Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater End Three-Year Relationship

Pop superstar Ariana Grande and actor Ethan Slater have ended their three-year relationship, with sources close to the couple confirming their separation. The pair, who met while working on the film "Wicked," reportedly decided to part ways amicably several months ago.

According to an insider, Grande and Slater "realized they function better as friends than in a romantic relationship." Despite the breakup, they maintain mutual respect and admiration for each other. Grande is reportedly happy and fully focused on the next chapter of her life, including her ongoing 'Eternal Sunshine' tour and the upcoming release of her album 'Petal.'

Their relationship initially garnered significant attention due to the circumstances of its beginning. Both Grande and Slater were married when they met: Grande to Dalton Gomez and Slater to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a three-year-old son, Ezra. In June 2023, Jay publicly criticized Grande, stating, "Ariana is basically the whole story. She is not the type of woman who supports other women."

At the time, sources close to Grande and Slater defended the couple, asserting that Slater and Jay had been separated for two months before Slater began his relationship with Grande. Despite their efforts to maintain privacy, Slater shared intimate photos from a holiday celebration in December, suggesting the relationship was progressing.

Grande appears to be handling her new single status well. She recently opened her highly anticipated 'Eternal Sunshine' tour in Oakland Arena. During a performance of her hit song "Thank U, Next," which is dedicated to past relationships, she humorously referenced her own divorce.