Ariana Grande is one of the most talked-about pop stars on the planet. From her whistle tones to her high-profile relationships, everything she does commands attention. Recently, the “Thank U, Next” singer has been making headlines not just for her role as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, but for her budding romance with co-star Ethan Slater.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Twitter lately, you’ve likely seen the rumors, the timelines, and the fan theories. But who exactly is the man who has captured Ariana’s heart? Is he just a Broadway actor, or is there more to his story?
In this deep dive, we’re unpacking everything you need to know about Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater. We’ll explore his background, his impressive career on stage, and the timeline of their relationship that has everyone talking.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts: Ethan Slater at a Glance
- 2 Who Is Ethan Slater?
- 3 The Wicked Connection: How They Met
- 4 Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Couple
- 5 The Controversy and Public Reaction
- 6 Why They Work: Compatibility and Shared Passions
- 7 Ethan Slater’s Career Beyond the Headlines
- 8 What’s Next for the Couple?
- 9 Conclusion
Quick Facts: Ethan Slater at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ethan Samuel Slater |
| Birth Date | June 2, 1992 |
| Hometown | Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Composer, Playwright |
| Best Known For | Playing SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway |
| Award Nomination | Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (2018) |
| Current Project | Boq in the Wicked movie adaptation |
| Relationship Status | Dating Ariana Grande |
Who Is Ethan Slater?
Before he was known as Ariana Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater was already a star in his own right—specifically within the tight-knit world of theater. While he may not have had the global mainstream recognition of a pop superstar, his talent is undeniable.
Born and raised in Maryland, Slater grew up in a Jewish household and attended Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School. He later honed his craft at Vassar College, graduating in 2014. Unlike many Hollywood actors who chase fame through blockbuster films, Slater cut his teeth on the stage. He is a multi-hyphenate creative: an actor, a singer, a writer, and a composer. His red hair and energetic stage presence have become his trademarks, but it’s his versatility that truly defines his career.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Breakthrough
If the name Ethan Slater sounds familiar but you can’t quite place the face, you might recognize his voice or his physical comedy. Slater shot to fame in 2017 when he originated the title role in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.
Playing an iconic cartoon character on stage is a risky endeavor. It could easily veer into caricature or cringe-worthy territory. However, Slater’s performance was critically acclaimed. He brought a human vulnerability to the sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, mastering the difficult physical demands of the role (which included singing while climbing upside down).
His work earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical, cementing his status as a serious Broadway talent. He didn’t just wear a square costume; he embodied the optimism and energy of the character, winning over skeptics and critics alike.
The Wicked Connection: How They Met
The entertainment industry is small, and huge projects often bring people together. For Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, that project was the massive two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked.
Set to be released in late 2024, the film features Grande in the lead role of Glinda the Good Witch. Slater was cast as Boq, a munchkin who has a massive unrequited crush on Glinda. While their characters’ romance is one-sided on screen, sparks reportedly flew behind the scenes.
Filming in London
Production for Wicked took place primarily in London, creating a “summer camp” atmosphere for the cast. Spending months together on set, away from home, often accelerates friendships and relationships. Reports suggest that the cast grew incredibly close during filming.
Sources close to the production have stated that Grande and Slater connected over their shared background in theater. Before she was a pop icon, Ariana got her start on Broadway in the musical 13. This shared language of musical theater likely provided a strong foundation for their bond.
Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Couple
The timeline of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has been a subject of intense scrutiny. Because both parties were married to other people when filming began, the start of their romance has been dissected by fans and tabloids alike. Here is a breakdown of how things unfolded.
Late 2022: Filming Begins
Production on Wicked kicked off. At this point, Ariana Grande was married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez, and Ethan Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he had recently welcomed a son.
January – March 2023: On-Set Bonding
During the early months of 2023, the cast of Wicked was deep in production. Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madame Morrible, posted photos of the cast hanging out, often showing Grande and Slater in the same social circles. At the time, these were viewed simply as cast bonding moments.
July 2023: The Split News
In a whirlwind news cycle, it was reported in mid-July that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez had separated earlier in the year and were heading toward divorce. Sources cited distance and different lifestyles as the primary reasons.
Just days after the news of Ariana’s split broke, reports surfaced that Ethan Slater had also separated from his wife, Lilly Jay.
Summer 2023: The Romance Goes Public
By late July, multiple reputable outlets confirmed that Grande and Slater were dating. The news was met with mixed reactions, largely due to the timing. Slater officially filed for divorce from Lilly Jay shortly after the news broke.
