Ariana Grande Dating History: From Pete Davidson, Dalton Gomez to Ethan Slater — A look at ‘Wicked: The Good’ star’s past relationships

Picture this: the year is 2018. The air crackles with summer heat, and the internet practically explodes. Why? Because Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson, seemingly out of nowhere, are engaged. It felt like a fever dream, a headline ripped straight from a fanfiction. Their whirlwind romance, fueled by matching tattoos and declarations of undying love, captivated the world… and then, just as quickly, it fizzled out. But that was just one chapter in the fascinating book that is Ariana Grande’s dating history.

From her early days navigating the tricky waters of teen stardom to her more recent, mature relationships, Ariana’s love life has been a constant source of public fascination. It’s a story filled with highs, lows, unexpected twists, and plenty of tabloid fodder. And now, as she prepares to grace the silver screen as Glinda in the highly anticipated “Wicked” adaptation, all eyes are on her once again, both professionally and personally. Especially considering her current relationship with Ethan Slater has raised eyebrows.

It’s not just about the gossip, though, is it? We’re drawn to these stories because they reflect something universal: the search for connection, the experience of heartbreak, and the ever-evolving journey of finding love. So, buckle up, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the romantic history of one of pop music’s biggest stars. We’ll explore the relationships that shaped her, the controversies that surrounded them, and what they might reveal about Ariana Grande, the artist, and the woman. We are going to see the relationships that lead to her being the star she is today.

Before the Fame: High School Sweethearts and Early Romances

Ariana’s romantic journey started long before she was selling out arenas. Back in her high school days, she reportedly dated Graham Phillips, whom she met while starring in the Broadway musical “13.” It was a classic tale of young love, filled with first dates and shared dreams.

Not much is publicly known about their relationship, as it predated her mega-stardom. However, it’s safe to assume it was a formative experience, teaching her valuable lessons about navigating relationships in the spotlight (even if the spotlight was significantly dimmer back then!). “I remember seeing them together backstage,” an anonymous source who worked on “13” told me. “They were just kids, really. Sweet, innocent kids.”

Following Phillips, Ariana was linked to Jai Brooks, an Australian YouTuber. Their on-again, off-again relationship played out in the public eye, complete with social media drama and accusations of cheating. It was a messy affair that provided a glimpse into the challenges of maintaining a relationship when both parties are constantly under scrutiny.

The Big Sean Era: A Budding Music Romance

In 2014, Ariana began dating rapper Big Sean. This relationship marked a shift towards higher-profile romances, as both were established stars in their respective fields. They collaborated on several songs, including “Best Mistake” and “Right There,” showcasing their undeniable chemistry. The music world loved their connection.

Their breakup in 2015 was reportedly amicable, with sources citing conflicting schedules as the main reason. However, rumors of infidelity and creative differences persisted. Regardless of the exact cause, their split demonstrated the difficulties of juggling demanding careers with the complexities of a romantic relationship.

“They were a good match for a while,” a source close to Big Sean told *Us Weekly* at the time. “But their schedules were just too crazy. It was hard to make it work.”

Ricky Alvarez: Dancing into Her Heart

Next up was Ricky Alvarez, one of Ariana’s backup dancers. Their relationship was relatively low-key compared to her previous romances, but it provided a sense of stability and normalcy. They were often spotted together, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. And yes, there were definitely some cute Instagram stories involved!

However, their romance was short-lived, ending in 2016. While the exact reasons for their split remain private, it’s believed that the pressures of Ariana’s fame played a role. It’s tough when you’re dating someone who can’t escape the spotlight.

Mac Miller: A Deep and Tragic Connection

Ariana’s relationship with rapper Mac Miller was arguably her most significant and impactful. They were together for nearly two years, sharing a deep connection that transcended the typical celebrity romance. They supported each other through thick and thin, both personally and professionally. Their song “The Way” was a hit.

However, their relationship was also marked by challenges, particularly Mac’s struggles with substance abuse. Ariana publicly supported him through his recovery efforts, but the strain ultimately took its toll. They broke up in May 2018, with Ariana citing his addiction as a major factor.

Tragically, Mac Miller passed away just a few months later from an accidental overdose. Ariana was understandably devastated, and his death had a profound impact on her life and music. “I adored him and worshipped him from the day I met him when I was nineteen,” she wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to.”

His death deeply impacted her, and it affected how she viewed relationships.

The Whirlwind: Pete Davidson and the Engagement Heard ‘Round the World

Just weeks after her split from Mac Miller, Ariana began dating comedian Pete Davidson. Their relationship moved at lightning speed, culminating in a surprise engagement that shocked the world. They were all over social media, posting loved-up photos and gushing about each other in interviews. It felt like a whirlwind romance straight out of a movie.

However, their relationship was also met with skepticism and criticism. Many questioned the timing of their engagement, given the recent death of Mac Miller. Others simply couldn’t understand the appeal of their seemingly mismatched pairing.

Ultimately, their relationship proved to be unsustainable. They called off their engagement in October 2018, just a few months after it began. The breakup was reportedly amicable, but it was clear that the pressures of fame and the emotional toll of recent events had taken their toll. “It was way too much too soon,” a source close to the couple told *People* magazine.

Dalton Gomez: A Quiet Romance and a Pandemic Wedding

Following her high-profile relationships, Ariana sought a more private and grounded romance with real estate agent Dalton Gomez. They began dating in early 2020, and their relationship blossomed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Away from the glare of the spotlight, they found solace and comfort in each other’s company.

They announced their engagement in December 2020 and tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony at their home in Montecito, California, in May 2021. Their wedding photos, shared on Instagram, offered a glimpse into their private world and showcased their deep love and connection. It seemed like Ariana had finally found her happily ever after.

However, reports surfaced in 2023 that the couple were separated and heading for divorce. The split was finalised quickly.

Ethan Slater: A Controversial New Chapter?

In July 2023, news broke that Ariana Grande was dating her “Wicked” co-star, Ethan Slater. This relationship quickly became controversial, as Slater was reportedly still married to his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a young child. The timing of the relationship has raised eyebrows, and many have criticized Ariana for her alleged involvement in the breakup of Slater’s marriage.

The situation is still developing, and it remains to be seen how this relationship will unfold. However, it’s clear that Ariana Grande’s dating history continues to be a source of public fascination and scrutiny.

Conclusion: Love, Loss, and the Ever-Evolving Ariana

Ariana Grande’s dating history is a complex and often turbulent one. From her early romances to her high-profile relationships, she’s experienced the full spectrum of love and loss. She’s navigated the pressures of fame, the challenges of addiction, and the heartbreak of tragedy. And through it all, she’s continued to evolve as an artist and as a woman. It’s a constant transformation.

Whether you’re a die-hard “Arianator” or simply a casual observer, it’s hard not to be captivated by her story. It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars are still human, with their own struggles and vulnerabilities. And as she embarks on her next chapter, both professionally and personally, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Ariana Grande. Will she find lasting love? Will she continue to push creative boundaries? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: her journey will continue to be a fascinating one to watch. I wonder, will she ever find someone who will ground her?