What's Going On With Ariana Grande!? ft Olivia - H3 Show #295

1. Olivia's Arianator Declaration

Timestamp: 00:02:25 to 00:04:22 - watch this moment on skim

Olivia, a self-proclaimed 'Arianator,' expresses her deep love for Ariana Grande and her music, setting the stage for a fan-centric discussion of Grande's personal life and career. She emphasizes her desire to provide answers about Grande's relationships, while also acknowledging the importance of broader conversations about celebrity bodies and mental health, choosing to focus on the former for this episode.

Significance (Medium): Establishes the show's tone and Olivia's perspective, framing the discussion as a blend of fan appreciation and gossip.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host)

2. Ariana's "Thank U, Next" Evolution

Timestamp: 00:10:18 to 00:13:18 - watch this moment on skim

Ethan and Olivia discuss how Ariana Grande has subtly altered the lyrics of her song 'Thank U, Next' during her current tour, specifically changing the lines about Ricky Alvarez. Initially, the lyric was 'Wrote some songs about Ricky. Now I listen and laugh,' but it has evolved to 'Wrote some songs about Ricky. We always find our way back,' signaling a potential reconciliation or renewed connection with her ex-boyfriend.

Significance (Medium): Highlights Grande's evolving narrative around past relationships and her willingness to publicly revisit them through her music.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

3. J. Brooks and the Janoskians Era

Timestamp: 00:17:47 to 00:21:54 - watch this moment on skim

Ariana Grande's relationship with Australian YouTuber J. Brooks of The Janoskians is explored, highlighting their online meeting via Twitter around 2012. The narrative includes claims of infidelity, with J. Brooks alleging Grande cheated on him with her next boyfriend, Nathan, though he later took her back. This period is characterized by the Janoskians' prank-focused content.

Significance (Medium): Illustrates a phase of Grande's dating life marked by online interactions and the complexities of young celebrity relationships, including public accusations.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host)

4. Olivia & Ethan Klein: The Big Sean Era

Timestamp: 00:28:45 to 00:32:14 - watch this moment on skim

Olivia and Ethan Klein discuss Ariana Grande's relationship with Big Sean, noting their collaboration on songs like 'Right There' and 'Best Mistake.' They mention the age gap and the context of Nia Rivera's memoir, where she recounted finding Grande with Big Sean at her home.

Significance (High): This point delves into a significant relationship that produced popular music, while also introducing a dramatic element through Nia Rivera's account, highlighting potential relationship boundary issues and public perception.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host), Ethan Klein (Host)

Neutral sources: Jubilee (Nail Technician)

5. Olivia: Ricky Alvarez and the Infamous Donut Incident

Timestamp: 00:32:30 to 00:37:58 - watch this moment on skim

Olivia details Ariana Grande's relationship with backup dancer Ricky Alvarez from 2015-2016, noting he inspired her song 'Moonlight.' Crucially, she recounts the infamous 'donut gate' incident where Grande and Alvarez were caught on camera licking donuts and expressing anti-American sentiments, leading to significant backlash.

Significance (High): This segment covers a pivotal and highly controversial moment in Grande's career, the donut-licking incident, which severely damaged her public image and sparked widespread criticism for her alleged disrespect towards America and its people.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

6. Ethan Klein & Olivia: The Donut Apology Debacle

Timestamp: 00:38:07 to 00:41:20 - watch this moment on skim

Ethan Klein and Olivia dissect Ariana Grande's apology for the donut incident, noting her initial text apology and a subsequent, more detailed one delivered post-wisdom tooth surgery. They criticize the apology for being insincere, focusing too much on the food industry rather than her own actions, and for its perceived lack of genuine remorse.

Significance (High): This point highlights the public's perception of Grande's handling of the donut scandal, emphasizing how a poorly executed apology can exacerbate a public relations crisis and further alienate fans.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

7. Scooter Braun's Managerial Grip

Timestamp: 00:45:27 to 00:46:48 - watch this moment on skim

Scooter Braun's contentious relationship with Ariana Grande is highlighted by her firing him due to perceived lack of prioritization, only to rehire him later. Braun's alleged actions, such as removing her song 'Jason's Song' from platforms after she fired him, and his later assertion that Ricky Alvarez was the cause of her breakup, paint a picture of a powerful and potentially vindictive manager.

