So, who is Ariana Grande’s husband now?
If you’re looking for a quick name to drop at a dinner party, the answer is actually "no one." She doesn't have one. At least, not legally. Not anymore.
Honestly, the timeline of Ariana’s love life has been moving at warp speed lately, and it’s kinda hard to keep up if you aren't glued to every Wicked press junket or TMZ notification. After a very quiet, very pandemic-era marriage to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez, the "Yes, And?" singer is officially single—well, legally single—as of early 2024.
But "single" is a heavy word. She’s definitely not alone.
The Dalton Gomez Chapter Is Permanently Closed
Let’s get the facts straight about the ex. Ariana and Dalton Gomez were the "it" couple of the lockdown era. They got engaged in December 2020 and had that tiny, gorgeous wedding at her home in Montecito in May 2021. You probably remember the photos—Vogue covered it, she looked like Audrey Hepburn, it was all very classy.
Then things got quiet. Too quiet.
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By the time January 2023 rolled around, they had separated. They didn't actually file for divorce until September 2023, though. It was one of those Hollywood divorces that looked smooth on paper but felt heavy in the headlines. In March 2024, the papers were finalized. Ariana reportedly paid Dalton a one-time lump sum of $1.25 million. No monthly alimony. No messy custody battles (just the dogs). Just a clean break and a "thank u, next" for the history books.
So, Who Is the Guy in the Background?
If you’ve seen photos of Ariana lately—especially during the massive Wicked: For Good promo tour that basically took over the world in late 2025—you’ve seen Ethan Slater.
He isn't Ariana Grande’s husband now, but he’s the partner. The boyfriend. The "Boq" to her "Glinda."
They met on the set of Wicked in London. At the time, they were both married to other people. That’s where the "controversy" tag comes from that follows them around like a shadow. Ethan was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, and they had just welcomed a baby. When news broke in July 2023 that Ariana and Ethan were a thing, the internet basically exploded.
The State of the Relationship in 2026
We are sitting in January 2026, and people are still asking about a husband because the engagement rumors are constant. Literally constant.
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Just a few days ago, Ariana showed up at the 2026 Golden Globes nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Fans were refreshing their feeds like crazy to see if Ethan would be on her arm. He wasn't. She walked with her best friend, Doug Middlebrook. Naturally, the "split rumors" started flying within minutes.
But don't buy into the breakup gossip yet. Insiders have been pretty vocal that they are "in a solid place." Apparently, they’ve just decided to stop doing the "red carpet couple" thing to keep the focus on the movie and off their personal drama. It’s a strategy. It’s boring, maybe, but it’s smart.
There was even a report from Pop Rant late last month suggesting that Ariana is ready for the "next step." Some people are even betting on a 2026 wedding. If Ethan Slater becomes the new Ariana Grande’s husband now, it’ll likely be a super private elopement. After the spectacle of her past relationships, she seems over the big "look at us" ceremonies.
What You Should Know About Ethan Slater
If you aren't a Broadway nerd, Ethan might just be "that guy" to you. Here is the deal:
- He’s a Tony nominee. He played SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway. Yes, seriously. And he was incredible at it.
- He’s a writer. He’s currently working on an Off-Broadway play called Marcel on the Train.
- He’s low-key. Unlike Pete Davidson or Big Sean, Ethan stays off the grid. He went private on Instagram almost immediately after the dating news broke in 2023.
Why the "Husband" Searches Keep Spiking
People search for Ariana Grande’s husband now because she’s a "marriage" person. She’s said it herself—she loves love. She’s been engaged twice (Pete and Dalton) and married once.
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Her latest album, Eternal Sunshine, was basically a 35-minute open letter about the death of her marriage and the birth of something new. When an artist is that vulnerable, the public gets protective—or nosy. Or both.
The reality is that as of today, January 14, 2026, Ariana is enjoying a era of professional peak and personal privacy. She’s about to head out on the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first big tour in years. Having a husband at home—or a fiancé on the road—is a secondary plot point to her reclaiming her spot as the biggest pop star on the planet.
What’s Next for the Couple?
If you're waiting for a wedding announcement, keep an eye on the end of the Wicked cycle. Once the "For Good" (Part 2) hype settles down, that’s when the real life stuff happens.
Most experts in the celeb-gossip space (the ones who actually have sources, not just Twitter accounts) suggest that Ariana is looking for stability. Ethan seems to provide that. They live together in New York. They play board games. They do "old married couple" stuff without actually being married.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Credits: If you want to see their chemistry, watch the Wicked movies. It’s right there on screen.
- Ignore the "Date" Drama: Just because Ethan doesn't sit next to her at every awards show doesn't mean they broke up. It’s 2026; PR moves are more calculated than ever.
- Watch the Left Hand: The moment a ring appears in a blurry paparazzi photo, you'll know. Until then, she's legally a free agent.
Ariana has spent the last two years proving she can handle the heat of a "scandalous" romance. Whether Ethan becomes the next husband or remains a chapter in her book, she’s clearly the one holding the pen this time.