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Ariana Grande Revisits Ex on Birthday, Updates Lyrics

6/28/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ariana Grande Reunion

On June 26, Ariana Grande met former boyfriend Ricky Álvarez for lunch in Austin, her birthday.
She changed the lyric to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s got my back,” after a version earlier; Álvarez turned toward her and shook her hand.
Grande reshared Álvarez’s Instagram comment, adding “Oh for sure … ty next,” while noting they dated from June 2015 to July 2016, when he was a backup dancer.

Summary

Ariana Grande Launches

Ariana Grande opened the Eternal Sunshine Tour at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on June 24, 2026, marking the tour’s first U.S. stop.
She marked her 33rd birthday during the June 26, 2026 concert, highlighting the milestone onstage.
Ricky Alvarez shook hands with Grande’s father after she sang a revised lyric of “Thank U, Next.”
TMZ and People reported the handshake and lyric change, noting that the tour will continue internationally after the Austin leg.

Summary

Ariana Grande Silence

A Grande spokesperson declined comment on the June 26 lunch, leaving the story reliant on unnamed sources.
TMZ, People and Billboard each gave quotes, showing how left-center-neutral outlets framed the event.
Both articles cite a source saying the pair have “been hanging out recently,” but provide no verification.
The pieces list reliability scores of 36.48 and 41.63 and note Grande’s earlier reply to the White House about her music.

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Ariana Grande Reunion

On June 26, Ariana Grande met former boyfriend Ricky Álvarez for lunch in Austin, her birthday.
She changed the lyric to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s got my back,” after a version earlier; Álvarez turned toward her and shook her hand.
Grande reshared Álvarez’s Instagram comment, adding “Oh for sure … ty next,” while noting they dated from June 2015 to July 2016, when he was a backup dancer.

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