The Untold Truth: Who Is Ariana Grande Dating Now? Inside Her Controversial Romance With A Broadway Star

The question "Who is Ariana Grande dating now?" has been one of the most searched celebrity queries since the summer of 2023, and the answer, as of December 2025, is still the same: her *Wicked* co-star, Ethan Slater. The pop superstar's romantic life has been under an intense spotlight following the news of her separation from ex-husband Dalton Gomez and the simultaneous revelation of her new relationship with the Broadway actor. This romance, which blossomed on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation, has been a source of both fascination and significant public controversy, dominating headlines for over two years.

The latest updates confirm that the couple is still going strong, maintaining a relatively low-profile relationship despite their shared spotlight. Their most recent public appearance together, showing rare affection, was at the 2025 Academy Awards, where Grande earned her first Oscar nomination, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's most talked-about pairings. This article provides the most current and in-depth look at their relationship, the controversial timeline, and the full biography of the man who captured the heart of the global icon.

Ethan Slater: Biography and Profile of Ariana Grande's Current Partner

Ethan Samuel Slater is an accomplished American actor, singer, and writer, best known for his work in musical theatre before his transition to film. He is currently starring alongside Ariana Grande in the two-part film adaptation of the beloved musical *Wicked*, which is where their relationship began.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 33
• Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Education: Vassar College (Graduated with an A.B.)
• Primary Occupation: Actor, Singer, Writer
• Notable Roles: SpongeBob SquarePants (in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*), Boq (in the *Wicked* film adaptation)
• Key Awards & Nominations:
  • Drama Desk Award Winner for Outstanding Actor in a Musical (2018)
  • Tony Award Nomination for Best Actor in a Musical (2018)

Slater’s career breakthrough came in 2016 when he originated the title role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical. His performance was critically acclaimed, earning him both a Tony Award nomination and a Drama Desk Award win. Before joining the *Wicked* cast as Boq, the Munchkin who is in love with Elphaba's sister Nessarose, he was a respected figure in the New York theatre community.

The Controversial Timeline: How the 'Wicked' Romance Began

The relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater is inextricably linked to the production of *Wicked*, which began filming in late 2022 in London. The timeline of their romance and the circumstances surrounding their previous marriages led to a media frenzy and intense public scrutiny, labeling the situation a "homewrecker" scandal by some outlets.

The key controversy stems from the fact that both stars were married when they met on the set. Ariana Grande was married to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, and Ethan Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a son.

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The sequence of events, according to various reports, is as follows:

• December 2022: Filming for *Wicked* begins in London. Grande (playing Glinda) and Slater (playing Boq) meet on set. Both are married.
• February 20, 2023: Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez reportedly separate, citing "irreconcilable differences."
• July 2023: News breaks that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez are separating. Days later, sources confirm that Grande is now dating Ethan Slater.
• July 2023: Ethan Slater files for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay.
• September 2023: Ariana Grande officially files for divorce from Dalton Gomez.

The public reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative, particularly after Ethan Slater's ex-wife, Lilly Jay, spoke out. In a widely read essay, Jay detailed the "public downfall" of her marriage and the pain of the situation, especially concerning their young child. Despite the intense scrutiny, sources close to the couple have maintained that both Grande and Slater were separated from their respective spouses before they began dating, a detail that has done little to quell the public debate.

Ariana Grande's Relationship History: A Look at Past Loves

Ariana Grande's dating history is almost as famous as her music career, featuring a list of high-profile relationships that have often inspired her albums, most notably her hit single "thank u, next." Understanding her past relationships provides essential context and topical authority to her current romance with Ethan Slater.

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The Ex-Husband: Dalton Gomez (2020–2023)

Dalton Gomez, a luxury real estate agent, was Grande's most serious relationship prior to Slater. Their romance began in early 2020, and they got engaged in December 2020. They had an intimate, private wedding ceremony at her Montecito home in May 2021. The marriage lasted for two years before they separated in early 2023 and officially filed for divorce in September 2023.

The Whirlwind Engagement: Pete Davidson (2018)

Following her separation from Mac Miller, Grande had a highly publicized, whirlwind romance with *Saturday Night Live* comedian Pete Davidson. They began dating in May 2018, got engaged just a few weeks later, and then broke up in October 2018. Their relationship was a cultural phenomenon, inspiring her album *Sweetener* and his stand-up material.

The Enduring Love: Mac Miller (2016–2018)

Grande and the late rapper Mac Miller had a deep and enduring relationship that began professionally with their 2013 single "The Way" and turned romantic in 2016. They were together for two years before splitting in May 2018. Miller's tragic passing later that year had a profound and lasting impact on Grande, which she has often addressed in her music and public statements.

Other Significant Relationships and Entities

Grande's dating timeline also includes several other notable names from the entertainment world, further cementing her status as a figure whose romantic life is constantly scrutinized:

• Mikey Foster (2019–2020): A rumored relationship with the Social House singer, with whom she collaborated on the hit song "Boyfriend."
• Ricky Alvarez (2015–2016): A relationship with her backup dancer.
• Big Sean (2014–2015): The rapper and Grande dated for about eight months.
• Jai Brooks (2012–2014): An on-again, off-again relationship with the Australian YouTuber.
• Graham Phillips (2008–2011): Her first public relationship, which began when they co-starred in the Broadway musical *13*.

The Future of Ariana and Ethan: What's Next?

As of late 2025, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are focused on moving forward with their relationship while managing their high-profile careers. The release of the *Wicked* films, where they will appear together as Glinda and Boq, will undoubtedly reignite public interest and commentary on their romance. Grande herself has been candid about the difficulty of navigating her personal life in the public eye, particularly the intense media scrutiny that came with her divorce and new relationship.

The couple has been described as "incredibly supportive of each other's careers," with Slater reportedly gushing about Grande's Oscar nomination. They continue to prioritize privacy, a clear strategy to protect their bond from the intense media speculation that has plagued them since the news broke. For now, the two co-stars are quietly building their life together, proving that their controversial set romance is, for them, the "real deal." The world will be watching to see if this relationship, born under such contentious circumstances, can withstand the relentless pressure of the Hollywood spotlight.