It’s January 2026, and if you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you’ve probably noticed the vibe around Ariana Grande has shifted. Again. The "Wicked" press marathons are finally winding down, and the pink-and-white Glinda aesthetic is being traded in for something a bit darker and, honestly, more grounded. But the question that always pops up when Ari transitions between eras isn’t just about her hair color or her next single.
It's about the "we."
We’ve seen the "7 Rings" squad come and go. We watched the intense, almost spiritual bond with Cynthia Erivo dominate headlines for two years. Now, as she gears up for the Eternal Sunshine Tour starting this June, fans are squinting at her Instagram tags to see who made the cut. Who are the actual ride-or-dies staying in the guest house?
The "Wicked" Sisterhood: Is It Actually Over?
For a while there, you couldn't see a photo of Ariana without Cynthia Erivo. They were the definition of "joined at the hip." They got matching tattoos. They cried in basically every interview. It felt like a soul-mate connection that transcended the movie.
But the internet is currently having a meltdown over rumors that the "sisterhood" was just a very long, very effective marketing campaign. Some tabloids are claiming they haven’t hung out off-camera since the London premiere of Wicked: For Good. Is that true? Not necessarily.
The reality is usually less dramatic. After two years of being contractually obligated to be in the same room 24/7, even best friends need a breather. Cynthia has recently spoken about their bond as "deeply human" and "transcending projects." Meanwhile, Ari has been a bit more quiet, mostly posting about her "mystery project" that she says "contains multitudes."
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Don't expect them to be roommates, but don't buy into the "feud" narrative just yet. They’ve moved from the "intense work bestie" phase into the "check-in via text" phase.
The Day-Ones: Courtney and Alexa
If you want to know who is really in the inner circle, look at the people who don't have IMDB credits. Courtney Chipolone and Alexa Luria are the names that have survived every breakup, every scandal, and every career pivot.
Courtney is basically family. She’s the "Court" in the "Court-Knee" tattoo on Ariana's knee. She was even mentioned in the song "Bye" on the Eternal Sunshine album. While Ari’s romantic life is a constant headline, Courtney is the steady background character who ensures she stays sane.
Alexa Luria is another childhood friend who has been there since the 13 on Broadway days. They had a weird falling out back in 2020—Ariana even confirmed they weren't friends on Twitter at the time—but they patched things up in 2021. In 2026, Alexa is still very much in the mix, often spotted visiting sets or hanging out at the R.E.M. Beauty offices.
The Current MVP: Doug Middlebrook
If you watched the 2026 Golden Globes just a few days ago, you saw the guy sitting next to Ariana. That was Doug Middlebrook. He’s been her primary emotional support person for years now.
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Doug isn't just a "friend" in the casual sense; he's the person she takes to awards shows when she doesn't want the spectacle of a red-carpet debut with a boyfriend. He’s been by her side through the entire Wicked journey. If you see Doug in the background of a blurry paparazzi photo, you know Ariana is feeling comfortable.
The Collaborators Who Stay
Friendship in Ariana’s world is often tied to the studio. You can't talk about her circle without mentioning:
- Victoria Monét: While Victoria’s own solo career has absolutely exploded (rightfully so), they remain incredibly close. Their friendship is built on late-night songwriting sessions and shared history.
- Tommy Brown (TBHits): He’s the architect of her sound and a constant presence.
- Elizabeth Gillies: The Victorious bond is unbreakable. Even when they don't see each other for months, they always pop up on each other’s stories for birthdays.
The Ethan Slater Dynamic
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are still together as of early 2026. Despite every "insider" prediction that they’d fizzle out once the movie was done, they’ve stayed low-key.
The current word is that they are looking to move past the controversy of 2023 and 2024. Sources close to the couple have even hinted at marriage and baby plans for later this year. Whether that actually happens or not, Ethan has been integrated into her friend group. He’s no longer the "new guy"; he’s the partner who is present at the small, private gatherings with Courtney and Doug.
Why the Inner Circle Matters Now
Ariana has admitted in recent interviews, like her talk with Variety this month, that she’s "redefined her relationship with the public." She’s tired. You can see it in her choice to elope (if the rumors are true) rather than have a massive wedding.
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She is leaning on people who knew her before the ponytail became a global trademark. This isn't the 2019 era where she was constantly out with a squad. In 2026, the circle is smaller. It’s tighter. It’s more protective.
She’s gearing up for the Eternal Sunshine Tour in June, which is only 41 dates. That’s a short run for a superstar. It suggests she wants to stay close to home and close to her people.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re following the "Ariana and friends" saga, keep an eye on these milestones:
- The Tour Rehearsals: Watch the background of her dancers' TikToks. That’s where you’ll see who is actually traveling with her.
- The "Multitudes" Project: She’s teasing something big that isn't music or Wicked. If it’s a production or a brand expansion, look at which friends are getting "consultant" roles.
- The Instagram "Soft Launches": She’s been much more careful with her feed lately. A "like" from her on an old friend's post is more telling than a public statement.
The era of the "7 Rings" public squad is over. The era of the "chosen family" is here. It’s less about the "thank u, next" energy and more about the "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" nuance. She’s protecting her peace, and that starts with who she lets through the front door.
Next Steps for Fans: If you want to stay updated on the inner circle's movements, follow the Instagram accounts of Doug Middlebrook and Courtney Chipolone rather than the main fan accounts; they usually post the "real" moments before the PR teams get a hold of them. Also, keep an eye on the official Eternal Sunshine Tour credits when they drop in May to see which creative collaborators are still in the mix.