Updated: November 27, 2025
Ariana Grande Brother and Boyfriend: Hey there, fellow Arianators and pop culture junkies! If you’re anything like me, Ariana Grande’s life feels like a whirlwind of high notes, heartfelt lyrics, and those iconic ponytails that just scream “I’m thriving.” But beyond the sold-out tours and chart-topping hits, what really tugs at my heartstrings is her inner circle—the people who keep her grounded amid the spotlight’s glare. Today, we’re diving into the scoop on Ariana Grande’s brother and boyfriend. From sibling shenanigans to red-carpet romance, these relationships show why Ari’s not just a superstar, but a total softie at heart. Let’s unpack it all, shall we?
Ariana’s world is all about family first, love second, and a dash of drama (because, hello, celebrity life). Whether you’re searching for “Ariana Grande family updates 2025” or “who is Ariana Grande dating now,” you’ve landed in the right spot. Stick around for some real-talk insights, a handy table of key deets, and why these bonds make her shine even brighter.
Table of Contents
Meet Frankie Grande: The Ultimate Big Bro and Built-In Bestie
Oh, Frankie Grande—where do I even start? At 42, Ariana’s half-brother (they share mom Joan Grande, but have different dads) is like the yin to her yang: bold, Broadway-ready, and unapologetically fabulous. Born Frank James Michael Grande-Marchione on January 24, 1983, in New York City, Frankie grew up in Englewood, New Jersey, before the family jetted to Boca Raton, Florida. Fun fact: He kicked off his performing bug in fifth grade with school musicals. Talk about early talent!
Frankie’s no stranger to the stage himself. He’s dazzled audiences in Mamma Mia! (2007-2010), Rock of Ages, and even snagged a Tony nod for originating SpongeBob in the Broadway musical—ironic, since his sis later starred in the Wicked films. But reality TV? That’s where he stole hearts. Frankie competed on Big Brother 16 in 2014, Celebrity Big Brother UK in 2016, and just wrapped third place in the 2023 Big Brother Reindeer Games. He’s also a powerhouse producer, YouTuber, and advocate, co-founding Broadway in South Africa for arts education.
What melts me most? Their sibling vibe. Despite a 10-year age gap, Frankie’s been Ari’s rock since day one. When he came out as gay at 21 (Ari was just 11), her response? “Great, when do I meet your boyfriend?” Pure gold. They’ve collabed on everything from fragrances (Frankie by Ariana Grande in 2016) to music—his July 2025 single “Rhythm of Love” got her stamp of approval: “This will be stuck in everyone’s heads forever.” And let’s not forget their joint appearance in the 2025 Henry Danger: The Movie, where he reprised villain Frankini.
- Recent Sibling Glow-Up: In July 2025, Frankie dropped a deluxe album remix of “Hotel Rock Bottom” featuring Ariana—her vocals turned it into an emotional powerhouse about hitting lows and rising together.
- Health Hero Moment: Just last week (November 21, 2025), at the Out100 Celebration honoring LGBTQ+ trailblazers, Frankie shared a sweet update on Ari’s COVID bout during Wicked: For Good promo: “She’s doing well… I send her all the love and healing vibes.” He even hyped her Glinda role: “Her acting is masterful—I’ve seen it four times!”
- Family Ties That Bind: They still road-trip to Boca Raton to catch flicks with their grandma “Nonna” Marjorie. Last November, they watched Wicked in their childhood theater. Adorable, right?
Frankie’s marriage to Hale Leon in May 2022 (officiated by Joan in a “galactic” Florida ceremony) only amps up the family feels. Ari gushed on Insta: “So happy for you both.” If you’re Googling “Ariana Grande brother 2025,” it’s clear: Frankie’s her hype man, therapist, and eternal cheerleader.
