Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Rekindle Romance: A Relationship Timeline
Ariana Grande and her former backup dancer Ricky Alvarez have rekindled their relationship, as confirmed by reports on July 14, 2026. The pair, who previously dated from 2015 to 2016, were recently spotted together in Texas and Florida, and Grande has publicly acknowledged the reunion through lyrical changes during her ongoing tour. The couple, who first dated in 2015 after meeting on her Honeymoon Tour, are reportedly taking things slowly after rekindling their romance.
Public Lyric Changes and Performance Context
The most visible confirmation of the rekindled romance came during the New York City stop of Grande’s Eternal Sunshine
tour. During a performance in Brooklyn on Monday, July 13, 2026, Grande altered the lyric to her hit song “Thank U, Next.” The change seemed to imply she has reunited with her ex. While performing the track, which is famous for name-dropping her former partners, the singer opted to alter the line originally written about Alvarez. The original lyric reads: Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh.
During the show, Grande sang: Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.
Reunion Rumors and Recent Sightings
Speculation regarding the pair began to circulate as they were spotted spending time together in Texas and Florida during Grande’s Eternal Sunshine
tour. On Tuesday, July 7, a source told PEOPLE that the pop star spent the Fourth of July weekend with Alvarez and her family in Florida. Shoppers at the Whole Foods Market near the Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton, Florida, witnessed the singer loading bags into a car with the 34-year-old Alvarez. According to reports, the duo loaded up their groceries before heading to her parents’ house nearby to celebrate the holiday.
Most recently, the couple was photographed on a romantic stroll through New York City’s Central Park on Thursday. The newly reunited couple walked arm-in-arm as they made their way through the iconic urban oasis. The duo was also joined by a pup who looked strikingly similar to the “Side to Side” singer’s beloved dog, Toulouse. During their park adventure, Grande’s arm was wrapped around the waist of her former backup dancer. Both were dressed casually; Grande wore an all-black ensemble with a nude-colored headband and her hair in a messy bun, while Alvarez wore camo pants, a sleeveless black T-shirt, and a blue New York Knicks hat.
Relationship Dynamics and Professional Support
Sources exclusively tell PEOPLE that the pop star, 33, and her former backup dancer, 35, are taking things very slowly. An insider noted, They’re not jumping into anything serious right away. Another source told Page Six, Ariana has rekindled things with Ricky, but she isn’t rushing back into the relationship. She has a lot on her plate at the moment and is still incredibly busy with her tour schedule, so they’re taking things one step at a time.
The insider continued, Ricky has remained close with Ariana’s family over the years, and that’s something she really appreciates. He has also made an effort to show up and support her while she’s on tour, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Regarding their history, a source told PEOPLE, Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend. She’s not held ill will against him since their split. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky. The couple are reportedly enjoying spending time together again and seeing where things go without putting too much pressure on the relationship.
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