Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande’s relationship became one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of 2018, capturing public attention with its intensity, rapid progression, and equally swift conclusion. Their five-month engagement represented a defining moment for both stars, leaving lasting impacts on their careers and personal lives.
The Beginning: From SNL to Real Romance
The foundation of Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande’s relationship was laid in March 2016 when Grande first hosted Saturday Night Live. At the time, both were in committed relationships – Grande with rapper Mac Miller and Davidson with Cazzie David, daughter of comedian Larry David. However, their initial meeting planted seeds that would bloom two years later.
The stars aligned in May 2018 when both ended their long-term relationships within days of each other. Grande announced her split from Mac Miller on May 10, while Davidson confirmed his breakup with Cazzie David shortly after. Their timing couldn’t have been more synchronized, setting the stage for one of Hollywood’s most intense whirlwind romances.
The couple was first spotted together at the Saturday Night Live after-party on May 12, 2018, just two days after Grande’s breakup announcement. What started as casual hanging out quickly escalated into something much more serious.
The Lightning-Fast Progression
Going Public and Getting Serious
Pete Davidson made their relationship Instagram official with a Harry Potter-themed couples photo, accompanied by the caption “the chamber of secrets has been opened…” This nerdy but endearing announcement marked the beginning of their very public romance.
The relationship moved at breakneck speed. By their one-month anniversary, the couple had matching tattoos and were already living together. Their first major public appearance came at the MTV Video Music Awards in August 2018, where they packed on the PDA and Grande thanked Davidson in her acceptance speech.
The Proposal: Casual but Committed
Davidson revealed the super casual way he proposed to Grande, telling Variety: “I didn’t want to do something corny. We were in bed hanging, after watching a movie. I was like, ‘Will you marry me?’ It was really dope.” The proposal happened just weeks into their relationship, shocking fans and media alike.
Davidson admitted he was nervous she wouldn’t say yes, telling the magazine: “I’m still convinced she’s blind or hit her head really hard. Something is going to happen, and she’s going to be like, ‘What the f**k is this thing doing around?’ For right now, it’s rocking.”
Living in the Spotlight
Tattoos and Public Declarations
The couple’s love was displayed through multiple matching tattoos, including “H2GKMO” (honest to god, knock me out) and various tributes to each other. Grande even got a foot tattoo honoring Davidson’s father, Scott Davidson, who died on 9/11, featuring his badge number “8418.”
During a social media exchange that went viral, Grande accidentally revealed intimate details about Davidson, leading to the birth of the phrase “big dick energy.” These public moments, while endearing to fans, also subjected their relationship to intense scrutiny.
Career Integration
Grande immortalized their relationship in music, releasing a song titled “Pete Davidson” on her album “Sweetener.” She also revealed plans to change her name to Ariana Grande-Davidson when they married, telling Apple Music’s Beats 1: “I feel like I’d eventually just be Ariana: Isn’t that sick? I feel like it’s got a ring to it.”
The Beginning of the End
Mac Miller’s Tragic Death
The tragic death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in September 2018 from an accidental drug overdose significantly impacted their relationship. Davidson later revealed to Charlamagne Tha God that he “pretty much knew it was around over after that.”
Davidson explained his understanding of the situation: “I was like, ‘Listen, I get it, do whatever you’ve got to do, I’ll be here.’ I think I said, ‘I’ll be here until you don’t want me to be here.’ That was really horrible, and I can’t imagine what that st is like. All I do know is that she really loved the st out of him.”
The Split
In October 2018, sources confirmed that the couple had split over the weekend, “with both parties acknowledging that it simply was not the right time for their relationship to take off.” The engagement was officially called off after just four months.
Multiple sources indicated that Grande had been having conversations about their future and ultimately decided to call off the engagement, feeling overwhelmed and needing to take a step back.
Reasons Behind the Breakup
Too Much, Too Soon
In a candid 2019 Vogue interview, Grande called the relationship “unrealistic,” admitting: “I met Pete, and it was an amazing distraction.” Sources close to the singer reportedly told TMZ the whole relationship was “way too much too soon.”
Management Interference
Recent reports suggest that Grande’s management team, particularly her manager Scooter Braun, played a significant role in the relationship’s demise. Sources indicated that Braun “definitely gets involved in his clients’ business and personal relationships.”
Emotional Overwhelm
A source close to the situation revealed: “She has been struggling emotionally and is not in a situation where she should plan a wedding. She had to take a step back and just breathe for a minute. She’s been completely overwhelmed and wants to slow down.”
Life After the Breakup
Davidson’s Perspective
Davidson addressed the relationship aftermath in his Netflix content, expressing frustration about public discussion of intimate details: “I don’t like that she talked all that s**t for my penis.” However, he’s maintained a professional attitude about their past.
Grande’s Musical Response
Grande channeled her emotions into her hit song and album “Thank U, Next,” which directly referenced Davidson and their relationship. In the music video inspired by Mean Girls, she sang: “Even almost got married. And for Pete, I’m so thankful.”
Current Status: Mutual Respect
Recent Comments from Davidson
In a February 2025 interview with Page Six, Davidson shared his current feelings about Grande: “When we see each other—which is few and far between, because we’re not in the same circles—it’s all love. I hope she wins the Oscar, I hope she takes the gold.” He was referring to her Oscar nomination for her performance in “Wicked.”
Davidson emphasized his mature approach to past relationships: “I’ve had some pretty adult relationships with some pretty amazing women, and when it’s ended it’s been cool.”
Moving Forward
Grande married real estate broker Dalton Gomez in May 2021 after over a year of dating. Meanwhile, Davidson has continued his dating journey, most recently entering a relationship with model and actress Elsie Hewitt in March 2025.
The Legacy of Their Relationship
Impact on Davidson’s Career
Davidson has expressed frustration about how his dating life overshadowed his professional achievements: “It’s embarrassing because you want people to write about your work. I was one of the youngest ever cast members on SNL and all that got pushed to the side because of who I was dating.”
Cultural Influence
Their relationship became a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless memes, think pieces, and discussions about celebrity romance in the social media age. The intensity and public nature of their relationship set a new standard for celebrity couples in the digital era.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long were Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande together?
Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande were together for approximately five months, from May 2018 to October 2018. They got engaged after just a few weeks of dating and lived together during their whirlwind romance.
Why did Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande break up?
The breakup was attributed to multiple factors, including the tragic death of Grande’s ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, the relationship moving too fast, management interference, and Grande feeling emotionally overwhelmed. The couple acknowledged it wasn’t the right time for their relationship to progress.
Are Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande still friends?
Yes, according to Davidson’s recent statements, they maintain a friendly relationship when they occasionally see each other. He expressed nothing but well-wishes for her career success, particularly hoping she wins an Oscar for her role in “Wicked.”
Did Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande get married?
No, Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande never got married. They were engaged for about four months before calling off the engagement in October 2018. Grande later married real estate broker Dalton Gomez in 2021.
What songs did Ariana Grande write about Pete Davidson?
Ariana Grande wrote a song literally titled “Pete Davidson” on her album “Sweetener.” She also referenced him in her hit song “Thank U, Next,” singing “Even almost got married. And for Pete, I’m so thankful.”