Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have quashed persistent breakup rumors after Slater was photographed backstage at Grande’s Saturday Night Live hosting gig on December 20, 2025, providing clear evidence that their relationship continues to thrive despite months of speculation.
The key clue came from Grande’s longtime friend and Victorious co-star Elizabeth Gillies, who shared a series of Instagram photos from the SNL afterparty. In one image, Slater is visibly seated on a couch in Grande’s dressing room, and in another, his face is partially covered but his distinctive outfit and hairstyle confirm his presence. Gillies captioned the post with a heartfelt message to Grande, writing, “Nobody does it like you, dingus,” and noting the special occasion that included Cher’s performance and the holiday theme. Social media users were quick to spot Slater, with comments like “Ethan was there soooo cute 😭❤️” and “There’s no question about whether they’re still seeing each other,” effectively debunking the split rumors.
Rumors of a breakup had been brewing since earlier this year, as Grande and Slater noticeably reduced public interactions while promoting their film “Wicked: For Good.” During press tours, the couple avoided physical contact and shared few social media posts together, leading fans and media outlets to speculate that their romance had cooled. Some observers even theorized that they might be postponing a breakup announcement until after the film’s November 21 release to avoid affecting its promotional cycle.
In a November interview on the “Today” show, Slater skillfully dodged a direct question about his relationship with Grande, instead praising their professional collaboration by saying, “I’m so proud of everyone I got to work with. We’re, like, a family.” This non-committal response, coupled with their private behavior, only fueled further conjecture. However, insiders close to the couple have consistently maintained that they are still together, and the SNL photos serve as the most concrete proof to date.
Grande and Slater’s relationship began in 2022 on the set of “Wicked,” while both were still married—Grande to real estate agent Dalton Gomez and Slater to Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son. Their respective divorces were finalized in 2023, and their rapid transition into a new romance attracted significant public backlash. Grande addressed the controversy head-on in her January 2024 single “Yes, And?” with lyrics asserting, “Your business is yours, and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose — I ride?” Later that year, in a Vanity Fair interview, she expressed disappointment at the negative portrayal of their love story, calling the criticism “bulls–t” and emphasizing the genuine connection they share.
The confirmation of their ongoing relationship comes at a time when both stars are navigating post-“Wicked” careers. Grande has been focusing on her music and recent SNL appearance, while Slater continues his work in theater and film. Their ability to maintain a strong bond amid constant scrutiny speaks to their commitment to each other, and fans have largely welcomed the news with support and relief.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how Grande and Slater will balance their public and private lives. They may choose to keep a lower profile to avoid future rumors, or they might occasionally share moments together to satisfy public curiosity. Regardless, this episode underscores the challenges celebrity couples face in managing perceptions while preserving the authenticity of their relationships. For now, the evidence from SNL suggests that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are indeed still going strong, putting split rumors to rest.
