Ariana Grande Addresses Criticism of Relationship with Ethan Slater in New Song 'Yes, And?'
Ariana Grande addresses the criticism surrounding her romance with Ethan Slater in her latest single 'Yes, And?' The song hints at the challenges faced in their relationship, offering a glimpse into Grande's personal life and emotions
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Getty Images (2)
Ariana Grande is silencing her critics with her latest song "Yes, And?" The 30-year-old singer dropped her first single in three years on January 12, delving into the scrutiny surrounding her romantic relationships in the lyrics.
"Please refrain from commenting on my physique or engaging in dialogue," she croons. "What's yours is yours and what's mine is mine / Why are you so concerned about who I associate with?"
In the refrain, Grande urges her audience to "speak out boldly," in reference to the song's title. "Be your own greatest ally," she further emphasizes.
Grande's pointed lyrics seem to allude to the drama surrounding her dating history, particularly her relationship with Ethan Slater.
In July 2023, reports surfaced that Grande had started a new relationship with Slater, 31, following her split from her husband of two years, Dalton Gomez. A source revealed to We at the time that Grande and Slater's relationship was "relatively new," and that the two Wicked costars had already been separated from their spouses for several months prior to starting their romance.
The divorce between Grande and Gomez was officially filed in September 2023 and the details were finalized the following month. Similarly, Slater filed for divorce from his longtime love Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a 16-month-old son, in July 2023.
Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay's romance initially raised eyebrows but has since grown stronger. According to a source in November 2023, "Ethan and Ariana's relationship is going very well and they're both very involved in each other's lives. Ethan's met her family. And she's met his family."
Grande and Slater have been trying to stay out of the spotlight, but keen fans have noticed the couple getting close at different New York City restaurants in recent months since they moved in together in October 2023. They have set up their home in NYC while Slater takes on the starring role of The Historian/The Prince in Broadway's Spamalot.
Grande has been a consistent presence at Slater's show since its opening in November 2023. She and her father, Ed Butera, were seen at the St. James Theatre in December 2023, just before their Christmas festivities.
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As Grande and Slater headed into the new year, a third source told Us that the couple have become “inseparable” as their relationship has “grown more serious.”
"Ariana has strong feelings for Ethan and envisions a future with him," the source said. "She is excited for a new beginning in the upcoming year and is eager to see their relationship continue to flourish."
