Ariana Grande has been under a microscope for over a decade. It’s a lot. Every time she steps out with someone new, the internet basically has a collective meltdown. From the "Sweetener" days to the "Wicked" era, her love life has shifted from whirlwind engagements to quiet, long-term partnerships—and everything in between.
Honestly, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. One minute she’s posting a blurry black-and-white photo on Instagram, and the next, she’s singing a chart-topping anthem about her exes. If you’ve ever found yourself confused about when things started with Dalton Gomez or why everyone was so obsessed with her and Pete Davidson back in 2018, you're not alone. Here is the actual, fact-checked breakdown of the Ariana Grande dating timeline, minus the tabloid fluff.
The Early Years: Broadway and YouTube Drama
Before she was a global pop icon, Ariana was a teenager on Broadway. That’s where she met Graham Phillips. They were both 15, starring in the musical 13. It wasn’t just a showmance; they dated from 2008 to 2011. They even recorded a song together called "Stick Around." They’re still friendly today, which is kinda rare for teenage love.
Then came the Jai Brooks era. This one was messy.
Jai was part of the Australian YouTube group The Janoskians. They started long-distance in 2012 after Jai and his brother had a "competition" to see who could get her attention. Wild, right? They met in person for the first time on New Year's Eve in 2013.
But things went south fast.
They broke up in August 2013, and Jai publicly accused her of cheating with Nathan Sykes from The Wanted. Ariana denied it, but she did date Nathan for about five months after their collab "Almost Is Never Enough." By early 2014, she and Jai actually got back together briefly, only to end things for good that summer.
The Big Sean and Ricky Alvarez Chapters
In late 2014, things got serious with Big Sean. They had worked together on "Right There" and "Problem," so the chemistry was already there. They made their debut as a couple at the 2015 Grammys. They looked perfect on the red carpet, but by April 2015, they called it quits. The official line was "conflicting tour schedules," though Naya Rivera’s memoir later hinted at some overlap between her relationship with Sean and Ariana’s arrival.
After Sean, there was Ricky Alvarez. He was her backup dancer. You probably remember him from the infamous "donut-gate" video in 2015—yes, he was the guy she was with in the shop. They dated for about a year. He’s the one she’s talking about in "Thank U, Next" when she says, "Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh."
Mac Miller: A Connection That Still Matters
The relationship with Mac Miller is the one fans still talk about with the most emotion. They first collaborated on "The Way" back in 2013, but they didn't start dating until 2016. For two years, they were inseparable. They supported each other through some of the hardest moments, including the tragic Manchester bombing.
When they broke up in May 2018, it felt sudden. Ariana called him one of her best friends in the world. Sadly, Mac passed away just a few months later in September 2018. The impact he had on her life—and her music—is undeniable. Songs like "Ghostin" and "Imagine" are widely believed to be about him, showing just how deep that bond went.
The Pete Davidson Whirlwind
If 2018 felt like a fever dream, it’s probably because of Pete Davidson. They started dating in May, right after her split from Mac. Within weeks, they were engaged. It was everywhere. He got tattoos for her; she named a song after him.
But it was too much, too fast.
Following Mac Miller’s death in September, the relationship struggled under the weight of the tragedy and the intense public pressure. By October 2018, the engagement was off. It was a chaotic few months that defined the Thank U, Next era.
Marriage and Privacy: Dalton Gomez
After the Pete Davidson frenzy, Ariana went quiet. She spent some time single (or at least out of the spotlight) until early 2020. That’s when she was spotted with Dalton Gomez, a luxury real estate agent.
Unlike her previous boyfriends, Dalton wasn’t a celebrity. They quarantined together during the pandemic, which basically fast-tracked their relationship.
- December 2020: They announced their engagement.
- May 2021: They got married in a tiny, private ceremony at her home in Montecito.
For a while, it seemed like she had found her "forever." They stayed mostly private, only sharing occasional photos. However, by early 2023, rumors began to swirl when Ariana was seen without her wedding ring at Wimbledon. They separated in January 2023 and finalized their divorce in early 2024.
The Wicked Era: Ethan Slater
This brings us to the present. While filming the Wicked movie in London, Ariana met Ethan Slater, who plays Boq. News of their relationship broke in July 2023, shortly after both had separated from their respective spouses.
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It hasn't been without controversy. Ethan was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, and they had recently welcomed a child. The timeline was heavily scrutinized by the media, with many questioning when exactly the romance started.
As of early 2026, Ariana and Ethan are still going strong. They’ve moved from being "low-key" to appearing together at major events like the Golden Globes and the Wicked: For Good premieres. Sources close to the couple suggest they are "the real deal" and have even discussed taking the next step, though they prefer to keep the details away from the cameras.
Summary of Major Relationships
| Partner | Years | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Phillips | 2008–2011 | Ex-boyfriend / Friends |
| Jai Brooks | 2012–2014 | On-and-off Ex |
| Big Sean | 2014–2015 | Ex-boyfriend |
| Ricky Alvarez | 2015–2016 | Ex-boyfriend |
| Mac Miller | 2016–2018 | Late Ex-boyfriend |
| Pete Davidson | 2018 | Ex-fiancé |
| Dalton Gomez | 2020–2023 | Ex-husband |
| Ethan Slater | 2023–Present | Current Boyfriend |
What We Can Learn From the Timeline
Looking back at this history, it’s clear that Ariana’s dating life often mirrors her creative output. She’s an artist who wears her heart on her sleeve—or rather, in her lyrics. From the heartbreak of Eternal Sunshine to the empowerment of Positions, her relationships are the catalyst for her growth.
If you’re looking to stay updated on what’s next for Ariana, the best thing to do is watch for her own confirmations. She’s become much more protective of her private life lately. Following her official social media accounts or reputable entertainment news outlets like People or Variety is usually more reliable than the "blind items" you see on TikTok.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to "Eternal Sunshine": Many tracks on her latest album provide her perspective on the end of her marriage and the start of her new relationship.
- Check the Wicked Press Tour: If you want to see her and Ethan together, the promotional footage for the Wicked sequels offers the most recent public glimpses of their dynamic.
- Verify Timelines: When new rumors surface, cross-reference them with established dates of her separations to avoid falling for "clickbait" narratives.