5 Shocking Revelations About Ethan Slater And Ariana Grande’s Relationship In 2025
The romance between pop superstar Ariana Grande and Broadway actor Ethan Slater continues to be one of Hollywood’s most talked-about stories, and in late 2024 and early 2025, the couple has finally moved out of the shadows. After months of intense media scrutiny and persistent breakup rumors, the couple has firmly shut down speculation with a series of high-profile public appearances, confirming their relationship is the "real deal." This article dives into the absolute latest updates, the full biographical context of both stars, and the definitive timeline of their controversial connection that began while filming the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation.
The latest news, as of December 19, 2025, confirms that the co-stars are making their relationship work despite their demanding schedules. Their subtle but significant public displays of affection at major industry events in 2025 have solidified their status as an official couple, finally giving fans and critics a clear view into their life together.
The Complete Biography and Wicked Co-Star Profiles
To understand the depth of their connection, it is essential to look at the professional worlds that brought them together—the spectacular, two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked.
Ariana Grande-Butera (Glinda Upland)
- Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Profession: Singer, songwriter, actress, and producer.
- Career Highlights: Global pop sensation known for chart-topping albums like Thank U, Next and Positions. She began her career on Broadway in 13 and gained initial fame on the Nickelodeon show Victorious.
- Role in Wicked: She plays the lead role of Glinda Upland, the popular girl who becomes Glinda the Good.
- Previous Marriage: Was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez from May 2021 until their separation in early 2023.
Ethan Samuel Slater (Boq Woodsman)
- Born: June 2, 1992.
- Profession: American actor and singer.
- Career Highlights: An accomplished Broadway star, he is most famous for his Tony Award-nominated performance as SpongeBob SquarePants in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.
- Role in Wicked: He plays the fan-favorite Munchkin character Boq Woodsman, who is desperately in love with Glinda (Ariana Grande's character).
- Previous Marriage: Was married to high school sweetheart Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son. He filed for divorce shortly after news of his relationship with Grande broke.
1. Shutting Down Breakup Rumors: The Relationship is the ‘Real Deal’
Despite the intense scrutiny and persistent rumors that the couple had split by late 2024, multiple sources confirmed that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are "very much together." Insiders have described their connection as the "real deal," emphasizing that they are focused on navigating their new lives and busy careers together.
Their relationship developed under the unique pressure of filming a two-part blockbuster, and they have reportedly been "making it work" despite the geographical challenges and professional demands. This strong internal commitment is a clear signal that the initial whirlwind romance has matured into a stable, ongoing partnership.
2. Their 2025 Red Carpet PDA: A New Era of Public Affection
The most significant development in 2025 has been the couple's willingness to step out of the shadows and attend major Hollywood events together. While they have avoided a full red-carpet debut, their appearances inside the venues have been undeniable proof of their status.
In early 2025, they were photographed cuddling up at the Critics Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Following this, they also made an appearance at the National Board Of Review Gala. The most notable showing of "rare affection" was at the 2025 Academy Awards (Oscars), where Grande was a presenter.
These subtle yet public displays of affection (PDA) at A-list events, including "tender moments" snuck in during the ceremonies, were a clear and deliberate move to put an end to the ceaseless speculation about a potential split.
3. The Definitive Relationship Timeline, From Wicked to the Oscars
The timeline of Ariana and Ethan's relationship is crucial to understanding the public's fascination and controversy. The connection was forged on the set of the Wicked movie, where filming began in late 2022.
- Late 2022/Early 2023: Ariana Grande (Glinda) and Ethan Slater (Boq) begin working closely together in the UK on the set of Wicked. Their friendship develops into a romantic relationship during this period.
- July 2023: News breaks that Ariana Grande has separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez. Just three days later, sources confirm she is dating Ethan Slater.
- July 2023 (Later): Ethan Slater files for divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a child. The sudden nature of the breakups fueled the initial controversy and media storm.
- Late 2023: The couple begins to spend time together in New York and London, maintaining a low profile while the initial media frenzy subsides.
- Early 2025: Ariana and Ethan make their first high-profile, public appearances together at major awards ceremonies, including the Critics Choice Awards and the Academy Awards, firmly establishing their relationship status.
4. The Wicked Connection: Glinda and Boq's Off-Screen Romance
The irony of their on-screen roles is not lost on fans. Ariana Grande plays Glinda Upland, the beautiful and popular witch, while Ethan Slater plays Boq Woodsman, a Munchkin who is hopelessly smitten with Glinda. Their co-star status on the set of the two-part movie—Wicked Part One (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025)—was the catalyst for their romance.
The intense, collaborative environment of a major movie set often fosters deep bonds, and for Grande and Slater, that bond transcended their characters. The shared experience of bringing the beloved musical to life, alongside co-stars like Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), created a bubble where their relationship could develop away from the public eye—until the news broke.
5. The Future: Marriage Rumors and Dalton Gomez’s New Chapter
As their relationship stabilizes, new speculation has emerged about the couple's long-term plans. While their respective divorces from Dalton Gomez and Lilly Jay are finalized, rumors of a potential engagement or marriage for Ariana and Ethan in 2026 have begun to surface among close friends.
Meanwhile, both of their ex-partners have also moved on. Dalton Gomez has begun a new chapter in his life, and the focus remains on amicable co-parenting for Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay. The public narrative has shifted from the messy beginnings to the current reality of a committed, high-profile relationship, confirming that the Glinda and Boq co-stars are ready to face the world together.
Detail Author:
- Name : Scot Breitenberg
- Username : greg.runte
- Email : nader.cecelia@emard.com
- Birthdate : 1970-11-18
- Address : 7537 Toney Spurs Apt. 536 Carrollport, MT 88898-9124
- Phone : +1-409-251-8082
- Company : Runte, Keebler and McCullough
- Job : Anthropology Teacher
- Bio : Voluptatem fugiat veniam consequatur molestiae quia nam. Libero perspiciatis voluptas nulla sapiente. Autem cum voluptas sed deserunt ab illum officiis.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@kacey_real
- username : kacey_real
- bio : Laborum velit adipisci quae tempore necessitatibus voluptatum.
- followers : 2023
- following : 2280
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/kacey_kiehn
- username : kacey_kiehn
- bio : A tempore qui dolorem et consequuntur optio quod.
- followers : 5313
- following : 2882
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/kacey_dev
- username : kacey_dev
- bio : Dolore vitae enim est voluptas inventore.
- followers : 4633
- following : 1565
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/kacey8912
- username : kacey8912
- bio : Quos voluptatem illo pariatur officiis odit. Quis consequatur quisquam velit molestiae. Eligendi inventore ipsum ut ea veniam voluptatibus.
- followers : 1853
- following : 619
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/kiehn1979
- username : kiehn1979
- bio : Hic ducimus earum minus officia voluptates sed. Nam sunt nemo aut repellendus velit.
- followers : 4827
- following : 1912
