Pop superstar Ariana Grande and her boyfriend, Broadway actor Ethan Slater, have once again silenced persistent breakup speculation, this time through a subtle but telling backstage presence during Grande's hosting stint on Saturday Night Live on December 20, 2025. While the couple opted not to appear together publicly on the red carpet or in official photos, Slater was captured in intimate behind-the-scenes snapshots shared by Grande's longtime friend and former Victorious co-star, Elizabeth Gillies.
Gillies posted a carousel of images on Instagram on December 21, showcasing the festive atmosphere in Grande's green room and dressing area at Studio 8H in New York City. In the photos, Slater, 33, appears relaxed and comfortable, lounging on a couch alongside Gillies and fellow performer Aaron Simon Gross in one shot. Another image shows the group toasting with champagne, further highlighting Slater's supportive role during the high-profile episode. Gillies captioned the post effusively: “Nobody does it like you, dingus. What a treat it is to watch you use your many talents and gifts and use them so effortlessly well. Another brilliant episode.” She also noted special moments from the night, including surprise appearances and the holiday theme, with musical guest Cher.
This marks Grande's third time hosting SNL, and the episode coincided with emotional farewells, including cast member Bowen Yang's final appearance after seven seasons—a poignant tie-in given Yang's role in Wicked: For Good alongside Grande and Slater. The sighting of Slater backstage comes as a direct counter to months of rumors suggesting the pair had parted ways or were experiencing an "on-and-off" dynamic.
Just days prior, on December 18, Grande herself addressed the chatter by sharing a rare video on her Instagram Stories featuring Slater discussing his character's challenging arc in the newly released Wicked: For Good. In the clip, Slater reflects on portraying Boq, who transforms into the Tin Man, describing it as a "hard arc" due to its familiarity to audiences. Grande's decision to post this was seen as a deliberate move to affirm their ongoing relationship, especially since she rarely features Slater directly on her social media.
The couple's romance, which began in July 2023 amid filming the Wicked duology, has been under intense scrutiny from the start. News broke shortly after Grande's separation from ex-husband Dalton Gomez and while Slater was finalizing his divorce from Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young son. Initial reports drew criticism over the timing, but sources close to the pair have consistently described their bond as genuine, rooted in shared theater passions and mutual support.
Earlier signs of solidarity emerged in November 2025 during the promotional tour for Wicked: For Good. The duo attended the New York City premiere together, posing in group photos, and insiders reported affectionate moments backstage at other events. Despite keeping a low profile compared to the first film's press junket—attributed partly to avoiding tabloid frenzy—they have occasionally liked each other's posts and shown subtle support online.
Fans had fueled split rumors throughout 2025, pointing to periods of no public sightings, alleged distance during international premieres, and anonymous tips suggesting Slater felt overwhelmed by Grande's fame. However, multiple outlets confirmed in November that the relationship remained strong, with one source noting the couple was "better than ever" despite external pressures.
Grande, 32, and Slater met on the London set of Wicked in late 2022, bonding over their roles as Glinda and Boq. Their onscreen chemistry translated offscreen, leading to a relationship that has weathered significant public backlash. Both have focused on their careers: Grande with her music and the blockbuster films, and Slater continuing his Broadway work while navigating fatherhood and co-parenting.
This latest SNL appearance reinforces that Grande and Slater are committed, prioritizing privacy while quietly debunking narratives of discord. As the holiday season unfolds, their low-key support for each other—evident in green room hangs and shared professional pride—paints a picture of a stable partnership amid Hollywood's glare.
