Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez were photographed walking arm-in-arm through Central Park in New York City on Thursday, a public display of their rekindled relationship.
The couple, who reportedly decided to give their romance another chance, appeared casual as they navigated the park. Grande wore an all-black outfit and a nude headband, with her hair in a messy bun. Alvarez sported camouflage pants, a sleeveless black T-shirt, and a blue New York Knicks hat. They were accompanied by a dog resembling Grande's pet Toulouse.
During their outing, Grande's arm was around Alvarez's waist, and his arm was draped over her shoulder. This appearance follows reports that Grande and Alvarez have "rekindled" their relationship but are not rushing back into it, according to a source. "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 told Page Six.
Alvarez has reportedly remained close with Grande's family over the years and has supported her on tour, gestures that Grande appreciates. The source added that they are "enjoying spending time together again and seeing where things go without putting too much pressure on the relationship."
Grande, 33, and Alvarez, 35, first sparked dating rumors in late June when they were seen with friends at a restaurant in Austin, Texas, for Grande's birthday. Later, over the Fourth of July weekend, they were photographed grocery shopping at Whole Foods in Grande's hometown of Boca Raton, Florida.
Fans also noted a significant lyric change Grande made to her 2018 hit song "Thank U, Next" during a concert in Brooklyn on July 13. Previously, the lyric about Alvarez was, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh." The modified lyric became, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back." This change fueled speculation among her fanbase about their reunion.
Grande and Alvarez previously dated briefly between 2015 and 2016. They met when Alvarez joined Grande on her Honeymoon Tour as a backup dancer. Their current reconciliation follows Grande's recent split from Ethan Slater after three years together.