Ariana Grande made a subtle yet public confirmation of her romantic reunion with dancer Ricky Alvarez during a July 13, 2026, concert in New York City as part of her Eternal Sunshine Tour. During the performance of her hit song ‘Thank U, Next,’ Grande altered the lyrics from ‘Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh’ to ‘Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.’ This change, noted by fans who know the lyrics by heart, caused the audience to erupt in cheers, as reported by La Vanguardia.

Timeline of the Reunion and Past Relationships

Grande and Alvarez first dated in 2015 for about a year before ending their relationship amicably. Their reunion came after Grande’s recent separation from Ethan Slater, her co-star in the film Wicked, which was confirmed in June 2026 by People through a source. The couple had been together since 2023, but their relationship ended with the pair remaining friends and supporting each other, according to the same report.

Before Slater, Grande had been in high-profile relationships with Mac Miller, Pete Davidson, and Dalton Gomez. Her most recent marriage to Gomez was finalized in 2024 after their separation in late 2023. This latest turn in her romantic life brings her back to Alvarez, a relationship that once captured widespread attention in 2015.

Public and Media Reaction

The lyrical change was not the only indication of the couple’s reconnection. Alvarez was spotted at the concert with Grande’s stylist, Law Roach, and several fan-captured videos show him in the audience, according to LOS40. Grande has also been seen wearing outfits that hint at a more relaxed, personal lifestyle, including split-toe Maison Margiela shoes and cotton-and-silk blend trousers, as detailed in a Marie Claire report.

Grande’s stylist, Law Roach, was also present at the concert and had previously helped design her Eternal Sunshine Tour outfits. Meanwhile, the singer confirmed via Instagram in 2025 that she would not be appearing in the 13th season of American Horror Story, citing scheduling conflicts with her tour, according to Watson.de.

Future Plans and Musical Output

Grande’s Eternal Sunshine Tour is part of a broader creative push. Her latest album, also titled Eternal Sunshine, was released in 2026, with a follow-up project, Petal, set for a July 31, 2026, release. She has emphasized the importance of balancing her musical and acting endeavors, stating in 2025 that she would not abandon music for acting commitments, as noted in the same Watson.de report.

The singer also reflected on the emotional weight of her past relationships, particularly with Mac Miller, who died in 2018. His passing remains a significant influence on her music and public persona, as detailed in bigFM. With her recent romantic developments, Grande appears to be managing a new chapter that blends personal and professional milestones.