Ariana Grande is back with her ex, Ricky Alvarez, whom she dated back in 2016. After changing the lyrics from her hit song Thank U, Next to admit they’ve “found their way back,” People was able to confirm that the pair are “taking things very slowly” as they rekindle their romance. However, not all of her fans are happy about her new relationship, pointing out that it hasn’t been that long since her split from Ethan Slater. Keep reading for more information.
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Ariana Grande Is 'Taking Things Very Slowly' With Ex Ricky Alvarez
Grande started teasing her romance revival by changing the lyrics of her song, Thank U, Next while performing during her Eternal Sunshine tour. While the original lyrics are "Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh," the 33-year-old has since changed them a few times. She first sang, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / And they still kinda slap."
Later that same week, she sang, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s still got my back." During her Jul 13, 2026 concert in Brooklyn, she took it one step further, singing, "Wrote some songs about Ricky/ We always find our way back."
A source speaking exclusively to People revealed that Grande and Alvarez are indeed back together, but aren't in any sort of rush, and are "taking things very slowly."
"Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend," the insider shared. "She's not held ill will against him [since their split]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy, and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky."
"They're not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life," the source added.
This comes less than a month after TMZ reported that Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater's controversial relationship had come to an end "quietly" a few months earlier.
Social Media Reactions
Across social media platforms, Grande doesn't have all her fans in her corner. Many of her supporters are begging her to take a break from dating and embrace her single era. "This girl can never stay single for long," one user wrote on Instagram.
"Sis really needs to learn how to be alone sometimes," another person posted.
"She needs to find time to heal!" agreed a third user.
"She should get some therapy and learn to be alone for a while," suggested another person. "Not fall backwards into old patterns. I just hope she gets the helps she needs."
"Absolutely none of my business but Ariana is definitely a serial dater," another user commented.
"The bounce back was quick," a final comment reads.
