Their infrequent public sightings last year sparked speculation and were headed towards a split.
Now,on the troubles the couple faced last year - revealing they are now in a much better place after hitting a 'rough patch.'
While Grande, 32, and Slater, 33, never actually called things off, the source claims there was a moment when it was was unclear if their relationship would survive the storm.
'Ariana and Ethan hit a rough patch towards the end of last year,' the source exclusively told the Daily Mail. 'They never broke up, but it was questionable at a point if they were going to continue moving forward.
'They've really spent time working on their relationship and are in a much better place. It's been hard for them with the way their relationship began and they've had a lot to work through, but they seem to really, truly love each other.
'That's a huge reason why Ethan was at a lot of Ariana's duties. They also spent the holidays together with her family. Things are strong between them again now.'
Slater sparked speculation about their relationship when he sidestepped a question about his girlfriend during an interview; pictured 2025
The source also shared insight into one of the attributes that initially drew Grande to Slater, revealing that the pop star tends to go for men who she knows she's better looking than.
The source added that 'Ariana likes to date guys she knows she's better looking than' and above. 'It's due to her own insecurities,' they added.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Grande for comment.
The co-stars famously met in late 2022, when filming began in the UK for the two-part movie musical Wicked directed by John M. Chu.
A source has told The Daily Mail that Grande and Slater never broke up, but there was a point when it was unclear if their relationship would survive the difficult period
Grande and Slater, pictured at the New York City premiere of Wicked: For Good in November, have been dating since 2023
'Things are strong between them again now,' the insider said of the couple, pictured February 2025
Last month, a source told the Daily Mail the couple were finally 'in a solid place'.
