Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Are Back Together
Sit Down because , we need to talk about Ariana Grande's ex. His name is Ricky Alvarez. If you've been following Ariana's Eternal Sunshine Tour, you've probably noticed people talking about one thing. She keeps changing the lyrics.
Here's the backstory:
→ Ricky was one of Ariana's backup dancers back in 2014.
→ The two started dating in 2015 and were together for about a year before splitting in 2016.
It wasn't the kind of breakup that dominated headlines. But it never completely disappeared either. A few years later, Ricky became part of thank u, next, the song that famously looked back at Ariana's past relationships. He later joked that his lyric was the harshest one in the song. Ariana laughed about it, saying she could have made it much worse. Somehow, that conversation didn't end the friendship. Instead, Ricky stayed in contact with her. He even worked behind the scenes on her tours, helping with creative production. That's not the kind of relationship most former couples manage to keep.
Then 2026 changed everything.
After Ariana and Ethan Slater reportedly ended their relationship, Ricky started appearing around her again. He was spotted spending time with her team in Texas. The two were seen having lunch in Austin. Then came the Fourth of July, where Ricky reportedly spent time with Ariana and her family in Florida.
None of this confirms they're officially back together. Ariana hasn't said anything publicly. Neither has Ricky. But people close to the situation keep describing their connection in a very similar way. They say the relationship feels comfortable because the foundation was built years ago. There isn't the pressure of two people trying to figure each other out for the first time. They already know each other.
And then there's the detail fans can't stop talking about. The lyrics.
The line that once sounded like Ariana was looking back on an old relationship now feels completely different when she performs it live. She has changed it more than once during the tour, and every version has people trying to work out whether she's hinting at something without actually saying it. Maybe it's just a fun change for the audience. Maybe it means more. Either way, fans have definitely noticed. Timing makes the whole thing even more interesting.
Her new album, Petal, arrives in just a couple of weeks. Ariana has described the project as reflecting a period of rebuilding after a difficult chapter in her life.
Whether Ricky is part of that story or simply someone who found his way back into it, one thing is clear. Sometimes the person who knows you best isn't someone new. Sometimes it's someone who never completely left. If you've been half watching the lyric change every night on tour, you already know how this one ends.