The internet has a weird obsession with checking the pulse of Ariana Grande’s love life every five minutes. Seriously. It’s like a collective sport at this point. One week she’s seen without a ring, and the next, people are writing her digital obituary for her latest relationship.
So, let's get the big question out of the way immediately. Is Ariana Grande single?
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Nope. Not as of early 2026.
Despite the persistent rumors that seem to crop up every time she hits a red carpet alone, she is still very much with her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater. Honestly, the confusion is kind of understandable if you only look at the surface. For example, she just showed up to the 2026 Golden Globes with her best friend Doug Middlebrook instead of Ethan. That’s usually the "bat signal" for a breakup in Hollywood, right? Not this time.
The Ethan Slater Situation: Still Going Strong
It’s been over two years since the world collectively lost its mind over "Ariana and the SpongeBob guy." If you remember the chaos of 2023, you know it wasn't exactly a smooth start. They both came out of marriages—Ariana with Dalton Gomez and Ethan with Lilly Jay—and the timeline was, let's just say, a gift for the tabloids.
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But here we are in 2026, and they’ve survived the initial firestorm.
Sources close to the couple (the real ones, like those reporting to People and TMZ) keep saying the same thing: they are "solid." The reason they aren't constantly touching tongues on a red carpet like it's 2018 is intentional. They’ve moved into a much more private phase. They’re reportedly living like an "old married couple" when the cameras are off—playing board games and binge-watching shows at home. It’s a far cry from the whirlwind PDA of her past relationships with Pete Davidson or Big Sean.
Why the "Single" Rumors Won't Die
People love a "thank u, next" moment. It’s her brand, basically. So when she showed up to the Golden Globes in that stunning black Vivienne Westwood gown without a partner on her arm, the "Ariana is single" searches spiked again.
There’s also the Wicked factor.
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Throughout the press tour for Wicked: For Good (the second part of the movie), Ariana and Ethan were rarely photographed as a couple. This wasn't because they were fighting. It was a strategic move. They didn't want their relationship drama to overshadow the movie or her chemistry with Cynthia Erivo. Ethan apparently "understands the business" and was fine with playing the supportive boyfriend in the shadows while Ari and Cynthia did the heavy lifting for the cameras.
A Timeline Refresher
- July 2023: The news breaks that Ariana and Ethan are a thing.
- March 2024: Ariana’s divorce from Dalton Gomez is legally finalized.
- Late 2024: They start appearing at small events together, but keep it low-key.
- Late 2025: Rumors swirl that they are "on and off," but they shut it down with cozy holiday photos on Instagram.
- January 2026: Ariana attends major awards shows alone, but insiders confirm they are still together and even discussing "the next step."
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Privacy
There’s this misconception that if a celebrity isn't posting their partner, they must be miserable or single. Ariana actually addressed this in a Vanity Fair interview, talking about the "hellish feeling" of watching the world misunderstand the people she loves. She called Ethan a person with a "better heart" than any tabloid could ever describe.
She’s 32 now. She’s been through the ringer with public relationships—some that ended in tragedy and some that ended in messy divorces. It feels like she’s finally figured out that protecting the relationship means keeping the public out of the bedroom.
The Future: Is Marriage on the Horizon?
Believe it or not, some insiders are actually betting on another wedding. Even though her marriage to Dalton Gomez didn't work out, Ari is reportedly still "pro-marriage." There’s been talk among her inner circle that she’s ready for an engagement, though it’ll likely be way more private this time. We’re talking "eloping on a beach" rather than a massive production.
She’s also heading into her Eternal Sunshine tour in 2026. This is a massive professional undertaking, and having Ethan as a stable "home base" seems to be what’s keeping her grounded right now.
What This Means for You
If you’re looking for a definitive answer on her relationship status, look at her actions, not just the red carpet photos. She’s still wearing the subtle nods to him, they’re still spending holidays together, and their families are intertwined.
Here’s the reality of Ariana’s status right now:
- She is not single. She has been in a committed relationship with Ethan Slater for over two years.
- The lack of photos is a choice. It’s about professional boundaries, not personal distance.
- She’s legally single but romantically taken. Since her divorce from Dalton was finalized in early 2024, she hasn't remarried yet.
If you’re a fan, the best move is to focus on the music and the Wicked success. The "single" headlines are mostly just clickbait designed to trigger your "thank u, next" nostalgia. She seems happier in the quiet than she ever did in the noise.
Keep an eye on the Eternal Sunshine tour dates if you want to see her back in her element on stage. That’s where the real story of her current era is being told.