Sources insisted that both Grande and Slater had been separated from their respective spouses before their romantic relationship began, aiming to dispel rumors of infidelity. However, the overlapping timelines fueled endless internet speculation.
September – October 2023: Moving In?
As the months progressed, the couple became more comfortable stepping out. They were spotted on dinner dates and visiting Disney parks. By the fall of 2023, reports suggested that they were living together in New York City while Grande continued work on her studio album.
2024: Supporting Each Other
Entering 2024, the couple seemed stronger than ever. Ethan Slater was spotted supporting Ariana at her Saturday Night Live appearance and her album release events for Eternal Sunshine. Conversely, Ariana was seen attending Slater’s opening night for the Broadway revival of Spamalot, in which he played the Historian/Prince Herbert.
The Controversy and Public Reaction
It is impossible to discuss this relationship without addressing the noise surrounding it. The public reaction to Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s pairing was initially turbulent.
The “Home-Wrecker” Narrative
Because Slater had a newborn son and was with his wife for a decade, and Grande was freshly out of a marriage, tabloid headlines were harsh. Lilly Jay, Slater’s ex-wife, gave a brief statement to the press expressing her heartbreak, stating her priority was her son. This fueled a narrative that painted Grande and Slater in a negative light.
However, PR experts and sources close to the couple have continuously pushed back, stating that the public does not know the private details of when their previous marriages actually ended.
Ariana’s Response in Music
Ariana Grande is known for channeling her personal life into her art. Her 2024 album, Eternal Sunshine, addresses the scrutiny she faced. In the lead single “yes, and?”, she directly confronts critics who comment on her personal life, singing, “Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose d*** I ride?”
The album is widely interpreted as her side of the story—explaining the pain of her divorce and the hope found in a new love, asking fans to reserve judgment.
Despite the drama, insiders describe the relationship as genuine and grounded. So, what makes Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater a good match?
1. The Theater Background
As mentioned, both are theater kids at heart. They understand the discipline, the vocal rest, and the unique culture of Broadway. This shared passion is a massive connector. They can sing show tunes together, discuss blocking, and respect the craft in a way that partners outside the industry might not understand.
2. Understanding Fame
While Slater isn’t as famous as Grande, he is a public figure who understands the demands of the industry. He knows what it takes to be on a grueling schedule, whether it’s an 8-show week on Broadway or a movie shoot. This mutual understanding of work ethic is crucial for a celebrity relationship.
3. Humor and Personality
Slater is a comedic actor. His roles in SpongeBob and Spamalot require impeccable timing and a sense of playfulness. Ariana, too, has a background in comedy (from Victorious to her SNL hosting gigs). They reportedly share a very similar sense of humor and make each other laugh constantly, which is often the glue that holds a relationship together amidst chaos.
Ethan Slater’s Career Beyond the Headlines
It would be unfair to reduce Ethan Slater solely to “Ariana Grande’s boyfriend.” He is a multifaceted artist with a resume that continues to grow.
- Writer and Composer: Slater isn’t just a performer; he writes music. He has released his own concept albums and EPs, showcasing a folk-pop sound distinct from his theater work. He wrote a musical called Edge of the World about a boy living in rural Alaska.
- Film and TV: Beyond Wicked, Slater has appeared in Fosse/Verdon, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Law & Order: SVU. His career trajectory suggests he is moving seamlessly between stage and screen.
- Directing and Developing: He is actively involved in developing new works for the stage, often collaborating with other theater artists to bring fresh stories to life.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As we look ahead, the spotlight on this couple will likely intensify. The promotional tour for Wicked is expected to be massive. We will see red carpet appearances, press junkets, and interviews where the two will be side-by-side (or at least in the same vicinity).
Publicists will likely be working overtime to ensure the focus remains on the movie rather than the gossip. However, seeing their chemistry on screen as Glinda and Boq will inevitably reignite conversations about their real-life romance.
Long-Term Prospects
While celebrity relationships are notoriously fragile, sources indicate that Grande and Slater are serious. They have weathered the initial storm of public backlash and appear to have settled into a supportive, New York-centric life together.
Conclusion
Ariana Grande’s relationship with Ethan Slater may have started amidst a whirlwind of controversy, but it has evolved into a partnership grounded in shared passions and mutual support. Slater is a talented, Tony-nominated actor who matches Grande’s artistic energy.
For fans, the key takeaway is that this isn’t just a fleeting fling. It’s a relationship built on a foundation of theater, comedy, and creativity. As Wicked prepares to take over the box office, Ethan Slater is a name you’re going to hear a lot more often—not just as a boyfriend, but as a breakout star ready for his next act.
