Ariana Grande and actor Ethan Slater, who met while filming the two‑part "Wicked" movie, announced an amicable breakup on June 8, 2025 after almost three years together.. Both had finalized divorces in 2024—Grande from Dalton Gomez and Slater from Lilly Jay—before their relationship went public in mid‑2023.

July 2023: First reports of a "fairly new" romance

Media outlets first reported the pair dating in July 2023, describing the connection as "fairly new" while they promoted the upcoming "Wicked" adaptation. According to those reports, their on‑set chemistry quickly turned into a deeper bond, sparking intense fan speculation.

2024 divorces: Parallel endings that cleared the way

Grande’s divorce from real‑estate agent Dalton Gomez was finalized in 2024, and Slater’s split from actress Lilly Jay was settled the same year. The timing of these legal closures, as noted by insiders, allowed both stars to pursue a relationship without the baggage of ongoing marital ties.

June 8 , 2025 amicable split announced

Representatives confirmed the breakup on June 8, 2025, emphasizing that the decision was mutual and thoughtfully considered. A source close to the couple said, "It's amicable. They gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways. They are still friends and very supportive of one another." This statement, reported by multiple outlets, underscores the respectful tone of the separation.

Cynthia Erivo on public scrutiny of close friendships

Co‑star Cynthia Erivo reflected on the media’s fascination with Grande’s friendships, noting that audiences struggled to accept platonic bonds between women and between co‑stars.. Erivo’s comments, cited in the source article, place the Grande‑Slater narrative within a larger conversation about how celebrity reltionships are interpreted.

What remains unclear about Grande’s next steps?

While Grande continues to promote her music and the "Wicked" films, the source does not specify any upcoming projects she may prioritize now that she is single. Similarly, Slater’s future stage and screen commitents are mentioned only in broad terms, leaving fans to wonder which roles he will tackle next.