Ethan Slater was noticeably absent from the star-studded 2025 MTV VMAs, but that didn’t stop him from showing his unwavering support for his girlfriend, pop sensation Ariana Grande. Despite his physical absence from the event, the actor made sure to celebrate Grande’s triumphant night in a heartwarming manner, showcasing the strength of their relationship.
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At the VMAs ceremony on Sunday, September 7, Ariana Grande, aged 32, emerged as a big winner, clinching three prestigious awards. She scooped up the coveted titles for Video of the Year, Best Long Form Video, and Best Pop for her hit track “brighter days ahead,” a song released in 2025 as part of the deluxe version of her album, Eternal Sunshine. Accompanied by her proud parents, Edward Butera and Joan Grande, as well as her brother Frankie and his spouse Hale Grande, Ariana basked in the glory of her achievements.
While Ethan Slater, aged 33, was not physically present at the USB Arena to cheer on Grande, he found an alternative way to express his joy and support for her wins. Taking to his Instagram Stories later that evening, Slater shared a video capturing Grande delivering her heartfelt acceptance speech for the Best Pop award she received. In the video, Grande emotionally expressed her gratitude to her fans, family, and the numerous collaborators who contributed to the success of “brighter days ahead.”
Grande’s speech was filled with genuine appreciation for the team behind the music video, mentioning the significant role each individual played in bringing her artistic vision to life. She also made special mention of her father, acknowledging his participation in the project, and extended her thanks to her therapist and the LGBTQ+ community for their unwavering support throughout her journey as a songwriter and producer.
The blossoming romance between Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande began to blossom in 2022 while they were working on the film, Wicked. After their respective separations from previous partners, the duo officially confirmed their relationship in July 2023. Sources close to the couple have described their bond as “normal” and filled with genuine affection, indicating a strong and healthy connection between the two.
In a recent outing, Grande and Slater were seen enjoying a theatre date night, attending a production of Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway in April. During this outing, they also had a heartwarming reunion with Grande’s former Victorious co-star, Liz Gillies, showcasing their support and warmth towards the cast and crew behind the production. Their public displays of affection and mutual admiration have endeared them to fans and industry insiders alike.
As Grande continues to make waves in the music industry and Slater earns accolades for his acting prowess, their relationship remains a source of inspiration for many. Despite their busy schedules and demanding careers, the couple prioritizes spending quality time together, nurturing their love and supporting each other in their respective endeavours.
In conclusion, Ethan Slater’s subtle yet significant gesture of sharing Grande’s VMA acceptance speech exemplifies the depth of their bond and his unwavering support for her success. As their love story continues to unfold, fans eagerly anticipate more heartwarming moments and collaborative projects from this talented and affectionate pair.