Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater: Love on the Rocks as Wicked Success Dims

Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande have gone from discussing plans for marriage to struggling to keep hold of their relationship, according to insiders

WICKED ROMANCE GOES FROM WHITE HOT TO ICY COLD!

The curtains have been drawn on the tumultuous romance between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, but will it be a sad finale for this star-crossed couple? Insiders claim that their relationship has been plagued by tension, arguments, and an unhealthy dynamic that's been hiding in plain sight.

It all began when these two industry powerhouses met on the set of Wicked in 2022. Grande was still reeling from her split with Dalton Gomez, while Slater was navigating a high-profile divorce from his wife Lilly Jay, who he shares a child with. Despite the drama that ensued, the two couldn't deny the undeniable chemistry between them.

The pair have not been seen together since April, despite multiple appearances in the months before

Their romance went public just days after news of Grande's split broke, and Slater filed for divorce. The backlash was swift, with many branding Grande as a 'homewrecker' and her PR team scrambling to quash any talk of an affair. But in true celebrity style, they threw caution to the wind and flaunted their romance on the red carpet.

Grande was spotted cuddling up to Slater at numerous high-profile events, including the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Oscars. It seemed like this power couple had the world wrapped around their fingers – or so we thought! Insiders revealed that they were even considering tying the knot in 2023, with some predicting a summer wedding.

But behind closed doors, things weren't as picture-perfect as it appeared. A source close to the couple revealed that they've been on-again, off-again for most of this year. "Ethan chose not to attend the MTV VMAs with Ariana because they'd had an argument just days before," they spilled. "But they made up soon after."

¿Ariana and Ethan have been on and off for most of this year,¿ an insider told the Daily Mail. ¿They¿ve both been running hot and cold with each other¿

It's no secret that their relationship has been under intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Slater himself described Grande's fan base as 'ferocious' and 'intense' in a recent interview, which doesn't exactly bode well for the couple's chances of making it work.

Grande's busy schedule hasn't helped matters either – she's been gearing up for her Eternal Sunshine tour, filming Focker In-Law, and voicing an animated adaptation of Dr Seuss' Oh, The Places You'll Go!. One insider revealed that their relationship is "unhealthy for both" and that they're just keeping it together until after Wicked: For Good premieres.

As the release date looms, speculation has been rife about what's really going on behind the scenes. A recent blind item claimed that Slater won't be allowed to do solo press for the movie, fueling rumors that he might be bringing his ex-girlfriend along as a "protest." Another source revealed that Grande has given strict instructions not to ask about her significant other during interviews – talk about dodging the question!

When news of their romance broke in 2023 Grande had just split from her husband Dalton Gomez while Slater was still married to Lilly Jay (pictured) with whom he had a then one-year-old son

While it seems like their romance is on life support, insiders claim they're trying to keep things together until after Wicked 2 premieres. But will it be a case of too little, too late? One source bluntly stated that "the infatuation has worn off, and some of the novelty has gone." Ouch!

It's clear that this couple is struggling to make their relationship work amidst the chaos of fame, scrutiny, and high-profile careers. But will they find a way to overcome their differences and make it down the aisle – or are we witnessing a romance that's destined for a dramatic finale? Only time (and Wicked: For Good) will tell!

UPDATE: The tension between Grande and Slater has been simmering for months, with sources revealing that they've had their fair share of arguments. But it seems like they're trying to keep the peace – at least until after the movie premieres. Will they make it work or call it quits? Stay tuned for more updates from thescholarlynote.com!

Unsurprisingly, Grande was branded a ¿homewrecker¿ and her PR team went into overdrive, furiously quashing any talk of an affair (pictured during their time on Wicked)