Ariana Grande has reportedly rekindled her relationship with ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, according to multiple reports. The couple are said to be "taking things slow" but are officially back together.
Grande and Alvarez have been seen together in recent weeks, including at a Fourth of July celebration with Grande's family. A source told People that "they’re not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life." The source added that Alvarez "has such great, positive energy, makes her laugh, and she enjoys spending time with him."
The singer appeared to confirm the reunion during her Eternal Sunshine tour. While performing her hit single "Thank U, Next," Grande altered the lyrics. Originally, the song included the line, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh." During a recent concert in Brooklyn, Grande changed it to, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back." Earlier, in Texas, she sang, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he's still got my back."
Grande and Alvarez first met in 2015 when he worked as a backup dancer on her Honeymoon tour. She confirmed their relationship the following year, but they reportedly split after dating for about a year.
This development follows Grande's recent separation from Ethan Slater. A source told Daily Mail last month that the pair decided to end their relationship after considerable thought and lengthy deliberation. The breakup, which occurred earlier this year, was described as amicable, with the singer and her "Wicked" co-star remaining friends.
Grande has been focusing on her ongoing Eternal Sunshine tour, which began in Oakland, California, and is scheduled to conclude in London on September 1. Slater was not seen at her opening weekend performances. She has also been working on her upcoming studio album, "Petal," set for release on July 31.
Grande and Slater began their romance after meeting during the filming of the musical adaptation "Wicked," released in 2024, with its second part due in 2025. Grande played Glinda, while Slater portrayed Boq. Their romance was first reported in July 2023, shortly after news broke of Grande's separation from her husband, Dalton Gomez. Slater had also recently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, with whom he welcomed a son in August 2022. Sources indicated at the time that Grande and Slater did not begin dating until both had separated from their respective spouses.