Ariana Grande has returned to touring for the first time in years, but the launch of her Eternal Sunshine Tour has been overshadowed by major developments in her personal life. Just days after the tour began in Oakland, California, reports surfaced that Grande and her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater had quietly ended their relationship months earlier, after nearly three years together. The breakup was confirmed shortly after fans noticed that the pair had not appeared together publicly for some time.
Grande and Slater’s romance began in late 2022 while they were filming the two-part Wicked adaptation, in which Grande plays Glinda and Slater plays Boq. Their relationship drew immediate scrutiny because both were married when they first became close. Grande later separated from Dalton Gomez, while Slater filed for divorce from Lilly Jay after the relationship became public. Grande denied allegations of an affair, but the timing kept the couple under intense public attention and reignited discussion about her dating history.
According to sources close to the singer, the breakup reflects a pattern that has followed Grande through several relationships. Those around her say she tends to become deeply absorbed in romance, but that focus can shift when a major career opportunity arrives. Insiders claim that a new album, film, or tour often becomes her priority, and that the relationship with Slater reportedly faded as she turned her attention back to music and the demands of a large-scale tour. Even so, the split is said to have been amicable, with both remaining supportive of one another.
Grande’s recent years were dominated by Wicked. She stepped away from music for much of that period, changed her look for the role, and devoted herself to the film project. As excitement around Wicked: For Good began to wind down, she returned to her pop career, announcing the Eternal Sunshine Tour in August 2025. The tour includes 40 shows across North America and Europe and supports her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine as well as her upcoming album Petal, due July 31. Reports indicate the new album was not written around her breakup.
Alongside the breakup news, concern about Grande’s health has grown. Friends and family are said to worry about her anxiety, lingering trauma from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, and the pressure of performing on a demanding schedule. Those close to her fear she may be taking on too much, especially given her perfectionist approach to work and her close involvement in every part of the production.
That concern has only intensified since opening night, when photos and videos from the tour sparked fan commentary about her thin appearance and low energy. Grande has previously spoken about the impact of public scrutiny on her body and wellbeing, describing it as dangerous. As the tour continues through September, her inner circle is reportedly hoping she slows down and prioritizes rest once the run ends.
