Ariana Grande and her former boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez, have rekindled their romance, as confirmed by reports from People and TMZ in July 2026. The 33-year-old pop star and the 35-year-old former backup dancer, who first dated between 2015 and 2016, have been spotted together on multiple occasions, sparking widespread speculation before the relationship was officially confirmed by sources.
Ariana Grande alters Thank U, Next lyrics at Brooklyn tour stop
The reconciliation became a focal point of public interest following a series of sightings and public hints. During a performance at her Eternal Sunshine tour stop in Brooklyn on Monday, July 13, 2026, Grande appeared to signal the reunion by altering the lyrics to her hit song, “Thank U, Next.” This performance followed earlier reports that rumors of their renewed connection had begun circulating online in June 2026.
Ricky Alvarez and Ariana Grande spend Fourth of July in Boca Raton
The couple spent the Fourth of July weekend together in Florida. On Saturday of that weekend, the pair was photographed leaving a Whole Foods in Boca Raton. During the outing, Grande was seen in a casual hoodie and jeans with her hair in a bun, while Alvarez wore dark-wash denim, a white collared shirt, sneakers, and a black baseball cap. Alvarez was observed helping the Grammy winner carry grocery bags and loading them into a vehicle. A source confirmed to People that the singer spent the holiday weekend with Alvarez and her family.
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez walk through Central Park
Following the Florida trip, the pair was photographed on a romantic stroll through New York City’s Central Park on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The couple walked arm-in-arm through the park, with Grande’s arm wrapped around Alvarez’s waist. For the outing, Grande wore an all-black ensemble with a nude-colored headband and her hair styled in a messy bun. Alvarez opted for camo pants, a sleeveless black T-shirt, and a blue New York Knicks hat. The duo was accompanied by a dog that appeared to be the singer’s pet, Toulouse.
Ricky Alvarez joins Ariana Grande after Honeymoon Tour history
Regarding the current nature of their relationship, an insider told People that the pair is taking things very slowly.
The source noted, They’re not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life.
The history between the two dates back to 2014, when they first met. Alvarez was subsequently hired as one of Grande’s backup dancers for her Honeymoon Tour, which ran from 2014 to 2015. They made their relationship public in 2015 before parting ways in July 2016. Despite their initial breakup, the two remained on good terms throughout the following years. The insider explained the dynamic of their reconciliation, stating, Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend. She’s not held ill will against him [since their split in 2016]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive.
While the reunion has drawn attention, Grande’s representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Page Six. The timeline of their recent activity—from the concert lyric change in Brooklyn to the public appearances in Florida and New York—marks the latest chapter in their long-standing personal history.