Honestly, if you’ve been anywhere near the internet in the last two years, you know the drama has been thick. People have basically been treats this like a high-stakes soap opera. The short answer? Yes. Are Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande dating right now? Absolutely. They are very much still a couple as of early 2026, though they’ve spent a massive amount of energy trying to keep the cameras away from their actual lives.
It hasn't been easy for them. Not even close.
Between the messy divorce timelines and the Wicked press tour that felt like it lasted a century, they’ve become experts at the "strategic separation." You won't see them clinging to each other on every red carpet. In fact, at the 2026 Golden Globes just a few days ago, Ariana walked the carpet solo in that "Goth Glinda" black gown everyone is obsessed with. Ethan wasn't her date—her best friend Doug Middlebrook was. But don't let the solo photos fool you. Behind the scenes, sources say they’re closer than ever.
The Reality of the Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande Timeline
People love to talk about the "overlap." It’s the juicy part, right? But if you ask the people actually in their circle, the story is a lot less scandalous than the tabloids made it out to be back in 2023.
They met on the set of Wicked in London late in 2022. Ariana was Glinda; Ethan was Boq. At the time, Ariana was still technically married to Dalton Gomez, and Ethan was with his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay. They had just had a baby. By July 2023, everything exploded. News broke that Ariana and Dalton were done, and just days later, the world found out she was seeing Ethan.
The internet went nuclear.
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"Not a girl's girl," Lilly Jay famously told Page Six. That quote stuck like glue. But Ariana recently told Vanity Fair that seeing the "worst version" of her life played out in tabloids was deeply disappointing. She’s adamant that the relationship didn't start until both were already separated. Whether you believe that or not kinda depends on how much you trust "insider sources," but legally and publicly, they’ve stuck to that story.
Why They Keep Hiding in Plain Sight
You might wonder why, if they’re so happy, they don't just post a million selfies.
- The Backlash: The "home wrecker" narrative was brutal. Every time they post together, the comments section becomes a battlefield.
- Professionalism: They wanted the focus on Wicked: Part Two (which just hit theaters) rather than their dating life.
- Privacy: After her marriage to Dalton ended so publicly, Ariana seems to be pivoting toward a "less is more" approach with her personal life.
Still, we see the cracks in the wall. Ethan was backstage at her Saturday Night Live hosting gig in late December 2025. He’s been spotted at her family dinners with her dad, Ed Butera. He even posted a sweet "Oscar Nominated" tribute on his Instagram Stories when she grabbed a nod for Best Supporting Actress. They aren't "hidden"—they're just guarded.
Are Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande Dating Toward an Engagement?
This is where things get interesting for 2026.
The rumors of a breakup have been swirling for months, mostly because they haven't been photographed holding hands at every awards show. But insiders told Radar Online and The News International this month that they are actually headed the opposite direction. Ariana is reportedly "pro-marriage" despite her past and is ready for the next step.
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There's even talk of an elopement.
"She usually gets what she wants," one source noted, suggesting that a diamond might have already been discussed over the holidays. They've lived together in New York for a while now, navigating the transition from "co-stars" to "life partners." Ethan’s divorce from Lilly Jay was finalized back in September 2024, so the legal runway is clear.
What Most People Get Wrong About Them
The biggest misconception is that this was some fleeting "showmance" that would fizzle out once the Wicked cameras stopped rolling. We’ve seen it a thousand times in Hollywood. Actors get stuck in a bubble, think they’re in love, and then reality hits when they go home.
But it’s been over two years.
They’ve survived a massive public relations nightmare, two divorces, and a global press tour. They’ve also integrated their families. Ethan has been seen with Frankie Grande and Joan Grande at Disney World and various premieres. They seem to have built a "normal" life in the middle of all the chaos.
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The Award Season Strategy
If you're looking for them at the upcoming ceremonies, don't expect a PDA-fest. Their 2026 strategy seems to be "Support from the Shadows."
At the 2026 Golden Globes, Ariana’s solo appearance was a calculated move to reclaim her identity as a solo artist and a serious actress. Ethan is reportedly very supportive of this. He’s been busy with his own work, too, co-writing and starring in the Off-Broadway play Marcel on the Train.
They are essentially two theater nerds who fell in love and are now trying to survive being some of the most famous people on the planet.
What’s Next for the Couple?
So, where does this go? If the insiders are right, 2026 might be the year they finally "make it official" in a way the public can't ignore.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Check the Stories: They rarely post on the main feed, but they often share each other's achievements on Instagram Stories.
- Look for the Inner Circle: Following friends like Doug Middlebrook or Liz Gillies often yields more "Ethan sightings" than Ariana’s own page.
- Watch the Tours: With Ariana’s Eternal Sunshine Tour looming for 2026, keep an eye on whether Ethan joins her for the international legs.
The "are Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande dating" question has shifted from "if" to "how long." They've outlasted the critics and the "PR stunt" allegations. Whether it leads to a quiet wedding or just more years of private dating, they seem to be the real deal. Keep your eyes on the 2026 Oscars; that might be the next time we see them finally share a frame.
Keep an eye on Ethan's theater schedule and Ariana's tour dates to see how they manage their "normal" relationship through a very busy 2026.