A Quick Peek at Ariana’s Dating History: From Heartbreaks to High Notes
Before we swoon over her current squeeze, let’s rewind through Ariana’s romantic rollercoaster—because her love life has inspired bops like “Thank U, Next.” She’s dated icons, faced tragedies, and emerged stronger, turning pain into platinum records. Here’s a snapshot in table form for easy scrolling:
| Partner | Relationship Years | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Phillips | 2008–2011 | Met on Broadway’s 13; her first love, sparked a duet “Stick Around.” Stayed friends—dinner dates in 2019! |
| Jai Brooks | 2012–2014 (on/off) | YouTuber from The Janoskians; high-profile teen romance with Twitter drama. Ended amid cheating rumors. |
| Nathan Sykes | 2013 | Brief summer fling with The Wanted singer; collabed on “Almost Is Never Enough” for The Mortal Instruments. |
| Big Sean | 2014–2015 | Rapper romance with flirty tracks like “Right There.” Split amicably: “We remain close friends.” |
| Ricky Alvarez | 2015–2016 | Backup dancer; low-key until their Pride kiss went viral. Ended quietly—fans speculate “change” tweets. |
| Mac Miller | 2016–2018 | Soulful connection; featured on “The Way.” Heartbroken split; his 2018 passing devastated her: “He was the best person ever.” |
| Pete Davidson | 2018 | Whirlwind SNL engagement after four months; tattoos galore. Called off after four: “We were on two different paths.” |
| Dalton Gomez | 2020–2023 | Real estate mogul; secret wedding in 2021. Divorced March 2024: “Irreconcilable differences,” but no bad blood. |
| Ethan Slater | 2023–Present | Wicked co-star; see below for the full tea! |
This timeline screams growth—Ari’s gone from teen heartthrobs to mature, music-fueled reflections. Pro tip: Stream Eternal Sunshine (2024) for her raw takes on it all.
Ethan Slater: From Set Sparks to Real-Life Romance
Enter Ethan Slater, the 32-year-old Broadway darling who’s got Ariana’s heart (and ours) in 2025. Best known for his Tony-nominated turn as SpongeBob in 2017, Ethan’s got that boy-next-door charm with killer pipes. He joined the Wicked cast in December 2022 as Boq, the lovesick Munchkin—irony alert: His character’s crush? Glinda (Ari’s role). Filming wrapped in 2023, and by July, sparks flew into full flame.
They went public amid tabloid frenzy (both freshly separated—Ethan from wife Lilly Jay, finalized September 2024; Ari from Dalton in March). But insiders say it’s solid: “Everything’s great… they always make time for each other.” Recent Wicked: For Good press (the sequel dropped November 21, 2025) had ’em dodging breakup buzz—Ethan pivoted on Today show: “The cast is incredible, Ariana’s brilliant.” Yet, Ari reposted his BTS Insta on November 21 with a Tin Man heart emoji. Subtle PDA? Chef’s kiss.
- Couple Goals Alert: Date nights at Little Shop of Horrors (April 2025) and the Oscars (March 2025)—they posed arm-in-arm.
- Supportive Vibes: Ethan hyped her VMA win for “Brighter Days Ahead” on Stories: “Oscar nominated @arianagrande.” She’s called him “adorable” and “amazing” in interviews.
- Quiet Strength: Amid rumors, they’ve kept it low-key, focusing on Wicked‘s magic. Sources confirm: No split—they’re just private pros.
Ethan’s not just a beau; he’s a creative match, blending Broadway roots with Ari’s pop empire. Fans speculate an Eternal Sunshine nod (album initials: E.S.), but that’s our little theory.
Conclusion: Why These Ties Make Ariana Unstoppable
Wrapping this up, Ariana Grande’s brother and boyfriend aren’t just headlines—they’re her heartbeat. Frankie’s the fierce protector who’s weathered storms with her, from Big Brother battles to Wicked cheers. Ethan’s the fresh chapter, proving love can bloom on set and stick through scrutiny. In a world of fleeting fame, these bonds remind us: Vulnerability is her superpower.
As 2025 winds down with Wicked: For Good dominating box offices and Ari eyeing new music (fingers crossed for collabs with Frankie!), one thing’s clear. Ariana’s thriving because she’s loved—deeply, loudly, and without apology. What’s your fave Ari moment with her fam or boo? Drop it in the comments. Until next time, keep shining like the star you are. 💖