Ethan Slater, the boyfriend of pop superstar Ariana Grande, and her brother Frankie Grande shared a moment at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards on Friday night, showcasing how family and romance can harmoniously coexist. The two were spotted posing for cheerful snaps, proving Frankie is unfazed by the swirling headlines surrounding Ariana's relationship with her Wicked co-star.
Frankie, 41, donned his signature flair, sporting a dazzling black sequin blazer paired with bold eye makeup, presenting a total celebration of glam. Ethan, meanwhile, kept his look more understated, opting for a classic black suit, embodying the night’s elegance.
Ariana, 31, was the star of the evening as she accepted the Rising Star Award for her enchanting portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the recent adaptation of Wicked. The award recognized her growing prowess both as a musician and actress, marking another notable chapter in her illustrious career.
Despite their joyful poses together, neither Ethan nor Frankie appeared alongside Ariana for photos, as she graced the red carpet with Hollywood icon Nicole Kidman, 57. The visual disconnect hinted at the complex dynamics of Ariana's current relationship and its media scrutiny. Still, the brothers-in-law were undoubtedly present to support her key moment.
Ariana shared touching reflections of her past year on social media later, where she described it as "a year full of art and heart. Thank you eternally for your love and support, words truly don’t suffice. I love you always and am wishing you all a very happy new year!" This heartfelt sentiment echoed the celebration of her successes and the support system surrounding her.
The backdrop to this heartwarming display is undoubtedly charged with complexity. Ariana’s relationship with Ethan came to light amid considerable controversy. Their romance sparked headlines after her split with Dalton Gomez and Ethan’s filing for divorce from his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, with whom he has one child. The timing and nature of their departures from previous relationships left many questioning the dynamics at play.
Lilly Jay made waves of her own, sharing insights on their split, reflecting on the sacrifices she made, including moving to London with their newborn son to support Ethan’s burgeoning acting career. "I confidently moved to another country with my 2-month-old baby and my husband to support his career. Consumed by the magic and mundanity of new motherhood, I didn't understand the growing distance between us," she expressed, capturing the poignant pain of her experience.
While Ariana celebrated her successes and shared glimpses of her Wicked adventures, including behind-the-scenes photos, Ethan was noticeably absent from the snapshots. The absence of his presence alongside Ariana has led to speculation and concern from fans ringing the latest chapter of this deeply entwined narrative of love, career, and family.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere at the awards remained celebratory, with Ethan and Frankie embodying the supportive roles of family against the backdrop of Hollywood's bright lights and industry pressures. For those present, it was a powerful reminder of both personal achievement and the importance of familial support.
This blend of personal triumph and familial closeness outlines what it truly means to weather the storm of public scrutiny, particularly for those under the spotlight as thoroughly as Ariana Grande. The Palm Springs International Film Festival now stands not only as just another page in her career but as a moment where love, art, and family converged, infused with hope and potential for the future.