Full Breakdown
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Rekindle Romance After Split from Ethan Slater
7/15/2026, 4:13:52 AM
Core Event
Grammy-winning pop star Ariana Grande (33) and former backup dancer-turned-photographer Ricky Alvarez (35) are reported to be dating again. The renewed connection surfaced weeks after Grande’s public breakup with “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater (34). Sources observed the pair leaving a Whole Foods in Boca Raton, Florida, during the Fourth of July weekend and later together at a group gathering in Texas. Grande also altered the lyrics of “Thank U, Next” during concerts in New York and Austin to reference Alvarez more positively, fueling speculation that the two are “taking things very slowly” while she continues her “Eternal Sunshine” tour.
Background & Context
Grande and Alvarez first dated in 2015 after meeting when he joined her Honeymoon Tour as a backup dancer. Their romance lasted roughly a year before ending in 2016. Over the ensuing decade the two remained on amicable terms, with Alvarez appearing in a 2019 Zach Sang Show interview where Grande noted his pride in being name-checked in “Thank U, Next.”
In July 2023 Grande began dating Ethan Slater, a fellow Broadway performer, after both ended previous marriages. The couple went public in July 2023 and were together for about three years before splitting. Their breakup was described as “amicable” and the pair reportedly remain friends.
Key Figures & Groups
- Ariana Grande – Pop singer, Grammy winner, currently on the “Eternal Sunshine” tour.
- Ricky Alvarez – Photographer and former backup dancer for Grande’s 2014-15 tour.
- Ethan Slater – Actor and singer, co-star with Grande in “Wicked.”
- Unnamed insiders – Sources close to Grande who provided details to Us Weekly and Page Six.
Timeline
- 2015-2016 – Grande and Alvarez date for roughly one year.
- 2019 – Grande references Alvarez during a Zach Sang Show interview.
- July 2023 – Grande and Slater go public as a couple.
- Early 2026 (or 2025) – Grande and Slater end their three-year relationship (see conflicting reports).
- June 2026 – Reports emerge of Grande and Alvarez spending time together in Texas.
- July 4 2026 – The duo spotted leaving Whole Foods in Boca Raton, Florida.
- July 13 2026 – Grande changes “Thank U, Next” lyrics at Barclays Center, New York.
Why It Matters
The rekindling occurs while Grande balances a major world tour and the upcoming release of her album “Petal.” Public interest is heightened by her habit of embedding personal relationships in song lyrics, a pattern that drives media coverage and fan speculation. Alvarez’s continued presence at tour venues and family events suggests a supportive role that could influence Grande’s personal and professional narrative.
Official Statements & Responses
Grande’s publicist declined comment when approached by Page Six. Multiple insiders emphasized that the pair are “taking things one step at a time” and that Alvarez has “remained close with Ariana’s family” and “made an effort to show up and support her while she’s on tour.” The same sources described the relationship as “slow” and noted Grande’s busy schedule.
On-the-Ground Reports
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Verbatim Quotes
- “They’ve always shared a close bond,” — Insider, Us Weekly
- “Ariana is grateful to have him in her life right now, and he’s been a huge source of support.” — Insider, Us Weekly
- “Ariana has rekindled things with Ricky, but she isn’t rushing back into the relationship,” — Insider, Page Six
- “She has a lot on her plate at the moment and is still incredibly busy with her tour schedule, so they’re taking things one step at a time.” — Insider, Page Six
- “ The insider continued, “Ricky has remained close with Ariana’s family over the years, and that’s something she really appreciates.” — Insider, Page Six
- “It’s amicable. They gave lots of time and careful consideration and decided to go their separate ways,” — Insider, Us Weekly
