Pop star Ariana Grande has sparked fresh dating speculation after she was seen spending time with her former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez in Austin, Texas. The sighting comes just weeks after news broke about her split from Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.
Fans started talking when photos of Grande and Alvarez together at a restaurant began circulating online. The pop singer is currently in Austin for her Eternal Sunshine Tour, and the outing happened around her 33rd birthday on June 26.
But sources close to the singer say there is nothing romantic going on between the former flames. An insider told TMZ that the get-together was simply a birthday celebration with friends, and there is “nothing romantic between Ariana and Ricky this time around.”
How Long Were Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Together?
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez dated for about one year, from 2015 to July 2016.
Alvarez worked as a backup dancer on Grande’s Honeymoon Tour, which is how they met and started their relationship. During their time together, Grande spoke openly about being happy. In May 2016, she told Billboard, “We’re happy. I’m a very happy girl. I have a healthy life right now, and I think that’s all anyone cares to know. The end.”
The couple split just two months after that interview. But unlike many celebrity breakups, they stayed on good terms and remained friends over the years.
The ‘Thank U, Next’ Connection
Grande famously mentioned Ricky Alvarez in her 2018 hit song Thank U, Next. The original lyric goes, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh.”
Alvarez reacted to the song at the time by posting a video on his Instagram Stories. He wrote, “Nothing but gratitude. Thank you, next… (those songs are fire tho… you’re welcome).” Grande reshared his post and jokingly apologized, saying, “HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH IM SORRY U GOT THE WORST LINE. It was meant v lovingly.”
This playful exchange made fans wonder if they had gotten back together. But Grande shut down those rumors quickly, clarifying they were just friends.
What Happened During the Recent Sighting?
Grande and Alvarez were photographed at De Nada Cantina in Austin on June 25, the day before her birthday. They were seen smiling and talking while enjoying a meal together. Grande also took photos with fans during the outing.
A source told PEOPLE magazine that the two “have been hanging out recently.” But another source made it clear to TMZ that the meeting was casual and not romantic. The insider also noted that Grande invited several friends to Austin to celebrate her birthday.
Lyric Change Sparks More Buzz
Grande also made a small change to her Thank U, Next lyrics during a recent concert. Instead of the original line, she sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, I know he’s still got my back” during her June 26 show. She had also changed the line to “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now they still kinda slap” at an earlier performance.
These changes made fans talk even more about whether the former couple might be getting close again. But with sources confirming there’s no romance involved, it seems the friendship is all there is to it.
A History of Reunion Rumors
This is not the first time Grande and Alvarez have sparked dating rumors. They were also seen together in New York City back in 2019, which led fans to think they had reconciled. Grande quickly responded by saying on social media, “Spoiler for the rest of this year / probably my life: [I’m dating] no one.”
Despite the past rumors, the two have always maintained a friendly relationship. Their ability to stay friends has kept fans curious about their connection over the years.
Recent Split from Ethan Slater
The recent Alvarez sighting follows the news of Grande’s breakup from Ethan Slater. Reports confirmed earlier this month that the two had separated. A source told Page Six on June 8 that the split was mutual and happened several months ago.
“Ariana and Ethan broke up several months ago but they’ve remained friends since then and have nothing but respect and admiration for one another,” the source said.
The pair started dating in 2023 while working on the movie Wicked and made their relationship public in late 2024. Their split was described as a decision made carefully, with both choosing to stay friends instead of staying in a committed relationship.
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What’s Next for Ariana Grande?
Grande is currently focused on her Eternal Sunshine Tour, which began on June 6. She is also getting ready to release her eighth studio album, Petal, which is scheduled to drop on July 31. Sources say she is “feeling really happy and focused on the next chapter” with her tour and upcoming album.
The singer seems to be moving forward with her career while keeping her personal life low-key. For now, it looks like her reunion with Alvarez is nothing more than a friendly hangout between two people who have stayed close over the years.
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