Ethan Slater roasted by viewers for 'awkward' dance on The Jennifer Hudson Show

Ariana Grande 's boyfriend Ethan Slater was mocked after he showcased his 'awkward' dance moves during the viral 'spirit tunnel' walk on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

The show has become famous for its soul train inspired item - which sees staffers hyping up the celebrity guest with personalized songs and dance moves before they hit the stage.

Slater, 32, who is dating his Wicked costar Ariana Grande, 31, made his debut this week, but fans were quick to comment on his apparent lack of rhythm.

'This was kinda awkward to watch I was waiting for him to dance to do something,' said one user on YouTube .

Another added: 'He has no rhythm and u can tell.'

'Can't dance??????OMG,' a third wrote, while another user added: 'I laughed so hard he didn't know what to do.'

Others were more sympathetic, with one writing: 'Awww he is cute.... okay ariana.'

A second said: 'ok but he is cutie patootie.'

The actor was on the show to promote Wicked, months after making headlines over his relationship with Grande.

The pair met in December 2022 on the UK set of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, in which Grande plays Glinda — the good witch — alongside Slater as munchkin Boq.

At the time, Grande was still married to Dalton Gomez. She filed for divorce in September 2023 and listed the date of separation as February 20, 2023.

The singer announced her separation from Gomez just three days before confirming her new relationship with Slater.

Slater was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, when he started filming.

The actor, who welcomed his first child with Jay in 2022, then filed for divorce in July 2023 - five years after they tied the knot.

He cited irreconcilable differences and asked for joint custody of their son. The pair eventually finalized their divorce in September.

'She's so funny,' he said of Grande on Monday's show. 'She's a comedy genius. I mean, she's amazing in this film.'

He also heaped praise on her on-screen dynamic with Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba.

'They were so beautiful and nuanced and unbelievable,' he continued. 'And Ari's hilarious.

'I can't wait for people to see the takes that didn't make it in.'

News of their romance caused uproar among Grande's followers.

They kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight until recently while on the promotional tour for Wicked.

Last Sunday the pair treated Wicked fans in Sydney to an impromptu meet and greet .

They then went 'Instagram official' the following day as Grande shared their first photo together on the app.

The former Nickelodeon actress was seen leading Slater down some stairs.

'Sydney, you have stolen our hearts,' the Thank U Next hitmaker wrote in her caption to the carousel of pictures.

Later, Slater shared the image to his Instagram Stories.

Wicked opens in the US on November 22, 2024.