Significance (High): This narrative raises questions about power dynamics in the music industry and the lengths to which managers might go to maintain control or retaliate against artists, impacting artistic expression and public perception.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Jubilee (Nail Technician)

8. Mac Miller: An Angel's Legacy

Timestamp: 00:58:30 to 01:01:36 - watch this moment on skim

Ariana Grande's relationship with Mac Miller, which began around 2012 and solidified in 2016, was a significant connection that deeply impacted her. Following his tragic death in September 2018, Grande expressed her enduring grief and love, notably referencing him as 'an angel' in her song 'Thank U, Next,' and her subsequent 'Sweetener' tour served as part of her healing journey.

Significance (High): This narrative underscores the profound impact of loss on an artist's creative output and personal healing process, showing how grief can be channeled into art and public remembrance.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

9. Pete Davidson: The Whirlwind Romance

Timestamp: 01:03:35 to 01:07:28 - watch this moment on skim

The rapid-fire romance between Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson in 2018, sparked after meeting at a party following the Met Gala, led to a swift engagement within weeks, complete with matching tattoos and a dedicated song on her album 'Sweetener.' Grande's public comments about Davidson's anatomy, including a tweet about '10 inches,' fueled intense media speculation and fan discussion about their intense connection.

Significance (High): This whirlwind romance exemplifies the extreme highs and lows of celebrity relationships, showcasing how quickly public figures can become intensely involved, leading to both public fascination and eventual scrutiny.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host), Jubilee (Nail Technician), Olivia (Co-host/Guest)

10. The Pete Davidson & Ariana Grande Whirlwind

Timestamp: 01:07:30 to 01:09:27 - watch this moment on skim

Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson's relationship was notably fast-paced, leading to engagement and then a breakup in October 2018, shortly after Mac Miller's death, which significantly impacted their relationship. Following this, Grande expressed a desire to remain single, though this period of singledom was brief.

Significance (High): This rapid relationship and subsequent breakup set the stage for Grande's "Thank U, Next" era, signaling a period of personal reflection and a shift in her public persona regarding relationships.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

11. Dalton Gomez: The 'Boring' Real Estate Agent

Timestamp: 01:19:00 to 01:21:03 - watch this moment on skim

Ariana Grande's relationship with Dalton Gomez, a real estate agent, began around the end of her Sweetener tour. Their relationship was characterized as more private, with Gomez not being in the entertainment industry. Grande's album 'Positions' is heavily influenced by this relationship, with lyrics like 'I'm not trying to sign a lease, I'm just gonna make you my home.' They married in May 2021.

Significance (High): This relationship marked a significant shift towards stability and privacy for Grande, culminating in marriage and a more grounded phase in her personal life, though some found it less exciting than her previous relationships.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Sources against: Ethan Klein (Host)

Neutral sources: Jubilee (Nail Technician)

12. Ethan Slater: The 'Wicked' Co-Star and Marital Strife

Timestamp: 01:22:01 to 01:29:57 - watch this moment on skim

Ethan Slater, known for his role as SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway, was married to Lily J for 10 years, with whom he had a child. He began working with Ariana Grande on 'Wicked' in late 2022. Rumors of an affair between Grande and Slater emerged around January 2023, shortly after Grande and Dalton Gomez reportedly separated, leading to Slater's divorce from his wife.

Significance (High): This alleged affair and subsequent divorce created significant public controversy, casting a shadow over Grande's new relationship and Slater's personal life, and raising questions about the timeline of events.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

13. The Unfollowing Incident

Timestamp: 01:30:01 to 01:31:43 - watch this moment on skim

In March 2023, Ethan Slater allegedly unfollowed and blocked both Ariana Grande and her brother Frankie Grande on Instagram, a move speculated to be an attempt to save his marriage after his wife, Lily Jay, discovered the affair. This action was reported before the affair itself became public knowledge.

