If you’ve been scrolling through social media in the past week, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the captivating images of Ariana Grande and her newfound love, Ethan Slater. The controversial couple was recently spotted on a dinner date in New York City, both donning sleek black outfits and sporting mildly surprised expressions. Joining them was Ariana’s father, Ed Butera, and the group even attended Slater’s Broadway performance, a testament to the seriousness of their relationship.
Ariana generously shared highlights from their evening on her Instagram, offering fans a glimpse into their pre-Christmas celebration, complete with a cheeky SPAM ornament—a nod to Slater’s show, Spamalot. This playful gesture underscores Grande’s commitment to the relationship. However, one detail that truly shocked many fans was the uncanny resemblance between Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater.
Despite not sharing identical facial features, observers couldn’t help but notice a striking similarity in their appearance. This could be attributed to makeup, lighting, or the skills of the paparazzi capturing the moment. Yet, there’s another intriguing possibility—love. Psychological theories suggest that couples tend to develop a synergy, replicating each other’s habits, speech patterns, and even facial expressions through romantic empathy.
Ariana and Ethan, who reportedly began cohabiting in New York, align with these theories, spending extensive time together. Some netizens have even pointed out the resemblance between Ethan and Ariana’s brother. In essence, their romantic ship is sailing amidst controversies and backlash.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s Relationship Timeline
The journey of Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s relationship has been a rollercoaster. Rumors began in November 2022 when they met on the set of Wicked as co-stars. Both artists were then married to different people, with Ariana reportedly going through a rough patch with her husband, Dalton Gomez.
The first set of dating rumors surfaced in March 2023 when sources claimed Grande and Slater were ‘all over each other‘ at Michelle Yeoh’s Oscars Party. In May, Slater posted a Mother’s Day tribute for his wife, Lilly Jay, but by July, news broke of Ariana and Dalton heading towards divorce.
In a whirlwind of events, Slater filed for divorce, and Jay expressed heartbreak, claiming she was blindsided. By September, a close friend clarified that the relationship wasn’t as scandalous as it seemed, and they started seeing each other after the separation.
Despite facing scrutiny and taking things slow, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have navigated through on-and-off moments, celebrating milestones such as a trip to Disney World in September, cozy hours in the MO Lounge of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in October, and a festive Christmas tree adorned with a SPAM ornament in December.
As the new year unfolds, the couple’s evolving romance will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and critics alike, curious to see where their journey takes them.