As Ariana Grande scales back on performing and public life due to health concerns, her rekindled relationship with Ricky Alvarez has emerged as a significant source of support, according to insiders.
"He’s been super supportive of her. He’s been showing up on her tour," a source close to Grande told Page Six. "They’ve known each other for a long time and they found their way back to each other."
Alvarez first joined Grande's team in 2014 as a backup dancer, and the two began dating in 2015. Their relationship, which was inadvertently confirmed in a viral donut-licking incident that same year, ended after about a year. Sources cite differing life paths and career demands as reasons for the initial split. "They were both in very different places in their lives," a source close to Alvarez explained. "They were younger, constantly on the road and trying to figure out who they were individually, so the timing just wasn’t right."
Over the past decade, Grande has navigated significant personal and professional challenges. These include the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the 2018 death of ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, a highly publicized engagement and subsequent divorce from Dalton Gomez, and her recent split from "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater. The demanding nature of her roles and recent projects, including the "Wicked" films and new music, has also taken a toll.
"These films were a tremendous undertaking in every way for all of us… mentally, physically, emotionally…" Grande wrote on Instagram in October 2025. "'Wicked' was an incredible experience, but it also demanded so much of her," the source close to Grande added. "Then she went straight into new music and touring. She hasn’t really given herself much time to slow down."
Grande and Alvarez confirmed their reunion last month. She has alluded to their rekindled relationship on her current tour, singing modified lyrics about Alvarez during her performances. "Wrote some songs about Ricky / And they still kinda slap," she reportedly sang at a concert in Austin, Texas. On another occasion, she sang, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s still got my back."
"Ricky has been someone she feels really comfortable with. He’s not trying to solve all of her problems," the source close to Grande said. "He’s just there for her. He’s supportive, encouraging and reminds her she doesn’t have to carry everything by herself."