Ethan Slater has never been one to reveal a lot about his personal life, but when Ariana Grande is on stage, he always talks about her in a friendly way. At the New York premiere of Wicked: For Good, that glow transformed into unreserved adulation. He praised Grande with such sincerity that it quickly attracted people’s attention. It didn’t feel like a celebrity soundbite when he talked about her performance; it felt like someone who really loves her and is proud of her.
Fans and people in the business are already buzzing about Grande’s work in the highly anticipated second chapter of the Wicked film series, and Slater’s statements just added to the excitement. He didn’t hold back when he talked about how deep and magical she made the role while thinking about her most recent success. He said, “Ariana’s performance is out of this world, and Cynthia [Erivo]’s performance is unbelievable.” When I heard those words, especially when they were said with such calm assurance, it felt like someone was telling me about a personal moment of amazement instead of a scripted advertising message.
The couple has been discreetly dating since 2023 and usually prefers to stay out of the public eye. However, occasions like this show how much they support each other. Working together, dealing with busy schedules and public expectations, and still choosing to be there for one other have all impacted their relationship. It’s evident that Slater doesn’t only love Grande as an artist; he also respects how hard she works, how much she has changed, and how disciplined she is. This makes his praise feel both genuine and based in truth.
At the premiere, Slater also took sure to thank the whole cast and crew that worked on Wicked: For Good. He said that Jonathan Bailey’s performance in the movie was wonderful and extremely moving. He also talked a lot about how great senior actors Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum were, saying that they were more than simply movie stars; they were also collaborators who gave emotional depth to the plot. Slater remembered how satisfying it was to view these artists’ work on the big screen after spending long hours on site with them. In debates about celebrities, this kind of stuff sometimes gets overlooked. It showed how much he respected the profession and how collaborative filmmaking is.
He also fondly talked about Marissa Bode, saying how much time they spent working together on the movie. When he talked about attending her last performance, his eyes lit up. He said it was unexpectedly moving and reminded him of why he cares so much about this project. The premiere wasn’t just a party for a movie; for Slater, it was a chance to meet people whose art he really admires.
Wicked: For Good continues the story of Glinda and Elphaba, which people enjoy. Slater also took the time to talk about the link between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. He spoke with fondness about their relationship, both on and off screen. In his usual honest way, he said that the actresses have a “beautiful relationship and friendship that translates on screen.” He also said, “I think that’s what makes their friendship really beautiful to witness is the ways that they help each other through… the craziness of this.” His statements provided a modest image of how much Grande and Erivo appreciate each other while they work on a huge project together and help each other through its emotional and artistic challenges.
What grabbed out about Slater’s thoughts was how much he values real human ties in a field that often challenges them. He talked on how the cast members got along with each other in a way that made it evident that Wicked: For Good was more than just a movie set; it was an experience that changed the people who were there. People who see these behind-the-scenes clips get more emotionally involved with the movie they’re about to see. It reminds Slater of how important art can be when it is made in a place where people can work together and trust each other.
Wicked: For Good will open in theaters on November 21. It has a huge global fan base and the dreams of the people who worked on it. Grande has said before that she feels very linked to Glinda, a part she has wanted to play since she was a child. In that light, Slater’s emotional praise means even more. It’s not just applause for a performance; it’s recognition of a dream that came true after years of hard work and dedication.
Even though the media doesn’t always cover their connection, it’s evident that they support each other. Even though they both have busy lives, they have always been there for each other’s big events, whether they were private or rare public events like this one. In the entertainment world, where relationships are often under continual watch, this is a nice change. The way they care for one other is down-to-earth and almost everyday, which is something a lot of people can connect to, even if their lives are completely different from ours.
People who saw Slater’s statements in public clearly like partnerships where adoration feels real rather than staged. That honesty is what makes his commendation ring true. It also helps fans trust the people in the sector who are looking for honesty in a business based on performance. Slater’s praise for Grande’s and her co-stars’ talents shows that he is not only her partner but also an artist who values working with others to tell stories.
Of course, any partnership in the public eye has its problems. People can occasionally become too close to famous people, and both Slater and Grande have had that happen to them. But times like this, when support is provided so effortlessly and firmly, make it seem like the pair has learned how to make their own sense of stability. Their privacy gives them strength, and the way they celebrate each other’s successes brings them closer together.
