It feels like every time we open an app, there’s a new theory about who Ariana Grande is dating. Honestly, the noise is deafening. Between the Wicked press tours, the "Yes, And?" lyrics, and the endless paparazzi shots from across the pond, it’s hard to tell what’s actually real anymore.
But if you’ve been following the breadcrumbs through late 2023 and into the start of 2026, the picture is actually pretty clear.
Ariana Grande’s boyfriend in 2024—and the man still by her side as of early 2026—is her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater.
You probably know him as the guy who played SpongeBob on Broadway, or perhaps more recently, as the actor who plays Boq in the film adaptation of Wicked. But their relationship has been way more than just a typical Hollywood "showmance." It’s been a total whirlwind that effectively reset both of their lives.
The Reality of the Ariana Grande Boyfriend 2024 Timeline
Let’s be real for a second: the timeline is where everyone gets hung up. People love to talk about "overlap."
Ariana was married to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez. Ethan was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay. Then, suddenly, everyone was single and everyone was together. It looked messy.
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According to sources close to the couple, the romantic spark didn't actually ignite until after both had separated from their respective spouses in early 2023. By the time the world found out in July 2023, the ink was already drying on the separation papers.
Throughout 2024, they stopped hiding. They were spotted at Disney World (the ultimate celebrity "we're official" move), at Stanley Cup games, and having dinner with Ariana’s dad in New York.
What most people get wrong
The biggest misconception is that this was a fly-by-night fling for the movie. It wasn't. While the internet was busy calling her a "homewrecker" and him a "traitor," the two of them were quietly moving in together and building a life in New York.
Ariana even addressed the vitriol on her album Eternal Sunshine. If you listen to "Yes, And?" it’s basically a three-minute manifesto on why she doesn't care about your "projections."
She’s basically saying: Why do you care so much whose life I’m living?
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Keeping It Private in a Very Public 2025
As we moved through 2025 and the release of Wicked: For Good, the strategy changed. They went "off the grid" in a way.
You might have noticed they didn't walk many red carpets together as a duo. Ethan was often there, but he’d slip in through a side door or sit a few rows back. Insiders say this was intentional. They wanted the focus to be on their work, not the tabloid fodder that had defined their 2023.
Take the 2026 Golden Globes, for example. Ariana walked the carpet with her best friend Doug Middlebrook. Cue the "Are they broken up?" headlines.
The truth? They're reportedly "like an old married couple" at home. They'd rather stay in, play board games, and hang out with her dog Toulouse than deal with the flashbulbs.
- The Divorce Factor: Ethan finalized his divorce from Lilly Jay in September 2024.
- The Family Side: Ethan has a young son with his ex-wife. He’s been incredibly protective of that, recently stating on the Downside podcast that he wants his son to "meet the world on his own terms."
- The Support: When Ariana hosted SNL in late 2025, Ethan was backstage. He didn't need to be in the sketches; he was just there.
Is an engagement next?
There are heavy rumors floating around right now—as of January 2026—that they are ready for the "next step." Some sources claim Ariana is ready for a diamond. Others say they might just elope to avoid the spectacle. Given her history with big weddings and even bigger breakups, a quiet elopement would actually make a lot of sense for her current "glinda-fied" but grounded era.
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Why This Relationship Still Matters
It matters because it changed the way we look at Ariana. She isn't the "thank u, next" girl anymore. She’s someone who has clearly been through the ringer and come out more guarded but also more intentional.
The relationship with Ethan Slater was born in the "Wicked bubble" in London, away from the usual Hollywood scene. Two years of filming together in a foreign country creates a bond that’s hard to break, even with the weight of the entire internet trying to crush it.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Observers
If you're trying to keep up with the latest on Ariana's love life, here is how to filter the noise:
- Watch the Instagram Stories: They rarely post grid photos together. Instead, look for the subtle reposts. If Ethan posts a video of a dog and Ariana reposts it with heart stickers, they’re fine.
- Ignore "Solo" Appearances: Just because he isn't at an awards show doesn't mean they split. They’ve publicly committed to keeping their professional lives separate from their romance.
- Listen to the Lyrics: Ariana writes her truth. If she feels a certain way about her relationship, you'll hear it in the next "Eternal Sunshine" deluxe track before you read it in People.
At the end of the day, Ariana and Ethan have survived the kind of public scrutiny that usually kills a relationship within three months. They’ve made it through two years of filming, two divorces, and a global press tour. Whatever you think of the beginning, the middle seems pretty solid.
Keep an eye on the 2026 tour dates; if Ethan is spotted in the wings of her "Eternal Sunshine" shows, you’ll know the "old married couple" vibe is still going strong.