Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have ended their relationship after three years of dating. The two met on the set of the first Wicked film, where Grande earned an Oscar nomination for her role as Glinda.
Grande, one of pop's biggest commercial forces, transitioned into acting with the Wicked adaptation. Her casting as Glinda sparked initial debate among fans, but her Oscar nod validated the studio's choice. Slater, known for his Broadway work and roles in series like "Nickname," co-starred alongside her in the film.
The split marks another chapter in Grande's personal life, which has frequently intersected with her public profile. Her previous high-profile relationship with SNL's Pete Davidson ended in 2018, followed by marriage to real estate agent Dalton Gomez in 2021, from which they separated in 2023.
For the Wicked franchise, the split carries no immediate production impact. The sequel to the first film remains in development, with both actors contracted to reprise their roles. Grande's involvement in Wicked represents a deliberate pivot from her concert-focused career toward acting, a shift that has reshaped her professional identity over the past few years. Slater continues with his acting commitments independent of the franchise.
The news arrives as Grande maintains her presence in music and film simultaneously. Her latest album "eternal sunshine" dropped in 2024, and she recently wrapped vocal work for upcoming projects. The separation itself does not affect either party's contractual obligations to the Wicked saga or their respective careers moving forward.