Honestly, trying to keep up with Ariana Grande’s love life feels a bit like trying to track a storm—it’s fast, high-stakes, and usually involves a lot of noise. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or X lately, you’ve probably seen the "is she or isn't she" posts flying around. So, let's just get the big question out of the way immediately: Does Ariana Grande have a boyfriend?
As of January 2026, the answer is still a resounding yes. She is still dating her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater.
Despite the constant "breakup soft launch" rumors that seem to pop up every Tuesday, the two appear to be very much a thing. But it’s not exactly the whirlwind, public-facing romance we saw during her Pete Davidson era. It’s different now. It’s quieter. Maybe a little more protective.
The State of Ariana and Ethan Slater in 2026
If you’re looking for them to do a joint red carpet every weekend, you’re going to be disappointed. They’ve been playing it extremely safe. For instance, just a few days ago at the 2026 Golden Globes, Ariana didn't walk the carpet with Ethan. Instead, she showed up with her longtime best friend, Doug Middlebrook.
Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin. "Where's Ethan?" "Are they done?" "Is she single again?"
Actually, insiders are saying it’s a strategic move. After the massive "homewrecker" narrative that dominated the headlines when they first got together in 2023, they’ve realized that being seen together too much actually hurts the Wicked brand. They want the focus on Glinda and Boq, not on the messy timeline of their actual divorces.
Why people think they’re over (and why they’re wrong)
Rumors are cheap. Here’s why the "split" chatter keeps happening:
- Solo Appearances: She’s been doing the awards circuit mostly solo or with her "Wicked sister" Cynthia Erivo.
- The PR Trickle: There’s a theory on Reddit that they’re "performing" a relationship until the Wicked: For Good (Part 2) hype dies down.
- Lack of PDA: They aren't exactly "Instagram official" in the way we’re used to.
But look at the facts. In late December 2025, Ethan was backstage at Saturday Night Live supporting her. He’s been spotted in the background of her friends' photos, like Liz Gillies’ Instagram stories. They’re "like an old married couple at home," according to sources close to the camp. They’re reportedly binging shows and playing board games in New York rather than hitting the club.
The "Whole Enchilada": Are Wedding Bells Next?
Here is the part that might shock you. While half the internet is waiting for a breakup announcement, the other half is hearing whispers of an elopement.
Sources have recently leaked that Ariana is "pro-marriage" despite her divorce from Dalton Gomez being finalized just a couple of years ago. There’s even talk that she’s ready for "the whole enchilada"—meaning she’s looking at 2026 as the year to potentially settle down and start a family.
"She’s been dropping hints that it’s time for him to put a ring on her finger," a source told RadarOnline earlier this month.
Whether or not Ethan has a diamond hidden in a drawer somewhere remains to be seen, but the vibe is definitely "serious" rather than "situationship."
How We Got Here: The Messy Timeline
You can't talk about her current boyfriend without acknowledging the baggage. It was a lot.
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- Late 2022: Filming for Wicked begins in London. Both are married. Ariana to Dalton Gomez, Ethan to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay.
- January 2023: Ariana and Dalton quietly separate.
- July 2023: The news breaks. Ariana is dating the "SpongeBob" guy.
- The Fallout: Lilly Jay famously told Page Six that Ariana is "not a girl’s girl" and that her family was "collateral damage."
Ariana basically went into hiding after that, only coming out to release Eternal Sunshine in 2024. If you listen to the lyrics of "Yes, And?", she pretty much told everyone to mind their own business regarding who she chooses to sleep with. It was a bold move, and it worked. The fans stayed loyal.
Does Ariana Grande Have a Boyfriend? A History of Her "Types"
Ariana’s dating history is basically a catalog of "talented men with slightly chaotic energy."
- The Rappers: Big Sean and the late Mac Miller. Her relationship with Mac remains the most poignant for fans, especially after her recent emotional comments on a podcast about how much he supported her early career.
- The Comedian: Pete Davidson. The "BDE" era. Two months of dating, an engagement, and then... "Thank U, Next."
- The "Normal" Guy: Dalton Gomez. A luxury real estate agent. It was supposed to be her "quiet" life, but the pandemic-era marriage didn't survive the transition back to her being a global superstar.
- The Theater Kid: Ethan Slater. This feels like a return to her roots. Don't forget, Ariana started on Broadway in 13.
What to Expect From Her Relationship in 2026
If you’re waiting for a massive, televised wedding, don’t hold your breath. The word on the street is that if they do get married, it’ll be a "secret elopement" style ceremony. She’s done the big public spectacles, and after the backlash of 2023, she seems to prefer keeping Ethan in the "inner circle" only.
Right now, she's focusing on her 2026 Eternal Sunshine Tour. Touring is a relationship killer for most celebs, but Ethan has his own career in theater and film—he’s currently working on a project about Marcel Marceau. Being busy might actually be the thing that keeps them stable.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to know the actual status of her relationship without the tabloid fluff, watch the "inner circle" social media.
- Follow Doug Middlebrook and Liz Gillies: They often post the "unfiltered" hangouts where Ethan usually appears in the background.
- Ignore the "blind items": Most sites like DeuxMoi get "Ariana broke up" tips daily because it’s easy engagement.
- Watch the Oscars: If Ethan is her plus-one for the Academy Awards this year, consider that the ultimate confirmation that they’re going the distance.
The "homewrecker" labels have mostly faded, replaced by a quiet curiosity. Whether you love them together or still find it "kinda weird," Ariana seems happier than she’s been in years. And in the world of pop stardom, that’s a rare win.
Next Step: Keep an eye on Ethan Slater's Instagram stories around the tour dates—he's known to post subtle "supportive boyfriend" snaps from the wings of the stage.