Significance (Medium): This alleged unfollowing is presented as early evidence of marital distress and potential knowledge of the affair by Slater's wife, setting the stage for later revelations.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

14. Ominous Mother's Day Post

Timestamp: 01:33:50 to 01:35:58 - watch this moment on skim

On May 14, 2023, Ethan Slater posted a 'Happy Mother's Day' message to his wife, Lily Jay, featuring a shadowy photo of a baby resembling Mike from Breaking Bad. This post is viewed as ominous and insincere, given that the affair with Ariana Grande was allegedly ongoing and publicly announced just two months later.

Significance (High): The post is interpreted as a deeply unsettling and possibly manipulative gesture, highlighting the perceived betrayal and the bizarre nature of Slater's actions during the affair.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

15. Lily Jay's Statement and Public Perception

Timestamp: 01:46:32 to 01:48:03 - watch this moment on skim

Lily Jay broke her silence to Page Six, stating, 'Ariana is the story. She's not a girl's girl. My family is just collateral damage.' This statement is seen as a powerful indictment of Grande's actions, solidifying public sympathy for Jay and casting Grande as the primary antagonist in the situation.

Significance (High): Jay's direct accusation significantly shifts public opinion, framing Grande's actions as selfish and damaging, and positioning Jay as a wronged party whose family suffered due to Grande's choices.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host), Jubilee (Nail Technician)

16. Ethan Slater's Split from Ariana Grande

Timestamp: 01:58:46 to 02:01:08 - watch this moment on skim

Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater quietly ended their relationship in June 2026, with sources close to the couple reporting an amicable split where they remain friends and supportive of each other. However, the hosts and guest speculate that Grande was the one who initiated the breakup, possibly after a year of dating.

Significance (High): This marks a significant shift in Grande's public relationships, ending a highly scrutinized romance that began amidst controversy.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host)

17. Reconciliation with Ricky Alvarez

Timestamp: 02:01:43 to 02:07:47 - watch this moment on skim

Following her split from Slater, Ariana Grande appears to have reconciled with Ricky Alvarez. Evidence includes lyric changes in her tour, public appearances on her birthday, and matching social media posts featuring a moon symbol, suggesting a rekindled romance.

Significance (High): This potential reunion with Alvarez, a former boyfriend, signals a return to a past relationship dynamic for Grande, sparking fan excitement and speculation.

Sources in support: Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Ethan Klein (Host)

18. Olivia's Farewell and Return Announcement

Timestamp: 02:13:17 to 02:14:08 - watch this moment on skim

After presenting a detailed timeline of Ariana Grande's relationships, guest Olivia expresses her enjoyment of the discussion. The segment concludes with a significant announcement: Olivia is returning to the H3 podcast permanently, much to the delight of the hosts and audience.

Significance (High): This announcement brings a beloved co-host back to the show, signaling a new chapter for the podcast and generating excitement among the fanbase.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

19. Olivia's Triumphant Return

Timestamp: 02:14:18 to 02:14:48 - watch this moment on skim

Olivia has returned to the H3 Show, bringing with her the 'receipts' and the 'sleigh' to discuss the latest celebrity gossip, specifically Ariana Grande's dating timeline. Her presence is celebrated by the hosts and audience, marking a significant moment for the show's dynamic.

Significance (High): Olivia's return injects energy and specific details into the show, promising engaging content. The audience's positive reaction highlights her value to the program's entertainment factor.

Sources in support: Ethan Klein (Host), Olivia L. (Guest/Co-host)

Neutral sources: Jubilee (Nail Technician)

Fan-Driven Narrative (Medium severity)

Type: Editorial

The hosts and guest, while discussing Ariana Grande's personal life, are heavily influenced by fan theories and a desire to see her happy, potentially leading to a biased interpretation of events.

Significance: This fan-centric approach risks prioritizing sensationalism and speculation over factual reporting, potentially misrepresenting the complexities of the situations and the individuals involved.