5 Shocking Ways Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater Shut Down Breakup Rumors In 2025

Despite constant tabloid speculation and persistent online theories, the relationship between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater is definitively still on, according to sources and recent public evidence as of December 2025. The couple, whose romance began on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical Wicked, has managed to keep their private life extremely guarded, but a string of high-profile appearances this year has provided undeniable proof that they are moving forward together.

The pair has made a conscious effort to remain low-key, avoiding red carpet appearances together for much of 2024. However, with the press tour for Wicked: Part One and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, now in full swing, Grande and Slater have been photographed side-by-side at several major industry events, confirming their commitment to each other amidst the ongoing media scrutiny. This recent visibility directly refutes the persistent rumors of a split that circulated throughout the year.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: A Complete Profile and Relationship Timeline

The romance between the two Wicked co-stars became public knowledge in July 2023, just days after news broke of Grande’s separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez. Their relationship timeline is complex, intertwined with the production of the film and the dissolution of both of their previous marriages.

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Here is a detailed biography and relationship context for both stars:

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: American singer, songwriter, and actress. Began career in 2008 on Broadway in the musical 13. Starred in Nickelodeon's Victorious and Sam & Cat. Known for hit albums like Thank U, Next and Sweetener.
• Role in Wicked: Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good Witch).
• Previous Marriage: Married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez in May 2021. Grande filed for divorce in September 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences." The official date of separation was listed as February 20, 2023.

• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Career Highlights: American actor and singer. Best known for his Tony Award-nominated role as the title character in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.
• Role in Wicked: Boq, the Munchkin who is in love with Glinda.
• Previous Marriage: Married to singer and educator Lilly Jay. Slater filed for divorce in New York City in July 2023. The couple shares a young child. Jay has since spoken publicly about the "dark" days following the separation.

The Definitive 2025 Status: They Are Still Together

The biggest question surrounding the couple—"Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater still together?"—has been answered with a resounding yes, bolstered by their recent visibility. Despite a concerted effort to maintain extreme privacy following the intense public reaction to their romance, 2025 has seen a significant shift in their public strategy.

Sources close to the couple have repeatedly confirmed to major outlets that the pair is "absolutely together romantically" and are simply trying to navigate their relationship away from the glare of the paparazzi. The speculation of a breakup, which peaked mid-year, was largely unfounded, as they were reportedly spending time together privately in New York and Los Angeles.

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The need for discretion is understandable. Their relationship began while both were still married, leading to a media storm that was heavily critical. Grande and Slater have prioritized their respective divorce proceedings and their professional commitments to director Jon M. Chu's blockbuster film.

The recent public outings, however, serve as the most concrete evidence of their commitment, effectively shutting down the persistent split rumors.

How The Couple Went Public at 2025's Major Award Shows

The most compelling evidence that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still a couple came from their back-to-back appearances during the 2025 awards season. This was a calculated move, as the couple had been largely absent from public events together since the initial news broke in 2023. Their presence together at these industry-focused events was not merely a coincidence but a statement of unity.

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The couple was photographed in rare moments of affection, confirming they are no longer hiding their connection. These appearances were primarily centered around promoting the Wicked films, where they both have starring roles.

• The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala (January 2025): Grande and Slater were seen together in New York City, marking one of their first high-profile date nights of the year.
• Critics Choice Awards (February 2025): The pair was photographed cuddling up to each other in Los Angeles, a clear display of affection that garnered significant media attention.
• SAG Awards (February 2025): Grande, who was nominated for her work in the film, and Slater packed on the PDA at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, further cementing their status as a couple.
• The 2025 Oscars: The ultimate confirmation came at the Academy Awards, where the couple stepped out together, showing rare public displays of affection on the industry's biggest night.

These four major events in early 2025 essentially served as the couple's official, albeit subtle, debut to the public as a committed pair. Their appearances were strategically timed to coincide with the beginning of the press cycle for the first *Wicked* film installment, demonstrating a united front both professionally and personally.

The Future: Navigating Fame and the 'Wicked' Release

As the release of Wicked: Part One approaches, the scrutiny on Grande and Slater will only intensify. The film is one of the most anticipated cinematic events of the decade, and the narrative surrounding the off-screen romance of Glinda and Boq is an unavoidable talking point.

Their decision to step out publicly in 2025 suggests a readiness to face the spotlight together. While they have successfully shut down breakup rumors, the next challenge will be managing their relationship under the intense pressure of a global press tour. The couple is reportedly focused on maintaining a healthy, private bond while fulfilling their professional obligations to the Universal Pictures production. Their continued presence together at industry events, from the Critics Choice to the Oscars, is a strong indicator that their relationship is stable and serious, putting to rest the constant speculation that has followed them since 2023.