Ariana Grande is back on the road for the first time in years, but her return to touring has arrived alongside major changes in her personal life.
Just days after launching her highly anticipated Eternal Sunshine Tour, news emerged that the singer and her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater had quietly ended their relationship months ago.
While the breakup surprised some fans, sources close to Grande claim the split reflects a familiar pattern that has played out throughout several chapters of the pop star’s life.
The breakup became public just two days after Ariana Grande kicked off her Eternal Sunshine Tour in Oakland, California.
Sources revealed that the singer and Ethan Slater had actually ended their relationship several months earlier after nearly three years together.
By the time the news surfaced, some fans had already noticed the pair had not been photographed together for months.
Their romance began in late 2022 while filming the two-part “Wicked” adaptation, where Grande portrayed Glinda and Slater played Boq.
At the time, both stars were married. Grande later separated from her husband, Dalton Gomez, while Slater filed for divorce from Lilly Jay shortly after news of his relationship with Grande became public.
However, because of the timing, the relationship immediately attracted scrutiny and accusations that the pair had become involved while still with their spouses.
The “God Is A Woman” singer repeatedly denied claims of an affair, but the controversy reignited discussions about her past relationships and dating history.
Now, sources say the romance ultimately faded as Grande shifted her focus toward a demanding new chapter in her career.
Grande’s Inner Circle Claims A Familiar Pattern Has Emerged
According to insiders, those close to Ariana Grande have observed a recurring trend when it comes to her relationships.
“Ariana and relationships have always been a bit of a complicated mix. She tends to fall hard and fast, and when she does, it’s all-consuming,” one source told the Daily Mail.
The insider claimed that the 32-year-old often becomes fully immersed in whichever relationship she enters, but major career opportunities can eventually redirect that focus. According to the source, a new film, album, or tour can quickly become her primary focus.
“The person she’s with gets her full attention, and it’s easy to get swept up in that. But then something shifts. That’s a pattern people around her have seen play out more than once,” they added.
The source also revealed that Slater reportedly hoped the relationship would continue. However, Grande reportedly “followed her own instincts,” and decided it was time to move on.
Despite the breakup, another source stressed that the separation was amicable and that both stars remain supportive of one another.
Ariana Grande Entered A New Era After Leaving The World Of ‘Wicked’
For much of the past three years, Grande’s life revolved around “Wicked.” The former Nickelodeon star transformed her appearance for the role, traded her signature brunette hair for blonde locks, and largely stepped away from music while bringing Glinda to life on screen.
However, once excitement surrounding “Wicked: For Good” began winding down, Grande quickly pivoted back to her music career.
In August 2025, she surprised fans by announcing the Eternal Sunshine Tour, her first major tour since 2019.
The ambitious schedule includes 40 shows across North America and Europe. Following stops throughout California, the southern United States, New York, Boston, Montreal, and Chicago, Grande will head overseas for a lengthy run at London’s O2 Arena.
The tour supports both her 2024 album “Eternal Sunshine” and her upcoming album “Petal,” which is scheduled for release on July 31.
While fans initially speculated that the new music could be inspired by her breakup, reports indicated that “Petal” was not created around her relationship with Slater or their split.
Grande’s Health Continues To Worry Fans And Loved Ones
As Ariana Grande embarks on months of performances, concerns about her health have resurfaced. During the “Wicked” press tour, reports suggested some of her loved ones feared she was “not in a healthy place” and had been struggling under mounting pressure.
Additional concerns emerged after a frightening incident at the Singapore premiere of “Wicked: For Good,” where an overzealous fan reportedly confronted her.
Friends and family are also said to worry about the Grammy Award winner’s anxiety levels and lingering PTSD stemming from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.
“The concern from people close to her is that she’s spent so much time taking care of everyone else that she hasn’t given herself the opportunity to slow down and recharge,” one source said.
Another insider claimed that those around her remain anxious about the demands of touring. According to them, “People who know her well and care deeply are anxious that she might have taken on too much.”
The source noted that Grande’s perfectionist tendencies add another layer of pressure because she remains heavily involved in nearly every aspect of the production.
Ariana Grande Faces Growing Concern As The Tour Moves Forward
Grande’s ongoing tour began on June 6 and in a matter of hours, photos and videos from the opening nights quickly sparked concern among fans, many of whom commented on her noticeably thin appearance and apparent lack of energy.
“I just can’t look at some of these pictures, it breaks my heart,” one fan wrote. Another added, “I hope she’s taking care of herself throughout this tour.”
A third supporter expressed concern that the demanding schedule could impact her overall wellbeing.
The scrutiny is something Grande has addressed before. During a 2024 interview, she reflected on spending much of her life under public observation.
“I’ve been kind of doing this in front of the public and kind of been a specimen in a petri dish, really, since I was 16 or 17,” she said.
The Hollywood star also criticized people who felt comfortable commenting on others’ bodies, describing the behavior as “really dangerous for all parties involved.”
Despite her public stance, sources say Grande is fully aware that concern about her wellbeing has intensified only days into the tour. Her inner circle is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and hopes she adopts a healthier routine once the tour settles into a rhythm.
Still, some worry the larger issue may come after the final show. “They’re hopeful that she’ll slow down,” one source suggested, but the fear remains that Grande may jump directly into another major project without taking time to rest after the tour concludes in September.
