If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or X lately, you’ve probably seen the rumors. People are convinced Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater called it quits. They point to the fact that she walked the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet with her best friend, Doug Middlebrook, instead of her boyfriend. They mention how quiet things have been on social media. Honestly, in the world of celebrity gossip, "quiet" usually means "it’s over."
But here’s the thing: they’re wrong.
Are Ariana and Ethan still together? Yes. Despite the constant chatter and the strategic distance during the Wicked: For Good press tour, the two are very much a couple as of January 2026.
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The reality is actually a lot more boring than the internet wants it to be. They aren't breaking up; they're just hiding. After the absolute firestorm that followed their debut in 2023—complete with "homewrecker" accusations and messy divorce headlines—they’ve basically decided that the only way to survive is to stay out of the frame.
The Golden Globes "Snub" and the Strategy of Silence
The most recent wave of "it's over" talk hit a fever pitch on January 11, 2026. Ariana showed up to the Golden Globes looking like a literal dream, but Ethan was nowhere to be found on the carpet. Naturally, people spiraled.
Actually, Ethan was around, just not in front of the flashes. Insiders have confirmed that while they attended the same industry events for the release of Wicked: For Good, they made a conscious choice to pose separately. Why? Because they didn't want the headlines to be "Ariana and Ethan look cozy" instead of "Wicked is a masterpiece."
Ethan is a pro. He knows he’s not the "selling tool" of the movie in the same way Ariana and Cynthia Erivo are. Sources close to the couple told the Daily Mail that he’s totally fine taking a backseat during work events to protect their peace.
What happened over the holidays?
If you want proof they’re still solid, look at their "digital crumbs."
- December 26, 2025: Ethan shared a rare series of photos on his Instagram Story. One showed Ariana in a black turtleneck, snuggling with a dog (likely Toulouse) on a couch.
- The Repost: Ariana didn't just ignore it; she reposted the snap to her own massive audience, adding a simple heart emoji.
- SNL Support: When Ariana hosted Saturday Night Live on December 21, Ethan was backstage the entire time. Her friend Liz Gillies even posted a photo of them hanging out in the dressing rooms.
Why the Breakup Rumors Won't Die
The internet has a long memory, and the beginning of this relationship was, let's be real, pretty messy. Ethan was still legally married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, when the news broke in July 2023. Ariana had just separated from Dalton Gomez.
Because of that "overlap" drama, a lot of fans have been waiting for the "karma" to hit. Every time they aren't seen together for two weeks, the "I told you so" posts start trending.
Living like an "old married couple"
While the public sees a scandalous pop star romance, the people actually in their inner circle describe something much more low-key. They reportedly spend most of their time in New York or New Jersey.
"They’re like an old married couple at home. They’d rather hang out together and do simple things like play board games or binge-watch shows rather than go out to fancy places." — Source via The Mirror, January 2026.
They’ve moved past the "honeymoon phase" and into the "hunker down" phase. It's not flashy, and it doesn't make for good tabloid fodder, which is exactly why people assume they’ve split.
What’s Next: Engagement or Elopement?
There is a lot of buzz right now about 2026 being a massive year for them. Ariana is reportedly "pro-marriage" despite her past divorce. Some reports even suggest she’s ready for the "whole enchilada"—meaning marriage and potentially starting a family.
There’s a strong rumor that if they do get engaged, you won't see a $2 million wedding special on E!. They are leaning toward eloping. After the "corrosive" nature of the public’s opinion on their start, a private vow seems like the only way they can keep what they have.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to keep track of their status, ignore the red carpet solo walks.
- Check the "Inner Circle" posts: You’re more likely to see Ethan on Liz Gillies’ or Doug Middlebrook’s Instagram than on Ariana’s main feed.
- Watch the Wicked schedule: They are currently traveling for the international leg of the Wicked: For Good tour (including recent stops in Singapore). They are traveling together, even if they enter the hotels through separate doors.
- The "Ring Watch": With rumors of a 2026 proposal swirling, keep an eye on her left hand during her upcoming Eternal Sunshine Tour dates.
The relationship isn't perfect, and the public pressure is clearly a strain. But as of today, the "Glinda and Boq" romance is still very much alive behind closed doors. They’ve chosen privacy over publicity, which, in Hollywood, might be the smartest move they've made yet.
To stay updated on their actual status, look for mentions of Ethan in Ariana's upcoming "Eternal Sunshine" tour behind-the-scenes footage or his upcoming Off-Broadway projects in February 2026.