Ariana Grande and her *Wicked* co-star Ethan Slater have ended their relationship after nearly three years together. The split, which was confirmed on June 8, 2026, follows a period of public scrutiny regarding their connection, which began after the two met on the set of the film.
The Breakup Details
According to reports, the couple reached the decision to separate after giving the matter careful consideration. The split is described as amicable. While the pair had previously faced speculation regarding the timeline of their romance—specifically claims that their relationship overlapped with their respective marriages—they maintained a private approach to their personal lives. Ethan Slater finalized his divorce from Lily Jay in 2024, and the two share a son. Ariana Grande’s divorce from Dalton Gomez was finalized in late 2023.
Lyric Changes at the Eternal Sunshine Tour
The breakup news followed a notable moment during the opening night of Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour in Oakland, California, on June 6, 2026. During a performance of her hit song “Thank U, Next,” Grande altered the lyrics in the bridge.
In the original version of the track, Grande sang: “One day I’ll walk down the aisle holding hands with my mama / I’ll be thanking my dad, ‘cause she grew from the drama.” During the Oakland show, she changed the line to: “We all grew from the drama.”
The artist also omitted the subsequent line, “Only wanna do it once real bad, gonna make that s–t last.” Instead of singing, she held up two fingers, offered a knowing look to the audience, and laughed. These changes were interpreted by fans and observers as an allusion to her personal history, including her parents’ 2002 divorce and her own split from Dalton Gomez, whom she married in 2021.
Context of the Relationship
The relationship between Grande and Slater became a subject of significant media interest upon its inception. Both parties were previously married when they began working together on the set of *Wicked*. Throughout their time together, Grande was candid about the challenges they faced due to the intense public focus on their private lives. Despite these pressures, the pair remained together for nearly three years before deciding to go their separate ways. As of June 2026, both individuals are moving forward independently following the quiet conclusion of their partnership.