You’ve seen the photos. The blurry paparazzi shots in Disney World, the coordinated black outfits in New York, and that specific, high-glamour red carpet energy during the Wicked press tours. It’s been years since the world first heard that Ariana Grande was dating her costar, Ethan Slater, and honestly, the internet still hasn't quite moved on.
But where do they stand right now, in 2026?
People love a scandal, and this one had it all: two marriages ending simultaneously, a high-stakes movie set, and a Broadway star thrust into a level of pop-star fame he probably never asked for. If you’ve been following the breadcrumbs on Instagram or reading the frantic threads on Reddit, you know the narrative has shifted from "are they together?" to "how are they still together?"
The Current State of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater
Despite the persistent rumors of a "secret split" that seem to pop up every other week, the two are very much a thing. In fact, insiders recently told People that their relationship is the "real deal." It's funny how the public expectation was a short-lived rebound, yet here they are, navigating a post-Wicked world as a solidified couple.
They’ve gotten better at the "off the grid" lifestyle. You won't see them posting constant selfies or doing joint Tell-All interviews. Instead, they show up for the big stuff. Ethan was spotted backstage supporting Ariana during her Saturday Night Live hosting gig in late 2025, and she’s been a fixture at his theater projects.
Currently, Ethan is diving back into his first love: the stage. He’s starring as the legendary French mime Marcel Marceau in Marcel on the Train, an Off-Broadway play he actually co-wrote. It’s a massive pivot from playing Boq, and it shows where his head is at—focusing on the craft while Ariana prepares for her 2026 Eternal Sunshine tour.
A Timeline Born in Oz
Let’s be real—the math was always what set people off.
- Late 2022: Filming for Wicked begins in London. Ariana is Glinda; Ethan is Boq.
- January 2023: Ariana and Dalton Gomez quietly separate.
- July 2023: The news breaks. Ariana is dating Ethan. Three days later, it’s confirmed she and Dalton are done. Six days later, Ethan files for divorce from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.
It was messy. There’s no other way to put it. Lilly Jay famously told Page Six that Ariana was "not a girl's girl" and that her family was "collateral damage." That quote stayed attached to this relationship like superglue.
But here’s the nuance most people miss: sources close to the couple have always maintained that they were both separated from their spouses before they started dating. Whether you believe that or not usually depends on how much of an Arianator you are.
Dealing with the "Collateral Damage"
One of the biggest hurdles Ethan has faced isn't just the public scrutiny—it's navigating fatherhood in the middle of a media hurricane. He shares a young son with Lilly Jay, and he’s been remarkably protective of the kid.
On a recent podcast, Ethan mentioned he doesn't tell "anecdotes" or stories about his son because he wants the world to meet him "on his own terms." It’s a rare moment of vulnerability for a guy who spent 2024 and 2025 being grilled about his romantic life. Meanwhile, Lilly Jay has also been vocal, writing an essay for The Cut about the "sudden public downfall" of her marriage.
It’s a complicated situation. It’s not just a celebrity fling; there are real families involved.
Why the Breakup Rumors Won't Die
Why does everyone think they’re breaking up? Basically, because they don't do the "celebrity couple" thing the way we expect. They aren't walking every single carpet together. When they avoided a joint appearance at the Wicked: For Good premiere in London, the internet went into a tailspin.
In reality, they seem to be trying to protect the work. They want you to see the movie, not the tabloid headline. It’s a strategic retreat. By staying quiet, they hope the "affair" narrative eventually runs out of steam.
What’s Next for the Couple?
As we move further into 2026, the stakes are changing. Ariana is back in "pop star mode." She’s got the Eternal Sunshine tour coming up, which means months of travel and high visibility. Ethan is busy with his run at the Classic Stage Company in New York through March.
Some sources are even whispering about a proposal. Reality Tea reported that Ariana is "pro-marriage" despite her divorce and might be ready to take the next step. Whether that actually happens or stays in the realm of "insider claims" remains to be seen.
What we do know is that they have outlasted the initial wave of hate. They’ve moved past the "scandal" phase and into the "boring, stable couple" phase. And in Hollywood, being "boring" is often the ultimate sign of success.
Next Steps for Fans and Observers:
- Watch the Work: If you want to see their chemistry, revisit Wicked and the sequel Wicked: For Good. Their performances are often praised as being "out of this world" by critics, regardless of the personal drama.
- Follow the Tour: Keep an eye on the Eternal Sunshine tour dates in 2026. Celebrity couples often use tour stops as low-key ways to spend time together in different cities.
- Check the Stage: If you're in New York, Ethan's play Marcel on the Train runs through March 15, 2026. It’s the best place to see him as an individual artist rather than just "Ariana’s boyfriend."