As the curtain falls on 2024, Ariana Grande is reflecting on a year filled with love, art, and unforgettable moments. On the final day of the year, the pop sensation shared a heartfelt Instagram post with a carousel of 20 photos that captured the essence of her journey. The pictures showcased her work on Wicked, moments with her family, and the support of her close-knit circle, including a sweet snapshot with her boyfriend, Ethan Slater.
Grande, 31, opened up about her year in a touching caption, describing it as “a year full of art and heart 𖦹 ｡˚ฺ ｡˚·ꕤ.ﾟ!” The post highlighted her gratitude for the love and support she received from her fans, expressing, “thank you eternally for your love and support, words truly don’t suffice. I love you always and am wishing you a very happy new year!” The images shared by Ariana offered a window into her life throughout 2024, including moments from Wicked rehearsals, a performance with her costar Cynthia Erivo, and family gatherings with her brother Frankie Grande, his husband Hale Leon, and their mother Joan.
Among the photos, the 17th in the series stood out. It showed a sweet, slightly blurry picture of Ariana and Ethan Slater, 32, sharing a candid moment of joy, as Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum photobombs them in the foreground. The picture was a testament to the quiet bond between Ariana and Ethan, which became public knowledge in the summer of 2023 after the two separated from their respective partners and began dating.
Ariana and Ethan’s relationship, which began while they were filming Wicked in late 2022, has been a low-key but meaningful one. While the couple shied away from public appearances early in their romance, they slowly began stepping out together during Wicked’s press tour in 2024. Their relationship was further solidified through their online exchanges, with Ariana frequently supporting Ethan on Instagram.
Their mutual admiration was evident on December 18, when Ariana posted a comment on one of Ethan’s Instagram posts, calling him “the Buster Keaton of today!” a nod to the legendary silent film star known for his impeccable comedic timing. It was a sweet, subtle declaration of her admiration for him, and a reflection of how their relationship has grown.
In a November interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ariana gushed about Ethan’s performance in Wicked, saying, “He’s always adorable, and he’s so amazing in this film, he’s such an amazing person. I’m so happy people are getting to know him. My heart is very happy.”
Ariana’s wrap-up of 2024 also included a glimpse of the generosity that has defined her this year. On December 23, she made headlines for donating a large number of gifts to children across the U.K.’s hospital network in Manchester, a city she has long supported following the tragic bombing at her 2017 concert. The Manchester Foundation Trust Charity shared the news, thanking the singer for her contribution, which benefited children in hospitals like Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Wythenshawe Hospital. Ariana’s bond with Manchester remains strong, and her charitable work is a testament to her ongoing connection with the city and its people.
As we close the book on 2024, Ariana Grande’s year has been nothing short of eventful. From her flourishing relationship with Ethan Slater to her iconic role in Wicked, Ariana has solidified herself as both a celebrated artist and a compassionate philanthropist. Whether it was charming fans with her wit and artistry or supporting her loved ones in intimate, quiet moments, Ariana’s year was indeed “full of art and heart.”
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