Actor Ethan Slater publicly praised Ariana Grande, describing her as a genius in a recent interview. The two performers met while collaborating on the Broadway musical Wicked, where their professional paths crossed and a personal rapport began to form. Slater stressed Grande’s extraordinary vocal command and her knack for blending sharp humor with genuine emotion, suggesting her presence elevates every scene. Their onstage collaboration deepened into a real connection that captured the attention of fans across the United States and Canada. [Citation: interview]
Grande’s rise in music and theatre kept pace with Slater’s own stage career. He is known for his leading role in the Broadway adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants, a part that has made him a recognizable figure for theatre lovers from coast to coast. In describing Grande, Slater emphasized her versatility and fearless approach to performance, noting that she can switch from playful banter to heartfelt vulnerability in the same moment. Their shared project offered audiences a fresh energy, and critics recognized the natural compatibility between their talents as they brought the Wicked world to life on stage. [Citation: career context]
In the fall of 2023, reports emerged that Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez filed for divorce. The process was described as being driven by irreconcilable differences, with the couple having not been together as a couple for some time. The timeline suggested a gradual, private dissolution rather than a dramatic split, and both parties proceeded with care toward finalizing the arrangements. This personal news intersected with Grande’s ongoing professional work, including touring and high-profile stage performances that kept her in the public eye in North America. [Citation: timeline]
After the separation, Grande began dating Slater, and the two later starred together in Wicked, reinforcing a strong onstage relationship that expanded into real-life warmth. Slater’s established theatre credentials, especially his celebrated Broadway work in SpongeBob SquarePants, helped anchor their joint appearances for audiences across the United States and Canada. Entertainment circles discussed how their pairing represented a bridge between contemporary pop stardom and live theatre performance, a dynamic that drew ongoing interest as Wicked moved through various productions and potential adaptations. [Citation: collaboration context]
Earlier coverage noted scrutiny of Grande’s public responses to controversial moments, illustrating how a prominent artist can face vocal opinions from fans and critics alike. The ongoing story of Grande and Slater shows how personal life and professional projects entwine in the world of entertainment. The focus now remains on Wicked, where their partnership continues to shape performances that resonate with audiences in Canada and the United States. [Citation: media coverage]