At the highly anticipated New York City premiere of the cinematic adaptation of Wicked, Ariana Grande and her boyfriend Ethan Slater delighted fans with an affectionate display of their relationship on Thursday evening.
The pair, who both star in the film, began their romance after meeting on the set in London almost two years prior. Grande, 31, and Slater, 32, have been the subject of affair rumors, as they publicly declared their relationship shortly after finalizing their divorces earlier this year.
Despite concerns from film producers regarding the potential distraction of their romance overshadowing the film, Grande has openly expressed her admiration for her “amazing” and “adorable” boyfriend while promoting Wicked, which is set to hit theaters on November 22.
The singer’s affection for Slater was palpable at the event, where they were captured in a warm embrace for the throng of red carpet photographers at NYC’s historic Museum of Modern Art.
Dressed impeccably in a glamorous pink strapless gown, Grande made her way to Slater as he posed for photos alongside their co-star Bowen Yang. She first reached out for his hand before sharing a heartfelt hug that brought an irresistible smile to Slater’s face.
The actor, who portrays the munchkin Boq in Wicked, tenderly held Grande’s tiny waist and wrapped his other arm around her slender form during their warm moment. Although Grande did not walk the carpet with Slater initially, she appeared alongside her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, embodying their characters Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, through their show-stopping fashion choices.
Grande captivated onlookers in a stunning pink satin peplum gown featuring an elegant sweetheart neckline, complemented by a diamond choker and matching earrings. Her golden blonde locks, dyed for her portrayal of Glinda the Good, were styled in a sleek bun, framing her face beautifully. Grande completed her look with her signature winged eyeliner, false lashes, and a glossy nude lip, showcasing her characteristic glam.
Slater made his grand entrance moments later, looking dapper in a chic navy blue suit with black lapels and paired with a skinny black tie against a crisp white button-up shirt. The couple’s fashion forward choices certainly turned heads on the red carpet.
Grande locked arms with her co-star Erivo, who introduced a dramatic twist to Elphaba’s iconic black frock. The Tony Award winner, 37, chose a flowing black gown highlighted with a sheer bodice that elegantly showcased her figure. Erivo’s look included a black pearl choker and glittery green eyeshadow, while a netted veil adorned her shaved head, adding to her striking appearance. She proudly displayed her elaborate fake nails embellished with silver decals and green jewels, further embracing the theme of Wicked.
The premiere also saw numerous fans and celebrities come out in support of the film, including the likes of Jeff Goldblum, who looked sophisticated in a tailored black suit, and former Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth, who dazzled in a white blazer dress showcasing her toned legs.
Grande, Erivo, and Slater weren’t the only notable attendees at the star-studded gathering. Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton captured attention in a striking white tuxedo jacket, while Lea Michele, known for her iconic cover of “Defying Gravity,” arrived looking elegant in a baby pink silk dress just months after welcoming her second child.
Bowen Yang also turned heads in a floral-decorated ensemble, and many other stars lent their presence to the event, making it a night to remember as the cast embarked on a weeks-long promotional tour for the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked.
The film, adapted from the long-running Broadway musical, is set for a theatrical release with Part One scheduled for November 22, 2024, and Part Two arriving on November 26, 2025, further thrilling fans worldwide.
How do you foresee the combination of their personal lives and on-screen performances influencing the film’s overall success?
**Interview with Entertainment Correspondent Sarah Reynolds on the NYC Premiere of *Wicked***
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining us, Sarah! The NYC premiere of *Wicked* stirred quite a buzz, especially with Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater publicly displaying their romance. What do you think this means for the film?
**Sarah Reynolds:** Thank you for having me! The premiere was definitely a spectacle. Their affectionate display on the red carpet has sparked conversations about how their personal lives intertwine with their professional endeavors. For *Wicked*, it can be a double-edged sword. While their romance adds a layer of intrigue, there’s always a concern that it could overshadow the film itself.
**Interviewer:** That’s true. They both recently finalized their divorces, which adds another layer to their relationship. Did their history on set play a significant role in how their relationship developed?
**Sarah Reynolds:** Absolutely. They met while filming in London, and the connection they formed there seems to have blossomed into something special. Fans and critics alike are often fascinated by on-set romances, especially when they lead to public declarations of love. It adds a real-world narrative to the fantasy world of *Wicked*.
**Interviewer:** Grande and Slater’s fashion choices were also highlighted at the premiere. How do you think their styles contributed to the event’s atmosphere?
**Sarah Reynolds:** Their fashion was stunning and perfectly aligned with their characters—Ariana as Glinda and Ethan as Boq. Grande’s glamorous pink gown and Slater’s chic navy suit not only turned heads but also showcased their dedication to their roles. It elevated the evening and provided a visual feast that fans expect from a blockbuster premiere.
**Interviewer:** Some film producers expressed concern about their relationship being a distraction. Do you believe that audiences will focus more on their romance than the film itself?
**Sarah Reynolds:** It’s hard to predict. With high-profile relationships, there’s always some distraction. But fans are usually supportive and excited to see their favorites on-screen. Ultimately, if the film delivers a compelling story and performance, that’s what will resonate most with audiences. Their romance might be a talking point, but it won’t define the film’s success.
**Interviewer:** Wise perspective! As *Wicked* prepares for its November 22 release, what are you most looking forward to in terms of audience reactions?
**Sarah Reynolds:** I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences respond to the performances and the overall adaptation of such a beloved stage musical. With Grande and Erivo leading the cast, there’s a lot of anticipation around their portrayals and the chemistry between them. It’ll be interesting to see if their off-screen dynamics translate to on-screen magic.
**Interviewer:** Exciting times ahead! Thank you for sharing your insights, Sarah.
**Sarah Reynolds:** My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for fans of *Wicked*, both on and off the screen.