Ariana Grande is navigating life with grace, and Ethan Slater is fully supportive. The 32-year-old recently discussed his girlfriend, 31-year-old Cynthia Erivo, and her emotionally charged press tour for 'Wicked,' along with their critically acclaimed performances. 'They wear their heart on their sleeves, you know? Their ability to be so connected to their emotions allows their characters to be so intricate and nuanced,' Slater shared during an interview on SiriusXM Hits 1 on Friday.

Grande stars as Glinda the Good Witch in the two-part movie musical, while Erivo, 37, portrays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The duo has been displaying their strong bond during interviews, often holding hands and shedding tears. While endearing, some critics have deemed these interactions awkward. Slater, who plays Boq in the film, added, 'I love this Glinda who is trying to figure out how to be a good person, and I love this Elphaba who is trying to fit in. They are deeply connected to the journeys of these women.'

The 'SpongeBob Squarepants' alum noted that their emotional depth has made their interviews particularly moving. 'Wicked' is fun, but Cynthia and Ariana are holding hands and crying,' he continued. 'But I think it's because both of those things are true. Like, both of them exist.'

The theater veteran took a moment to praise his partner, saying, 'One of my favorite things about Ariana's performance is that they really exist in the same moment. She can be the best physical comedian you've ever seen on screen and also be so torn and conflicted about her relationship with Elphaba, which is a real privilege to witness up close.'

Grande and Slater first sparked romance rumors in 2023, shortly after news of the pop star's marriage to Dalton Gomez ended. It was later revealed that Slater had filed for divorce from his high school sweetheart Lilly Jay, with whom he shares a 2-year-old son. The couple has kept their relationship private, but recently enjoyed a sweet getaway together to watch 'Wicked' with Grande's grandmother, Marjorie, in Boca Raton, Florida.

Before their trip, Grande and Erivo made headlines for a viral interview moment with Out Magazine's Tracy E. Gilchrist. The reporter told Erivo and Grande that some viewers 'are holding space' with the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity,' which elicited an emotional response from the 'Harriet' star. 'I didn't know that was happening. That's really powerful,' Erivo responded, as Grande reached over and held her co-star's index finger.

Gilchrist has since been mocked online for the phrase, but told Variety on Monday that the interview took place a day and a half after the Nov. 5 presidential election and was conducted with sincere intentions. She explained her personal definition of 'holding space.' 'I was very inspired by Tony Morrison from GLAAD,' she told the outlet. 'He posted the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity' before I did my interview. It was a great explainer. 'Holding space' is being physically, emotionally, and mentally present with someone or something. For me, it means being in the moment, not being distracted, and feeling something on a cellular level.'

'I think you can hold space with the lyrics of a song—one you've heard hundreds of times—and it can suddenly take on new meaning when you're a queer person,' Gilchrist continued. 'The Trump administration is targeting LGBTQ+ people via Project 2025. When Cynthia sings 'I'm through accepting limits,' there's power in that. She plays a character who is othered. One who comes to her full power when she is exiled by a charlatan, by a cruel leader.'

The media personality concluded: 'There's a lot of resonance there right now for anyone who is marginalized. For me, holding space is listening to those lyrics anew and finding solace or inspiration.'

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