The Definitive Timeline: Are Ariana Grande And Ethan Slater Still Dating In 2025? (Latest Updates)

Yes, as of December 2025, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are definitively still dating, having solidified their relationship with multiple high-profile public appearances throughout the year and successfully navigating the intense media scrutiny that followed their initial romance. The couple, who met on the set of the highly-anticipated *Wicked* film adaptation, have moved past the initial controversy surrounding their respective divorces in 2023 and are now openly attending major industry events together, including the 2025 Academy Awards and the National Board of Review Gala, confirming that their relationship is serious and ongoing.

The relationship between the pop superstar and the Broadway actor has been one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of the decade, largely due to the overlapping timelines with their previous marriages to Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay. Despite persistent, unverified rumors of a split that circulated in late 2024, sources close to the couple consistently refuted the claims, and their visible presence together at major Hollywood events in early 2025 serves as the clearest confirmation that the *Wicked* co-stars are very much a committed item.

Ethan Slater: A Quick Biography and Professional Profile

Before his role as Boq in the *Wicked* film and his high-profile romance with Ariana Grande, Ethan Samuel Slater was already a recognized name in the theater world. Born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., Slater’s career trajectory has been firmly rooted in Broadway.

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• Full Name: Ethan Samuel Slater
• Date of Birth: June 2, 1992
• Education: Graduated from Vassar College in 2014 with a degree in Drama.
• Career Breakthrough: His breakout role was playing the title character, SpongeBob SquarePants, in *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical* (2017). This performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
• Key Film Role: Boq in the two-part film adaptation of the musical *Wicked* (Part One releasing in 2024, Part Two in 2025).
• Previous Marriage: Married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay (a clinical psychologist), in November 2018. They share a son, born in 2022. Slater filed for divorce in July 2023.

Slater’s background as a seasoned stage performer gives him a unique common ground with Grande, who also started her career in musical theater before transitioning to pop music stardom. This shared foundation, particularly the experience of filming the massive *Wicked* production, is often cited as the catalyst for their bond.

The ‘Wicked’ Spark: Deconstructing the Relationship Timeline and Controversy

The story of how Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater began dating is impossible to tell without addressing the complex timeline that made their romance a global tabloid sensation. Their connection began on the set of the *Wicked* movie, where Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq.

The Overlapping Marriages: 2022 – Early 2023

Filming for *Wicked* began in the U.K. in late 2022. At the time, both stars were married. Ariana Grande was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez, and Ethan Slater was married to his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he had just welcomed their first child. The geographical separation caused by the filming schedule—Grande moving to London—reportedly put a significant strain on her marriage with Gomez.

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Court documents later revealed that Grande and Gomez’s official date of separation was February 20, 2023. Sources indicate that Slater had also separated from Lilly Jay around this time, though the exact date remains private. The crucial point is that both relationships were reportedly over before the new romance began, a fact that Grande’s camp has consistently stressed to counter the "affair" narrative.

Public Confirmation and Divorce Filings: July 2023

The news broke in July 2023 that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez were separating, just days before news outlets confirmed that Grande was now dating Ethan Slater. This rapid succession of events fueled the media frenzy. The announcement was highly controversial, especially after a source close to Lilly Jay publicly expressed shock and upset over the news, calling Grande "not a girl’s girl."

In the wake of the public revelation, Ethan Slater officially filed for divorce from Lilly Jay in July 2023. Two months later, in September 2023, Ariana Grande also officially filed for divorce from Dalton Gomez, citing "irreconcilable differences." Both divorces were finalized by the end of 2023, allowing both stars to move forward with their new relationship without legal entanglements.

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2025: Shutting Down Split Rumors and Going Public

The most recent updates from 2025 confirm that the couple has successfully weathered the storm of public opinion and the initial challenges of transitioning their professional connection into a full-fledged romantic partnership. The latter half of 2024 saw the couple adopting a very private approach to their relationship, leading to speculation that they had broken up.

Key 2025 Public Appearances and Relationship Milestones

Their decision to step out together at two major early 2025 events effectively shut down any lingering rumors of a split and signaled their comfort in being seen as a couple in the public eye. These appearances are significant because they mark a clear shift from their previous strategy of extreme privacy.

• January 2025: National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala: Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater made a low-key but official date night appearance at this prestigious gala. Although they did not walk the red carpet together, they were photographed inside the event, confirming their continued status as a couple. This event was a major moment for both, as it was one of their first official industry appearances together.
• March 2025: The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars): The couple showed a rare moment of public affection at the 2025 Oscars. While their red carpet moment was subtle, behind-the-scenes footage and reports confirmed that the two were together, sharing a hug and holding hands, demonstrating rare Public Display of Affection (PDA) for the notoriously private pair.

These sightings, particularly the Oscars appearance, are strong indicators that the relationship is thriving. The couple is now reportedly focusing on supporting each other through the promotional cycle for the two *Wicked* films, which are set to dominate the box office and awards season throughout 2025.

Topical Authority: The Impact of Their Romance on *Wicked*

The intense focus on the personal lives of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater has created an unprecedented level of topical authority and public interest around the *Wicked* film. While some initial coverage was negative, the sheer volume of discussion—from entertainment news to social media—has turned the movie into a cultural phenomenon long before its release.

The relationship has introduced several new entities into the public conversation, including the film’s director, Jon M. Chu, and their co-stars, such as Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero). The production, which required a massive commitment of time in London, became the epicenter of a real-life drama that mirrors the high-stakes relationships and emotional complexity of the musical itself.

As the release of *Wicked: Part One* approaches, the narrative is expected to shift from their personal lives to their on-screen chemistry. The public remains fascinated by how the real-life romance between Glinda and Boq's co-star will translate to the silver screen. The couple's ability to maintain their relationship amidst this intense scrutiny suggests a strong bond, with many sources indicating that they are dedicated to a future together, despite the initial "trouble in paradise" rumors that briefly surfaced in late 2024.

In conclusion, the question of "Are Ethan Slater and Ariana dating?" is answered with a resounding yes. Their continued presence together at major 2025 events solidifies their status as one of Hollywood's most talked-about and resilient couples, proving that their bond is stronger than the tabloid headlines that first brought them together.