5 Shocking Revelations About Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s Relationship Timeline: Are They Still Together In 2025?

The whirlwind romance between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater has been one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized relationships since the news broke in July 2023. Meeting on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, their connection quickly became a global media sensation, primarily due to the timing of their respective separations from their spouses. As of December 2025, after months of intense speculation and persistent breakup rumors, sources close to the couple have confirmed they are very much still together, shutting down the chatter and making rare public appearances that signal their commitment to moving forward.

This article provides the most current and in-depth look at their relationship, detailing the controversial timeline, the connection forged while filming the two-part movie event, and the latest updates on their life together in New York City. From the initial buzz surrounding their roles as Glinda and Boq to the finalization of Ethan Slater’s divorce, we break down the most compelling facts and recent sightings that define their journey in late 2025 and early 2026.

Complete Biography and Professional Profiles

The foundation of this unexpected romance lies in the careers of two highly successful, yet vastly different, performers who came together on the set of *Wicked*.

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Ariana Grande-Butera (Glinda)

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. She is considered an influential figure in contemporary popular music and a pop icon, known for her impressive four-octave vocal range. She made her Broadway debut at age 15 in the musical *13* (2008). Her albums, including *Thank U, Next* and *Sweetener*, have achieved global success.
• Role in *Wicked*: Glinda the Good Witch (formerly Galinda). Grande revealed she auditioned three times for the role, a part she has openly dreamed of playing.
• Previous Relationship: She was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez from 2021 until their separation in early 2023.

Ethan Samuel Slater (Boq)

• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Career Highlights: American actor, singer, writer, and composer. He is best known for starring as the title character in the Broadway musical *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*, a role that earned him a Tony Award nomination in 2018. He received his early education at Ohr Kodesh in Silver Spring.
• Role in *Wicked*: Boq Woodsman, a supporting character who eventually becomes the Tin Man. Slater has discussed the five-hour makeup process required for his transformation into Boq.
• Previous Relationship: He was married to his high school sweetheart, Dr. Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a son, born in August 2022. He filed for divorce shortly after news of his relationship with Grande broke.

The 'Wicked' Connection: How the Romance Began

The genesis of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship is inextricably linked to the production of the *Wicked* film, directed by Jon M. Chu. Filming began in late 2022, and it was during this intensive period that the two co-stars developed a bond.

The initial reports of their romance surfaced in July 2023, coming just days after the news broke of Grande's separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez, and six days before Slater filed for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay. This close proximity in timing immediately fueled speculation and controversy, with many questioning the timeline of their respective breakups.

Sources have consistently maintained that both Grande and Slater had already separated from their spouses before they began dating. The relationship is reported to have started after they had both ended their marriages. Regardless of the exact dates, the emotional toll was significant, especially for Slater’s ex-wife, Lilly Jay, who later published a poignant personal essay in *The Cut* discussing the public downfall of their marriage and the ensuing divorce.

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The intense, private nature of their relationship in the beginning was a direct response to the massive public scrutiny. They chose to keep their connection quiet, avoiding public appearances and social media posts, which only intensified the media's hunger for updates. The shared experience of filming a massive blockbuster like *Wicked*—where Grande plays the iconic Glinda and Slater portrays Boq—created a unique environment for their bond to strengthen away from the spotlight.

Current Relationship Status and Future Outlook in 2025

The most pressing question for fans and media alike—*Are Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater still together?*—has been definitively answered. The couple is still dating and their relationship appears to be stronger than ever as of late 2025 and early 2026.

Shutting Down the Split Rumors

Throughout 2024 and 2025, persistent rumors of a breakup plagued the couple, largely due to their low-key profile. However, these rumors were repeatedly squashed by sources and, eventually, by the couple’s own actions. In January 2025, they made a rare, high-profile appearance at The National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, where they reportedly did not hold back on the PDA (Public Display of Affection), signaling their unity to the world. Furthermore, in November 2025, sources confirmed that the *Wicked* co-stars remain together, with Slater himself seemingly celebrating Grande’s VMAs win, which further put the breakup chatter to rest.

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A New Chapter in New York City

A significant development in their relationship was the decision to move in together. As early as October 2023, reports indicated that Ethan Slater had informed his friends and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Lilly Jay, that he was living with Ariana Grande full-time in New York City. This step cemented their commitment and allowed them to navigate their new reality as a couple in a major city, away from the intense scrutiny of Los Angeles. The finalization of Ethan Slater's divorce from Lilly Jay has also cleared the path for a more stable and less legally complicated future for the pair.

The coming years will be pivotal for the couple, with the release of the two-part *Wicked* movie—*Wicked: Part I* in 2024 and *Wicked: For Good* in 2025. This massive project, which brought them together, will keep them in the public eye as they promote their respective roles as Glinda and Boq. While they have maintained a discreet relationship, the professional demands of the film will inevitably lead to more joint public appearances, giving the world further glimpses into their enduring romance. The topical authority surrounding their relationship will continue to be tied to the success and promotion of the *Wicked* saga.

In conclusion, despite the controversial start and the constant media pressure, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still together in late 2025, having successfully navigated a challenging first few years. Their relationship, born from a shared experience on the set of a major motion picture, has moved past the initial scandal and into a quieter, more committed phase, with them reportedly living together and supporting each other's careers.