It is kind of wild how the internet works. One minute you’re a Tony-nominated Broadway actor known for playing a literal sea sponge, and the next, you’re the most talked-about man in pop culture because you started dating a global superstar. But while everyone has been obsessing over the timeline of Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande’s relationship, people have missed a pretty interesting layer to this story.
Specifically, the relationship between Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande.
Most people assume Frankie is just the protective older brother playing nice for the cameras. Honestly, though? The history between these two goes back way further than the set of Wicked. If you think Frankie is just tolerating Ethan for Ariana's sake, you’ve got it all wrong.
What Most People Get Wrong About Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande
There is this persistent narrative that Frankie and Ethan met for the first time while Ariana was filming in London. That’s actually a total myth.
Frankie Grande has been a massive fan of Ethan Slater for years. We're talking long before the tabloid drama. Back in 2022, Frankie was hosting the official SpongeBob SquarePants podcast. He actually interviewed Ethan for it.
The Broadway world is tiny. Like, "everyone knows everyone's coffee order" tiny. Frankie didn't just meet Ethan; he admired his work as a performer. When he talks about Ethan being a "wonderful guy" or "very, very sweet," he isn’t just reading a PR script to protect his sister’s image. He’s speaking as a fellow theater kid who has known Ethan in a professional and social capacity since at least 2019.
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The Appearance Factor (And Why the Internet is Obsessed)
You can't talk about these two without addressing the elephant in the room. The internet—specifically Twitter and TikTok—loves to point out that Ethan and Frankie look alike.
It’s became a bit of a meme. People post side-by-side photos of them, joking about how Ariana has a "type." While it's basically a running joke online, it hasn't seemed to bother the family. In fact, they’ve leaned into the closeness.
How Frankie Became the Couple’s Biggest Defender
Since the news broke in mid-2023 about Ethan and Ariana, the backlash has been... intense. There were rumors about separations, "girl's girl" drama, and some pretty messy public statements from Ethan’s ex-wife.
Through all of it, Frankie has been the one person consistently vocal about his support.
At the Palm Springs International Film Festival in early 2025, Frankie and Ethan were seen hanging out like old friends. No tension. No awkwardness. Just a sequined blazer-clad Frankie and a suit-wearing Ethan smiling for the cameras.
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Frankie told TooFab point-blank: "I adore him." He’s mentioned multiple times that his only priority is Ariana’s happiness. If she’s happy, he’s happy. And by all accounts, they are very happy.
Key Moments in the Ethan-Frankie Friendship:
- June 2022: Frankie interviews Ethan on the SpongeBob podcast.
- October 2023: Frankie joins Ethan and Ariana for a group trip to Disneyland.
- October 2024: Frankie shares a rare, candid selfie with the couple backstage at his Rocky Horror show.
- January 2025: They attend the Palm Springs Film Festival together to support Ariana.
- December 2025: Ethan is spotted backstage during Ariana’s SNL hosting gig, with the whole Grande family in tow.
Why Their Bond Matters for the Couple's Future
In the world of the Grandes, family isn't just a part of life; it’s the whole thing. Ariana is incredibly close with her mom, Joan, and her brother, Frankie. If you want to be in her inner circle, you have to pass the "Frankie Test."
The fact that Ethan has such a long-standing rapport with Frankie is probably a huge reason why the relationship has survived the massive amount of public scrutiny it faced during the Wicked press tours.
Think about it. It’s one thing to date a guy your family barely knows. It’s another to date someone your brother has been "stanning" since they saw him on Broadway years ago.
The Reality of the "Theater Kid" Connection
We have to remember that both Ethan and Frankie are theater people at their core. They speak the same language.
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When you see them together at events like the Golden Globes or movie premieres, there is a level of comfort that usually takes years to build. But because they both come from that high-energy, "the show must go on" Broadway background, they just get each other.
Ethan has even been seen helping Frankie out at events, and they frequently interact on social media. It isn't just about being in-laws-to-be; they are genuinely part of the same community.
What’s Next for the Trio?
As we move into 2026, the drama seems to have finally settled. Wicked: For Good has been a massive success, and the couple is frequently seen together in New York City where they reportedly live together.
Frankie remains the unofficial spokesperson for the family's "all is well" stance. He’s already moved past the controversy and is focusing on the art and the family bond.
If you’re trying to understand the dynamic, stop looking for drama where there isn't any. Frankie Grande and Ethan Slater aren't just tolerate each other—they're actually friends.
Actionable Insights:
- Look past the headlines: The "lookalike" memes are funny, but the professional history between Frankie and Ethan is what actually defines their relationship.
- Watch the Broadway connection: Their shared history in musical theater is the foundation of their friendship.
- Monitor the "Frankie Approval": In the world of Ariana Grande, Frankie's public support is the most reliable indicator of how serious a relationship is.