Ariana Grande Spotted Reuniting with Ex Ricky Alvarez on Her 33rd Birthday in Austin

Ariana Grande, who recently ended her relationship with actor Ethan Slater, was seen spending time with her ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez on Friday, June 26, 2026, which was also her 33rd birthday. The meeting took place in Austin, Texas, where Grande was performing that evening. Alvarez, 33, had been her dancer during her 2015 tour, and the couple dated from 2015 until their breakup in July 2016.

While some sources told TMZ that their reunion is purely friendly, another source told People that they have been spending a lot of time together lately. Fans are awaiting further updates to clarify the nature of their renewed connection. Alvarez was previously mentioned in Grande's 2018 hit "Thank U, Next," where she referenced him in the lyrics, saying she had written several songs about him and now listens and laughs. Alvarez responded humorously on social media, appreciating the songs.

During her recent concert, where Alvarez was present in the VIP area, Grande altered the lyrics of "Thank U, Next" to a more affectionate line about him, which was captured by fans and seemed to please Alvarez. This moment came just days after she sang a slightly different version of the same lyric.

Grande has had a series of high-profile relationships since her split from Alvarez, including with the late rapper Mac Miller, comedian Pete Davidson, singer Mikey Foster, and real estate agent Dalton Gomez, whom she married and later divorced. Her most recent relationship was with Ethan Slater, her co-star in the "Wicked" films, with whom she was involved for three years before their recent breakup.