepare for the release of the final *Wicked* installment, their relationship is expected to remain a topic of fascination. The topical authority surrounding this pairing extends beyond mere gossip; it touches upon major entities like the *Wicked* franchise, the legacy of their previous relationships (Dalton Gomez, Lilly Jay), and the broader narrative of Hollywood romance. Their story is a complex tapestry of professional collaboration, personal change, and undeniable chemistry that has captured the world's attention.

In conclusion, the current boyfriend of Ariana Grande is Ethan Slater, and their relationship is stable and progressing as of late 2025. While they continue to maintain a degree of privacy, their public movements and consistent commitment confirm that the Glinda and Boq romance is a long-term reality, not a short-lived fantasy.