Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have recently offered fans a rare and intimate glimpse into their blossoming relationship, as they continue to celebrate the immense success of Wicked at the box office.
The couple, who have kept their romance private since it began in 2023, were photographed sharing a tender moment at a recent event, with Grande, 31, nuzzling into Slater, 32, in a candid photo alongside co-star Jonathan Bailey.
Though the image was taken from behind, their connection was clear, marking a beautiful chapter in both their personal and professional lives.
Since their relationship was first revealed in mid-2023, following Grande's separation from Dalton Gomez, both Grande and Slater have kept a low profile, focusing on their work while navigating public scrutiny.
Slater, who plays Boq in Wicked, has been a constant source of support for Grande, particularly as she shared emotional interviews with her co-star Cynthia Erivo. The two actresses, who portray Glinda and Elphaba respectively, have been open about the deep emotional connection they formed during production, often holding hands or tearing up during interviews.
Slater, speaking on SiriusXM, praised the emotional depth both women bring to their roles.
"Cynthia and Ariana are so connected to their emotions that it makes their characters more complex and nuanced," he said.
"Wicked is fun, but their bond is what makes it special." He emphasized how both actresses showcase vulnerability while also making their characters-Glinda and Elphaba-remarkably real and relatable.
As for Ariana's performance as Glinda, Slater admires her ability to balance physical comedy with emotional conflict. "She's the best at physical comedy, but also shows how torn Glinda is in her relationship with Elphaba," he explained. "It's incredible to witness up close."
The couple have navigated controversy
The couple's relationship has not been without challenges, especially with the media's intense focus on their personal lives.
Slater, who had recently filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, spoke to GQ about the pressure of constant public speculation. He confessed that it had been difficult to have his private life exposed to such a wide audience, but he remains focused on his personal growth and his love for Grande.
With Wicked continuing to make waves, Ariana and Ethan are finding strength both in their work and in each other.
Their journey together-amid the success of the film and their deepening relationship-shows that they are not just thriving professionally, but also growing stronger as a couple. Despite the scrutiny, their love for each other and their shared commitment to their roles in Wicked remains at the heart of their success.