5 Shocking Updates On Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater’s Relationship Status: Are They Still Together?

Despite months of relentless public scrutiny and persistent breakup rumors, the relationship between pop icon Ariana Grande and Broadway star Ethan Slater is not only still on, but reportedly stronger than ever as of December 2025. The couple, whose romance began while filming the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, has been navigating a whirlwind of media attention and personal transition, yet sources close to the pair confirm they are "very much together."

The latest buzz, coinciding with the promotional lead-up for *Wicked: For Good*, suggests the co-stars are shutting down all speculation of a split. While they have maintained a notably private profile, hints on social media and insider reports indicate their connection is the "real deal," with some close friends even speculating about the possibility of them making things official with a marriage announcement as early as 2026. This article breaks down the most recent updates and the complex timeline that led them here.

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: A Full Biography and Career Profile

To fully understand the magnitude of their relationship, it is essential to review the profiles of the two stars whose lives dramatically intersected on the set of a major Hollywood production.

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Ariana Grande-Butera: The Pop Icon

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. Her career began on Broadway in the musical *13* (2008), followed by her breakout role as Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s *Victorious* (2010–2013). She is known for her impressive four-octave vocal range and her status as a global pop icon.
• Recent Work: Released the album *Eternal Sunshine* and starred as Glinda Upland in the two-part film adaptation of *Wicked* (2024 and 2025).
• Role in *Wicked*: Glinda Upland (the Good Witch).

Ethan Samuel Slater: The Broadway Star

• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Born: June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Career Highlights: American actor, singer, writer, and composer. He rose to prominence for his Tony Award-nominated performance as the title character in the Broadway musical *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical* (2016).
• Recent Work: Continues to work in theater and film, most notably starring in the *Wicked* film series.
• Role in *Wicked*: Boq, the Munchkin who is secretly in love with Glinda.

The Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Current Status

The romance between Grande and Slater is intertwined with the personal transitions of both stars, creating a controversial timeline that has dominated entertainment headlines since mid-2023. The relationship began amid the production of the *Wicked* film, directed by Jon M. Chu, where they played their respective roles.

The Initial Separation and Filming

Reports indicate that Ariana Grande and her then-husband, luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, had been separated since January or February 2023. Meanwhile, Ethan Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a son. The two couples were reportedly still together when filming for *Wicked* began in late 2022.

The Romance Goes Public (July 2023)

In July 2023, the news broke that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez were separating, and just days later, sources confirmed that Grande was dating her co-star, Ethan Slater. This revelation immediately sparked significant public backlash and scrutiny, as it was also reported that Slater had recently separated from Lilly Jay. He filed for divorce shortly after the news went public.

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The Divorces Finalized

Both stars moved quickly to finalize their respective divorces. Ariana Grande officially filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez in September 2023, citing "irreconcilable differences." The divorce was reportedly finalized, with Grande paying Gomez over $1 million as part of the settlement.

Ethan Slater's divorce from Lilly Jay was also a prominent topic. Lilly Jay, a doctor, later spoke out in a personal essay about feeling "blindsided" and the "dark" days of watching her private life become public fodder, especially after welcoming their child.

Current Status Update: Shutting Down Breakup Rumors and 2026 Speculation

As of December 2025, the most current information available strongly suggests that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still a committed couple, despite the high-profile nature of their relationship and the persistent rumors of a split that surfaced throughout the year.

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"Very Much Together"

Multiple sources have confirmed that the couple is "very much together" and that their bond is considered "the real deal." They have reportedly been spending quality time together, maintaining a low profile, and focusing on their careers while navigating their new personal lives.

Wicked Promotion and Privacy

The couple has been notably private, especially during the promotional circuit for the *Wicked* films, which are set to be major cinematic events. While they have been promoting the movies, including *Wicked: For Good*, separately, they have used subtle hints on social media to signal their continued relationship status. This strategic separation in public appearances is likely a deliberate effort to keep the focus on the film itself, rather than the ongoing media frenzy surrounding their romance.

The 2026 Marriage Buzz

Perhaps the most significant and fresh update is the speculation surrounding their future. Friends of the couple have reportedly been "buzzing" that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are planning to make their relationship "official" in early 2026, with some reports suggesting they are even rushing toward marriage. While no official confirmation has been made by either star, the rumors suggest a deep commitment and a desire to move forward with their life together, solidifying their status as a legitimate couple beyond the *Wicked* set.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords:

• Wicked Movie: The context of their meeting and the ongoing professional connection.
• Glinda Upland & Boq: Their characters in the film.
• Eternal Sunshine: Ariana Grande's recent album, released during the relationship's public phase.
• Dalton Gomez: Grande's ex-husband.
• Lilly Jay: Slater's ex-wife and mother of his child.
• Public Backlash: The intense criticism the couple faced.
• Relationship Timeline: The chronological sequence of their separations and their union.

In conclusion, despite the controversy and the intense media spotlight, the relationship between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater appears to be solid and long-lasting. As they continue to navigate the demands of Hollywood and the public eye, all current evidence points to them being a committed couple, with their next major milestone possibly being a walk down the aisle in the not-so-distant future, long after the curtain closes on *Wicked*.