It’s very common for singers to use their breakups and trauma as material when they hit the studio, but some artists have more material than others.
Up beside Taylor Swift in the ex-inspired-song-writing business is Ariana Grande, whose colourful dating history has inspired some bangers, including thank u, next, Better Off and No Tears Left to Cry.
In May 2021, fans went wild when it was revealed the singer had finally tied the knot with Dalton Gomez, but according to reports this week Grande is single again, with insiders telling TMZ the pair had split.
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The media outlet also reported that according to a source close to the couple, Gomez felt overwhelmed by the superstar’s fame.
The pair got together during COVID, but once restrictions lifted the real estate agent had to face Grande’s hectic schedule, the paparazzi and various opportunities that would see her leave the country.
As fans sit in anticipation of some new hits inspired by Grande’s first divorce, here’s a look at the singer’s interesting dating timeline.
Graham Phillips
Grande has been a star in the spotlight for years, with a portfolio that includes theatre roles, TV gigs and stadiums filled with fans keen to watch the singer-songwriter perform.
Kicking off her career with Nickelodeon at the age of 15 by starring in hit show Victorious, it wasn’t long before the actress began dating fellow stars, starting with Graham Phillips.
Grande met the Good Wife alum when she was 15.
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The duo were both starring on Broadway in 13: The Musical at the time and wrote a song called Stick Around, dated between 2008 to 2011.
Despite going their separate ways, the former flames reunited in July 2016 for a dinner with friends from 13.
Jai Brooks
Back in the golden ages when comedy group Janoskians were on their rise to fame, Grande dated Jai Brooks, one of the lead stars of the group.
The pair dated from August 2012 to October 2013, and their split wasn’t particularly amicable.
At the time of their breakup, Brooks took to Twitter to accuse Grande of cheating on him with Nathan Sykes.
“Yes I was cheated on. Yes it does suck,” he wrote in a lengthy rant. “Yes I was left for another man.”
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The 7 Rings singer, however, was not silent in response to the claims, and replied with a tweet of her own, accusing the comedian of threatening her with retaliation if she chose to not be with him.
“Woke up this morning in complete and utter shock …I guess I shouldn’t be so surprised,” she wrote.
“You said to me if I didn’t come back to you, you’d make me look bad to the entire world. I’m no longer afraid of you or your lies anymore.”
The highly-publicised feud saw the pair remain separated until May 2014, when it appeared they wanted to give their relationship a second chance.
Despite this attempt, however, Grande and Brooks split up for good in August.
Nathan Sykes
Though it was never confirmed whether Grande had been unfaithful while with Brooks, her next beau was none other than The Wanted singer Nathan Sykes.
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“I saw him in March on a red carpet, and we locked eyes with each other all night,” she told Entertainment Wise of their initial meeting in 2013.
“I thought he was cute as hell. Nothing happened, obviously, and then the duet came about.”
The couple kicked off a relationship in August 2013 following the release of Almost is Never Enough, but split up four months later.
After The Wanted split in 2014, Sykes embarked on a solo career, which included releasing a solo album with a song dedicated to his ex.
Big Sean
Grande thought she’d end up with Big Sean, but it wasn’t a match.
The actress confirmed she was dating the rapper in October 2014, calling him “one of the most amazing men in the whole word.”
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Late Glee star Naya Rivera, who was engaged to the rapper until April 2014, later alleged in her book Sorry Not Sorry that she found Grande at his home while she and Big Sean were still dating.
The romance broke down in April 2015, less than a year after the announcement.
Ricky Alvarez
The back-up dancer was first linked to Grande in 2015 following her split from Big Sean.
Alvarez was one of the names dropped in the singer’s popular song Thank U, Next.
“Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh,” Grande sang in reference to her ex.
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When the song was released, Alvarez posted it to his Instagram Story on November 5, 2018, zooming in on his face as the lyrics about him were sang.
Grande reposted his story shortly after.No Tears Left to Cry reposted his story shortly after.
“HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH IM SORRY U GOT THE WORST LINE @RICKYROZAY,” she wrote alongside praying hands and angel emojis.
“IT WAS MEANT V LOVINGLY.”
Mac Miller
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Mac Miller and Grande were a whole era, their heartbreaking relationship capturing fans’ hearts across the world.
The couple won the internet over when they released their collaboration The Way in 2016. The couple then dated for two years, confirming their split in May 2018.
Grande addressed the breakup on Instagram, posting a photo of the duo cuddling.
“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 captioned the snap.
Miller also spoke to the breakup, speaking candidly to Beats 1 host Zane Lowe in July 2018.
“I was in love with somebody. We were together for two years. We worked through good times, bad times, stress and everything else. And then it came to an end and we both moved on,” he said. “And it’s that simple.”
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In September 2018, Miller was found dead in his home, his death ruled an accidental overdose due to a combination of alcohol and drugs
Grande wrote a touching tribute to her late ex on Instagram.
“I adored you from the day I met you when I was nineteen and I always will,” she wrote.
“I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore.
“I really can’t wrap my head around it. We talked about this. So many times. I’m so mad, I’m so sad I don’t know what to do.
“You were my dearest friend. for so long. above anything else. I’m so sorry I couldn’t fix or take your pain away. I really wanted to. The kindest, sweetest soul with demons he never deserved. I hope you’re okay now. Rest.”
Pete Davidson
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It was Grande who kicked off Davidson’s star-studded dating history.
The comedian went on to date Kim Kardashian and Emily Ratajkowski, among other stars, following his split with the Bang Bang singer.
In May 2018, the comedian took to Instagram to announce the pair were dating, sharing a photo of them posing in Harry Potter outfits.
“The chamber of secrets has been opened,” the Saturday Night Live star cheekily captioned the post.
A month later, Grande, famous for moving quickly when dating, was engaged to Davidson, with discussions of marriage hitting the table.
They moved in together and adopted a pig, leaving fans in awe of their whirlwind romance.
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After spending the summer flaunting their romance, the pair shocked the world with their split in October 2018 .
Davidson spoke about it during a November segment of Saturday Night Live.
“I know some of you are curious about the breakup, but the truth is, it’s nobody’s business, and sometimes things just don’t work out, and that’s OK,” he told viewers.
“She’s a wonderful, strong person, and I genuinely wish her all the happiness in the world.”
Mikey Foster
By the time Grande was linked with Foster, it was clear her dating pool was largely influenced by singer’s she’d collaborate with.
In early August 2019, fans were left speculating over the pair’s status after Grande and the Social House member made out in their collaborative Boyfriend music video.
The duo were spotted holding hands while hanging out in Chicago in the same month.
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It was later confirmed that Foster, who opened for Grande during her Sweetener world tour, had been dating the pop star from as early as June 2019.
By June 2020, however, the pair had gone their separate ways.
Dalton Gomez
Most recently, the powerhouse singer was with realtor Dalton Gomez.
Grande and Gomez made their relationship public in February 2020 and got engaged 10 months later.
They wasted no time, tying the knot in May 2021 at an intimate ceremony held at Grande’s home in Montecito, California.
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“The room was so happy and full of love,” her rep said in a statement at the time.
“The couple and both families couldn’t be happier.”
This week, it’s been reported Grande and Gomez secretly separated after two years of marriage.
The Breathin singer, 30, and her husband, 27, reportedly separated in January and “have been quietly and lovingly working on their friendship” since then, according to a source who spoke with People.
Rumours the couple were going through a rough patch had been swirling for months as Grande had been in London filming the adaptation of the musical Wicked.
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Similarly, earlier this week the singer was snapped at Wimbledon not wearing her wedding ring.
“Ariana and Dalton have been having some issues for months now,” another insider told Us Weekly.
“They were having issues before she left for Wicked filming [in London] that they couldn’t resolve, and the distance did not help. They haven’t been speaking and are separated, and a divorce is likely.”
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Every breakup song that is not-so-secretly about a celebrity
