Everything to Know About Ariana Grande and Her New Boyfriend, SpongeBob

Ariana Grande, the pint-sized powerhouse of pop, is no stranger to the tabloids, but her latest romance has caught everyone by surprise. Move over, Pete Davidson and Dalton Gomez—there’s a new man in Ari’s life. And no, it’s not some high-profile billionaire or A-list actor. It’s none other than SpongeBob himself—well, not SpongeBob, but Ethan Slater, the actor who’s most famously known for portraying the underwater sponge on Broadway. Yes, you read that right: Ariana Grande is dating SpongeBob.

Okay, okay, let’s dial it back for a second. Ethan Slater isn’t literally a talking sponge from Bikini Bottom. He’s a talented actor and singer who originated the role of SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway adaptation of the hit animated series. But with all the hullabaloo surrounding their unexpected romance, we figured it’s time to dive deep (pun intended) into who Ethan is, how he caught Ariana’s eye, and what this curious pairing might mean for both of their careers.

The Scoop on Ethan Slater: More Than Just SpongeBob

Before we get too carried away, let’s give Ethan Slater the recognition he deserves. Born in 1992, Ethan is a New York native with a resume that goes far beyond his portrayal of SpongeBob. He’s an accomplished Broadway performer who has also starred in shows like Assassins and The SpongeBob Musical (in which he won rave reviews for his portrayal of the iconic sea sponge).

While most people associate Ethan with his bright yellow costume and high-pitched voice, it’s important to remember that he is an accomplished actor and singer. He’s also a talented musician, and his work outside of SpongeBob demonstrates his versatility in the theater world.

Ariana herself isn’t the first to notice his charm. His raw talent has been a big part of why Ethan’s career has gained traction, but there’s no denying that his Broadway gig introduced him to a broader audience—including one very famous pop star.

How Did Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Meet?

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater’s connection goes back to 2023, when Ariana signed on to star in the film adaptation of Wicked. Ariana, who will play Glinda, and Ethan, who is set to appear as Boq, are part of a massive cast that includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. They first met on set, and rumors of a budding relationship began circulating not long after.

Ariana was still married to Dalton Gomez, but her professional chemistry with Ethan was undeniable. While the two had a close working relationship in Wicked, Ariana was still in the midst of navigating her personal life. When news broke of Ariana and Dalton’s split in 2023, many were surprised—but no one was prepared for what happened next.

Reports suggest that Ariana and Ethan became close during production, bonding over their shared experiences in the entertainment world. Both of them have the ability to turn heads in their respective industries, but they’ve also endured the pressure of being in the public eye. And as anyone who has seen Ariana Grande’s social media posts can tell you, she’s a master of keeping her personal life under wraps, even as fans are always keen to know more.

But it didn’t take long before the tabloids started putting two and two together, and before we knew it, Ariana and Ethan were spotted out in public, sparking rumors of a romance. Their relationship has been low-key, but the signs have been there for those willing to read between the lines.

Is It Really Love? Or Just a Hollywood Fling?

You may be wondering: What’s the deal with this relationship? Is it just a passing Hollywood fling, or is there something real brewing between these two? The truth is, it’s too early to say for sure, but there are a few key factors that suggest this relationship could be more than just a “fling.”

First, let’s talk about the timing. Ariana had just come off a high-profile marriage and a whirlwind romance with Dalton Gomez, so she might have been looking for something different—something genuine. Ethan, meanwhile, was also going through his own personal changes. In addition to his successful career, he was navigating his divorce from his wife, Lilly Jay. The two had been married for several years before their split, which reportedly came about after Ethan and Ariana’s connection grew closer.

Second, the pair seem to share a lot of common interests. Both Ariana and Ethan have deep roots in the entertainment industry, but they also share a love for musicals, theater, and Broadway—something that has brought them closer together both professionally and personally. While Ariana has dabbled in acting (remember her Victorious days? ), her love for the musical world has only grown since she joined Wicked.

Ethan’s stage presence and acting chops seem to have impressed Ariana, who has always valued talent and passion in her relationships. In addition, Ethan’s low-key, down-to-earth personality is a nice contrast to the fast-paced, high-pressure world that Ariana often operates in. For someone who’s spent most of her life in the spotlight, it must be refreshing for Ariana to be with someone who doesn’t seem to crave the same level of fame.

What’s the Media Buzz Around This Relationship?

As you can imagine, the media’s reaction to this romance has been, well, interesting. From memes poking fun at the fact that Ariana’s new boyfriend was once the star of a kid’s show to gushing fan reactions about their on-screen chemistry, the buzz surrounding Ariana and Ethan has been non-stop. And, naturally, there are those who are still skeptical of their relationship, questioning whether it’s just a publicity stunt or a true love story.

Ariana, however, has been relatively quiet about her personal life, preferring to keep the focus on her career. But as one of the most beloved pop stars in the world, her romantic choices always seem to spark conversation—and this one is no exception. Whether or not she’s ready to publicly embrace this relationship, it’s clear that Ariana and Ethan share something special.

So, What’s Next for Ariana and Ethan?

While Ariana and Ethan’s relationship is still fresh, there are already whispers about how it might impact their careers. For Ariana, her involvement in Wicked will likely continue to keep her in the public eye, but it’s also an opportunity to explore new sides of her artistry. She’ll likely balance her career with her personal life, which includes her new relationship with Ethan.

As for Ethan, his work on Wicked will undoubtedly continue to shine, but his newfound relationship with Ariana could also bring even more attention to his already impressive career. In Hollywood, a romance like this can do wonders for an actor’s visibility—whether that’s positive or negative.

In the meantime, we’ll be eagerly watching to see how this unexpected couple navigates their relationship, all while keeping fans on the edge of their seats with their musical and acting careers. If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Ariana and Ethan are bound to make waves in more ways than one.