Navigating the world of Ariana Grande means keeping up with a dizzying pace of chart-topping hits, "Wicked" press tours, and a personal life that feels like it’s constantly under a microscope. Honestly, if you’re a fan, you’ve probably spent more time than you’d like to admit trying to piece together the timeline of her latest relationship or wondering what her older brother, Frankie, is up to these days.
There’s a lot of noise out there. Rumors fly. People take sides.
But when you strip away the tabloid frenzy, the core of Ariana’s inner circle—specifically her partner, Ethan Slater, and her brother, Frankie Grande—reveals a lot about where she is in her life right now. It's less about the drama and more about a search for stability and genuine connection after some pretty turbulent years.
The Truth About Ariana Grande’s Boyfriend, Ethan Slater
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Ethan Slater.
Their relationship started in what can only be described as a PR hurricane. When news broke in July 2023 that the two "Wicked" co-stars were a thing, the internet basically exploded. Both were coming off separations from their respective spouses—Ariana from real estate agent Dalton Gomez and Ethan from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.
The timeline was messy. Or at least, it looked messy from the outside.
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But here’s what most people get wrong: they aren't some fleeting "on-set" fling that fizzled out once the cameras stopped rolling. In fact, as we sit here in early 2026, they are still very much a solid unit. While they skipped the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet as a duo (Ariana went with her best friend Doug Middlebrook instead), insiders confirm they’re basically an "old married couple" at home.
Why They Keep It Low-Key
You won't see them doing a lot of flashy red carpets together. Why? Because they’ve learned the hard way that the public can be brutal. They prefer quiet nights in New York City, playing board games or binge-watching shows, rather than hitting up the latest Hollywood hotspot.
- The Broadway Connection: Ethan isn't just "the guy from SpongeBob." He’s a Tony-nominated powerhouse who recently co-wrote and starred in the Off-Broadway play Marcel on the Train.
- Support System: Ethan was spotted backstage during Ariana’s December 2025 Saturday Night Live hosting gig, proving that even if they aren't posing for paps, he’s there in the wings.
- Moving Forward: There’s even chatter about an engagement. Ariana is reportedly "pro-marriage" despite her past divorce and is ready for a more intimate, perhaps even eloped, future.
Frankie Grande: The Brother Who Has Seen It All
If Ethan is the quiet anchor, Frankie Grande is the neon-lit lighthouse. Ariana’s older half-brother has been a constant in her life since the Victorious days, but he’s a massive star in his own right.
Frankie is basically a one-man entertainment industry. He’s a Broadway vet (Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages), a reality TV legend (Big Brother), and a recently minted recording artist with his 2025 album Hotel Rock Bottom.
But the bond between them goes way deeper than just sharing a red carpet. Ariana was actually instrumental in helping Frankie get sober back in 2017 following the Manchester bombing. He’s now over six and a half years sober, and he’s gone on record saying their relationship is the strongest it’s ever been.
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A Family United
Frankie’s personal life is also thriving. He’s been married to his husband, Hale Leon, since May 2022. Their wedding was a total nerd-fest—Star Wars-themed, officiated by their mom Joan, and held at the family home in Florida.
Ariana absolutely adores Hale. She’s called them "cosmically destined souls." It’s rare to see a celebrity sibling dynamic that isn't riddled with jealousy or competition, but the Grandes seem to have figured out how to genuinely champion each other. When Frankie attended the 2025 VMAs as an artist, Ariana was his biggest cheerleader.
Balancing the Public and Private
Being Ariana Grande’s boyfriend and brother comes with a specific kind of pressure. You’re not just a person; you’re a character in a global narrative.
For Ethan, that meant weathering "homewrecker" accusations and navigating a difficult divorce under the gaze of millions. For Frankie, it means being the protector and the "fun" brother while building a career that stands on its own merits.
The reality of their lives in 2026 is actually pretty grounded. Ariana has moved away from the "perpetual hitmaker" lifestyle to embrace her role as Glinda and a more private version of herself. Having a partner like Ethan—who understands the grind of theater and the nuances of acting—complements her current path perfectly.
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Surprising Details You Might Have Missed
- The Nonna Connection: Ariana recently shared that when Frankie came out to their grandparents, her "Nonna" was mostly confused because she thought he’d had so many girlfriends. Their grandfather, on the other hand, just wanted to make sure they didn't miss their dinner reservations.
- Shared Labels: Both Ariana and Frankie are now signed to Republic Records. It’s a literal family business at this point.
- The "Wicked" Fallout Rumors: Despite rumors that Ariana and her co-star Cynthia Erivo "fell out," the truth is simply that they spent two years attached at the hip and just needed some space to return to their respective circles—which for Ariana, means Ethan and Frankie.
What This Means for Fans
If you're looking for the "next big scandal," you're probably going to be disappointed. The current state of Ariana’s inner circle is surprisingly stable.
The takeaway here is that Ariana is prioritizing longevity. Whether it's her relationship with Ethan, which has survived the "Wicked" press cycle, or her lifelong bond with Frankie, she’s surrounding herself with people who knew her before—or at least people who understand the work behind the fame.
Keep an eye on Ethan’s upcoming theater projects and Frankie’s new music. They aren't just "plus-ones"; they are the pillars that keep the world's biggest pop star standing tall.
To stay truly informed, look past the 15-second TikTok "tea" videos. Real life for these three is happening in the quiet moments between the takes and the tours. That’s where the actual story lives. For the most authentic updates, follow their verified social accounts rather than tabloid speculation, as both Ethan and Frankie tend to share meaningful milestones directly with their communities.