Who is Ethan Slater dating has become one of the most-searched celebrity questions of 2025, especially as the Tony-nominated actor continues to appear in high-profile projects on stage and screen. As of November 2025, Slater is in a relationship with Grammy-winning singer and actress Ariana Grande. The pair’s romance, which began in mid-2023, remains ongoing and publicly acknowledged, though both have maintained a relatively private approach to their relationship over the past year.
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From Broadway to Hollywood: A Quick Background
Ethan Slater first rose to prominence on Broadway for his acclaimed performance in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, earning a Tony Award nomination in 2018 for Best Actor in a Musical. Born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., he built a strong stage résumé before transitioning into screen work.
In 2023, Slater joined the cast of Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. During the movie’s production in London, Slater played Boq, opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba. The filming of Wicked would ultimately mark a major turning point in his personal life.
The Relationship Timeline
Mid-2023 – Rumors Begin
Reports of a romance between Slater and Grande surfaced in July 2023, shortly after both were confirmed to be separated from their respective spouses. Multiple entertainment outlets verified that the two had become close while filming Wicked and had begun dating later that summer.
Late 2023 – Public Confirmation
By December 2023, their relationship was publicly acknowledged. Both stars attended private industry events together, and photos captured them dining in New York City and attending Broadway shows.
2024 – Steady and Low-Profile
Throughout 2024, the couple kept their relationship relatively quiet while focusing on their careers. Grande finalized her divorce from real-estate agent Dalton Gomez in October 2023, while Slater completed his own separation from Lilly Jay, with whom he shares one child. By mid-2024, the two were described as “serious and committed” by those close to the production community.
2025 – Still Together and Going Strong
As of November 2025, Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande remain together. The pair have occasionally been seen in Los Angeles, New York, and London, balancing their professional schedules as Wicked: Part One approaches its planned 2026 theatrical release.
Public Appearances and Social Media
While neither Slater nor Grande frequently post about each other on social media, subtle acknowledgments of their relationship have appeared. In May 2024, Slater attended one of Grande’s filming wrap parties for Wicked in the U.K. In July 2025, Grande quietly shared a behind-the-scenes photo featuring several cast members, including Slater, celebrating the end of post-production work.
Fans have also spotted the couple at major cultural events such as:
- 2024 Met Gala After-Party: Both attended separately but were photographed leaving the same venue.
- Broadway’s 2025 Spring Opening Night Circuit: Slater appeared in support of castmates, with Grande seated nearby in the audience.
- Private Charity Benefit in Los Angeles (September 2025): The couple appeared together, marking one of their few public outings of the year.
Despite media attention, both have continued to keep the relationship understated, choosing low-key appearances over red-carpet displays.
Career Highlights During Their Relationship
Ethan Slater’s Projects
- “Wicked” Films: Playing Boq in both Wicked: Part One (2026 release) and Part Two (2027 planned).
- Broadway Return: Starred in Good Night, Oscar during its 2024 limited run revival.
- Television Guest Roles: Appeared in a 2025 episode of a major streaming comedy series filmed in New York City.
Ariana Grande’s Work
- New Album: Released her seventh studio album in March 2024, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
- Fragrance and Beauty Lines: Expanded her r.e.m. beauty brand with new launches in 2025.
- Wicked Promotion: Preparing for a global press tour beginning summer 2026.
Both continue to balance demanding work schedules while maintaining a private partnership away from the public spotlight.
Media Coverage and Public Response
Since 2023, the relationship has drawn steady attention from both entertainment journalists and fans. Early headlines focused on the timeline of each star’s prior relationships, but over time, coverage has shifted toward their shared professional success and collaborative projects.
In 2024 and 2025, media discussions around Wicked naturally placed both Slater and Grande in the spotlight. Despite speculation from tabloids, neither has engaged publicly in controversy. Instead, both emphasize professionalism and artistic collaboration.
Industry observers have noted that their relationship mirrors a growing trend of on-set partnerships forming between co-stars who share extensive work time on major productions.
Family and Personal Life
Ethan Slater maintains an amicable co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife, Lilly Jay. Both have been described as prioritizing their child’s well-being and keeping family matters private. Slater, known among colleagues for his humility and disciplined work ethic, divides his time between New York and Los Angeles depending on filming schedules.
Ariana Grande, meanwhile, has balanced her ongoing music and acting careers while splitting time between the U.S. and U.K. for Wicked promotional commitments. Friends describe the couple as mutually supportive of each other’s demanding creative lives.
Inside Their Professional Connection
The chemistry between Grande and Slater reportedly developed naturally during months of on-set collaboration. Both trained extensively for Wicked’s musical performances, often spending long rehearsal days together perfecting choreography and vocal arrangements.
Their shared Broadway roots also contributed to their bond. Before his breakout in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Slater had performed in regional theater, while Grande began her career in 13: The Musical on Broadway as a teenager. Industry insiders point out that their mutual respect for musical theater gives their partnership a solid foundation.
Public Appearances in 2025
So far in 2025, the couple has been seen together primarily at private events, steering clear of frequent paparazzi coverage. In April 2025, both attended a private screening of the Wicked teaser trailer in New York City, where Slater joined Grande and director Jon M. Chu for a brief Q&A session.
In August 2025, entertainment outlets photographed them dining in Manhattan following one of Grande’s label meetings. Sources close to the production community have described their dynamic as “steady, respectful, and supportive.”
The “Wicked” Factor and Cultural Impact
With Wicked Part One nearing its 2026 release, public curiosity about the cast’s personal lives continues to rise. NBC Universal confirmed that marketing for the film will intensify in early 2026, bringing renewed media focus to both Slater and Grande.
The film’s teaser, released in November 2024, broke streaming records for a movie musical preview. Both stars’ performances were widely praised, fueling anticipation for their on-screen chemistry—which many fans have linked to their real-life connection.
As Wicked moves closer to release, entertainment analysts expect both to remain two of the most talked-about names in Hollywood heading into 2026.
Current Relationship Status
As of November 21 2025, all verified information confirms that Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande are still dating. There have been no reports of a breakup or major conflict. Both continue to appear professionally active and personally content.
Their decision to maintain privacy has largely kept speculation minimal throughout 2025. Neither has made official statements about engagement or future plans, and there is no confirmed information suggesting wedding discussions.
Why Fans Remain Fascinated
Public interest in who is Ethan Slater dating stems from several factors:
- Both partners are prominent performers with crossover appeal in music, theater, and film.
- Their romance developed on the set of one of the most anticipated film musicals of the decade.
- Their low-key approach contrasts with the public nature of many celebrity relationships.
- Fans of Wicked associate their connection with the story’s themes of friendship, transformation, and love.
Social-media fan pages continue to track both stars’ public appearances, but their measured approach to publicity has shifted focus back to their artistry rather than their personal lives.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With Wicked: Part One scheduled for wide theatrical release in November 2026, Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande will enter an intense year of global promotion. Early screenings and red-carpet premieres are expected to draw major attention to the pair’s continued collaboration.
For Slater, Wicked represents his largest on-screen role to date, marking his transition from Broadway favorite to mainstream film actor. Grande’s participation cements her status as both a chart-topping musician and a Hollywood lead.
As of now, the couple remains focused on their professional commitments. Industry watchers anticipate their relationship will remain a supportive partnership through the upcoming Wicked press cycle.
Final Thoughts
Ethan Slater’s career continues to flourish, and his relationship with Ariana Grande remains steady more than two years after it began. Both stars have shown that it’s possible to balance personal happiness with professional excellence, even under the glare of public attention.
Do you think Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande will appear together during the Wicked 2026 premiere season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
