Pop star Ariana Grande has apparently moved on after split from husband Dalton Gomez. According to sources, the “Thank You, Next” singer is now romantically involved with her “Wicked” co-star and Broadway alum Ethan Slater. Grande, 30 and 31-year-old Slater, who previously starred in the “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical on Broadway, will both feature in the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked.”
The news of their relationship emerged after Grande and Dalton’s separation. One source confirmed, “Ariana and Dalton separated in January. She and Ethan recently began dating, and he is separated from his wife.” Both stars’ representatives have yet to comment on the matter.
In Universal’s film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Grande is set to portray Glinda, while Slater will take on the role of Boq, the love interest of Elphaba’s sister Nessarose. The movie commenced shooting in the U.K. last year and was initially slated for release in November 2024, although potential impacts from the SAG-AFTRA strike on its premiere are uncertain.
Grande’s busy work schedule on the “Wicked” movie in England reportedly contributed to the strain in her marriage with Dalton. A source revealed, “She was happy in Los Angeles for a couple of years. She wanted to make a life there with Dalton. He is super focused on his career and needs to live in Los Angeles. It’s definitely been an issue for them. Dalton’s career is demanding and he can’t leave Los Angeles often. So when [Grande] started filming Wicked in England, they were in for a long-distance marriage.”
Although their marriage ultimately didn’t work out, Grande spoke highly of Dalton during their time together. The sources also revealed thats Dalton was “her number one fan” throughout their relationship.
Meanwhile, Ethan Slater who had been married to high school classmate Lilly Jay since November 2018, recently welcomed his first child with Lilly, a son, but it remains unclear when they decided to part ways.
Slater’s rise to fame came with his role as the title character in the Broadway musical “SpongeBob SquarePants,” which earned him a Tony Award nomination in 2018. He described landing the role as “a stroke of luck,” having met the show’s casting director during a theater apprenticeship.
As the “Wicked” film adaptation progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on both Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, eagerly awaiting their on-screen chemistry in the magical world of Oz.
