Ariana Grande’s Boyfriends: The Complete History
Whether or not you’re a fan of Ariana Grande’s breathy vocals and trademark cat eye, there’s no denying that the pop princess knows how to stay relevant. From setting the Twitterverse ablaze by varying the height of her iconic ponytail to personally responding to her critics on social media, Grande is no stranger to having every aspect of her personal life picked over in the court of public opinion. Aside from making waves with her (controversial) Starbucks signature drink and baggy-chic streetwear, Grande is most known for captivating stans and haters alike with a steady stream of in-your-face, high-profile relationships.
From crossing genre lines to link up with rapper Big Sean to getting dickmatized by comedian Pete Davidson’s BDE, Grande refuses to apologize for her whirlwind romantic life.
“This is how I meet people — I can’t just, like, meet someone at a bar,” says Grande of her tendency to pick partners also in the entertainment industry. “I live fast and full-out, and I make mistakes, and I learn from them and I’m grateful no matter what happens. I guess there’s not much I’m afraid of anymore. When life tries you with such serious shit so many times, your priorities change,” adds the “7 Rings” singer. “I don’t give a shit. I just want to be happy and healthy – one day – and make music.”
Wondering who Grande who hooked up with before swapping spit with Davidson all over Instagram? Keep reading for a complete history of all of Grande’s exes.
Graham Phillips
Ariana Grande and Graham Phillips, 2011 – Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images
Before she became a bonafide pop star, Grande got her start on Broadway by landing a role in 13: The Musical. At just 15-years old, Grande linked up with her costar Graham Phillips and the two dated from 2008-2011 before calling it quits. The two even co-wrote and released a song together called “Stick Around.” Recently, Grande linked up with her former flame in NYC and the two shared a meal— despite the fact that Phillips failed to secure a “thank u, next” shoutout.
Jai Brooks
Jai Brooks, 2014 – Monica Schipper/Getty Images
From 2012-2014, Grande was linked to Australian YouTube star Jai Brooks. During their on-and-off courtship, the most notable split came in October 2013 when Brooks took to Twitter to publicly accuse Grande of cheating on him with English singer-songwriter Nathan Sykes.
“Yes I was cheated on. Yes it does suck,” Brooks tweeted. “Yes I was left for another man. And this happens everyday to so many people of every age, gender, race. I happen to be one of those people and I’m in a situation where I am constantly reminded of it every day. Like anyone who has been cheated on, it has been tough for me but I’m finally ready to move on.”
“Once you are cheated on you should never go back and I did because I wasn’t ready to give up on love and something that was everything to me,” Brooks continued, referencing getting back together with Grande before calling it quits for good in 2014. Grande has repeatedly denied any claims of infidelity.
Nathan Sykes
Ariana Grande and Nathan Sykes, 2013 – Uri Schanker/Getty Images
After breaking up with Brooks the first time, Grande linked up with “Over And Over Again” singer Nathan Sykes in 2013. Despite releasing a duet together for the film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, their relationship was over almost as quickly as it had begun.
Big Sean
Ariana Grande and Big Sean, 2015 – Jason Merritt/Getty Images
“Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match,” croons Grande on her recent ode to her exes, “thank u, next.” Grande and Big Sean officially confirmed their relationship in October 2014 after months of speculation and allegations that the pop star was to blame for the rapper’s split with ex-fiance Naya Rivera.
“He is one of the most amazing men in the world, and that includes my grandfather and my brother,” said Grande of her ex. “I think the world of him, and he’s an amazing person. That’s kind of all there is to it.”
“Everything she has going on is good with her, everything I have going on is good with me, everything between me and her is good, and I’m just going to leave it at that,” said Sean during their time together, echoing Grande’s endorsement of their relationship.
Despite falling fast and hard for one another, Grande and Sean only lasted for eight months and split in April 2015– however, a reunion may not be completely out of the question.
Ricky Alvarez
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez, 2015 – Robino Salvatore/GC Images/Getty Images
After splitting with Big Sean, Grande paired up with backup dancer Ricky Alvarez. While Alvarez stood by Grande’s side during the whole donut-licking, “I hate America” PR nightmare, the two weren’t meant to last and eventually split in July 2016. To date, the two are still on good terms and Grande even joked about Alvarez’s shoutout on “Thank U, Next.”
“IM SORRY U GOT THE WORST LINE … IT WAS MEANT V LOVINGLY,” wrote Grande of Alvarez’s “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh” lyric on her recent single.
Mac Miller
Ariana Grande and Mac Miller, 2017 – Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester
Getting together after collaborating on the hit track “The Way” Grande and rapper Mac Miller dated for two years, from 2016-2018. After splitting, Grande had nothing but great things to say about her ex, and even delicately addressed the late hitmaker’s penchant for substance abuse as one of the reasons behind their split.
“Hi! This is one of my best friends in the whole world and favorite people on the plant Malcolm McCormick,” wrote Grande on her Insta Story after the two called it quits. “I respect and adore him endlessly and am grateful to have him in my life in any form, at all times regardless of how our relationship changes or what the universe holds for each of us!” she continued. “Unconditional love is not selfish. It is wanting the best for that person even if at the moment, it’s not you. I can’t wait to know you and support you forever and I’m so proud of you!!”
Following the rapper’s untimely death in late 2018, Grande has repeatedly shown her enduring love for her former flame and is committed to honoring his memory.
Pete Davidson
Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson, 2018 – Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for MTV
When it comes to makeups and breakups, there’s no doubt that Grande’s relationship with SNL comedian Pete Davidson is Grande’s messiest notch in her bedpost. After splitting from their long-term partners, (Mac Miller and Cazzie David, respectively), Grande and Davidson engaged in a whirlwind courtship– racing forward at breakneck speed before almost making it down the altar. After plastering their PDA-packed courtship all over social media for months, Grande pumped the brakes in the aftermath of Miller’s sudden and unexpected death. Following their messy split, Davidson threatened suicide, but he’s since moved on with Kate Beckinsale, and is seemingly in a better place.
