7 Rare Photos And Public Appearances That Define Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater's 2025 Relationship

The relationship between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater has been one of Hollywood's most intensely scrutinized pairings since it began on the set of the highly anticipated Wicked film. As of late 2025, the couple has maintained a notably private profile, making their few public outings all the more significant and newsworthy.

Focusing on the most current developments, the couple has consistently shut down persistent rumors of a split throughout 2025 by making rare, coordinated appearances at major events. These moments offer the clearest glimpses into their life together, confirming their commitment and providing the freshest photos for fans and media alike.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: A Dual Profile and Relationship Origin

The genesis of this relationship is firmly rooted in the London production of the Wicked movie, where Grande takes on the iconic role of Glinda the Good Witch and Slater plays Boq, the Munchkin who is in love with Elphaba's sister.

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Ariana Grande Biography:

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (Boca Raton, Florida)
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Notable Works: Albums like Thank U, Next and Sweetener, TV shows like Victorious and Sam & Cat, and the upcoming role as Glinda in Wicked.
• Previous Marriage: Dalton Gomez (2021–2024).

Ethan Slater Biography:

• Full Name: Ethan Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992 (Washington, D.C.)
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Writer
• Notable Works: Tony Award-nominated role as SpongeBob SquarePants in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, and the upcoming role as Boq in Wicked.
• Previous Marriage: Lilly Jay (2018–2024), with whom he shares a son.

Their connection reportedly began in late 2022/early 2023 on the Wicked set, where they frequently socialized with castmates like Cynthia Erivo. News of their relationship broke in July 2023, shortly after Grande’s separation from Dalton Gomez and Slater’s separation from Lilly Jay.

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The 2025 Public Appearances: A Timeline of Rare Photos

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have been extremely selective about their public appearances, leading to intense media attention every time they step out together. The photos from 2025 are particularly significant as they follow the initial media firestorm and confirm the seriousness of their relationship.

1. The Oscars 2025: Red Carpet Debut (Sort Of)

One of their most high-profile and subtle joint appearances came at the 2025 Academy Awards. While they did not walk the red carpet together as a couple, they were seen showing rare public displays of affection (PDA) inside the event and at afterparties. Grande, who was a presenter, was photographed with Slater, marking a major, though understated, step in their public relationship. A lip reader later claimed to have deciphered a sweet exchange between them, adding to the buzz.

2. April 2025: Date Night at Little Shop of Horrors

In April 2025, a set of new photos emerged that definitively shut down the breakup rumors that had begun circulating. The couple was pictured together at a performance of the musical Little Shop of Horrors. The images, which were shared by Grande’s friend and former co-star Liz Gillies, showed Grande and Slater with their arms around one another, a clear and casual display of affection that signaled their relationship was still "the real deal."

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3. Stanley Cup Final: Rare Sporting Event Outing

In a very rare and unexpected move, the couple attended a game of the Stanley Cup Final in Florida. This appearance was notable because it was a departure from the typical Hollywood event setting, placing them in a more casual, everyday environment. E! News described the outing as a "rare public appearance," highlighting the newsworthiness of any photo showing the duo together outside of a work-related context.

4. SAG Awards 2025: Subtle Interactions

Similar to the Oscars, the couple was at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. While their interactions were subtle, a lip reader once again became a source of news, claiming to have picked up on a private conversation between the two. These awards season appearances, often alongside their Wicked castmates, show a pattern of blending their personal and professional lives without a dramatic "hard launch" of their romance.

Beyond the Photos: The 'Wicked' Connection and Topical Authority

The shared experience of filming Wicked in London is the central entity binding their relationship, providing a deep, continuous connection that goes beyond a typical Hollywood romance.

The Glinda and Boq Dynamic

Their on-screen roles as Glinda and Boq, though not the primary romantic pairing in the story, ground their real-life relationship in the world of Oz. The film, which also stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, is a massive undertaking, and the intense, long-term commitment to the production created a unique environment for their bond to form.

Slater has shared behind-the-scenes photos from the Wicked set on his own social media, often featuring Grande alongside other cast members, providing a glimpse into their early interactions. Grande also included a sweet snapshot of Slater in a large "dump" of Wicked press pictures on her Instagram, further cementing his presence in her professional and personal circle.

Addressing the Breakup Rumors

The rarity of their public photos has, at times, fueled speculation about a potential split, especially given the intense scrutiny they faced early on. Rumors of a breakup, even connecting Grande to other actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, were rife in late 2024 and early 2025. However, the aforementioned April 2025 photo from the Little Shop of Horrors outing and their joint appearances at the Stanley Cup Final and awards shows have consistently served to "shut down" these rumors, confirming that the couple is very much still together and navigating their relationship privately.

Their strategy appears to be one of extreme privacy, only offering a few, well-timed photos to the public when necessary to counter speculation. This controlled approach allows them to maintain focus on their respective careers, including the upcoming release of Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good, while subtly affirming their commitment to one another.