Ariana Grande Spotted With Ex Ricky Alvarez Following Ethan Slater Split

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez have one of the most unique relationships in pop music. They were once a couple, later became close friends, and continued working together on creative projects long after their breakup. Their recent lunch together in Austin, Texas, along with a small lyric change during Grande's Eternal Sunshine Tour, has once again sparked speculation about their relationship.

However, according to reports, the two are simply spending time together as longtime friends.

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Seen Together in Texas

On June 26, Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez were spotted having lunch together before Grande's Eternal Sunshine Tour performance in Austin, Texas.

The outing came only weeks after reports confirmed that Grande and her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater had ended their relationship earlier in 2026.

According to a source quoted by PEOPLE:

"They've been hanging out recently."

The public appearance immediately led fans to wonder whether Grande and Alvarez had rekindled their romance. However, no reports have confirmed that they are dating again.

Instead, those close to the situation say the pair remain longtime friends who have stayed in each other's lives for years.

Who Is Ricky Alvarez?

Ricky Alvarez is an American photographer, director, and former professional dancer.

He was born and raised in San Diego, California.

Many people first knew him as one of Ariana Grande's backup dancers during the early years of her career.

Dance Career

In 2014, Alvarez joined Grande's touring team as a backup dancer.

He appeared in performances, concerts, and music videos including:

• "Problem"

• "Santa Tell Me"

He also performed throughout her Honeymoon Tour, where fans first noticed the close friendship between the two.

How Ricky Became a Photographer

During Ariana's world tour in 2015, Alvarez bought a camera while visiting Amsterdam.

What started as a hobby quickly became a career.

He gradually stepped away from dancing and focused on photography, filmmaking, and creative direction.

Today he works under the creative name All Things Mean.

His clients include major companies such as:

• Nike

• Vogue

• Tommy Jeans

• SKIMS

• Kith

His work includes fashion campaigns, commercials, editorials, and creative brand projects.

How Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez Started Dating

Rumors about the pair began during the Honeymoon Tour in 2015.

Fans noticed their chemistry, especially after they shared an on-stage kiss during Ariana's New York City Pride performance.

Although they kept their relationship mostly private, everything changed a few weeks later.

The "Donutgate" Incident

On July 4, 2015, security footage from a California donut shop leaked online.

The video showed Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez:

• kissing

• joking around

• licking donuts that had not been purchased

The incident became known as "Donutgate."

It also confirmed publicly that the two were dating.

The controversy generated widespread media attention, although both eventually moved on from the incident.

Ariana Talks About the Relationship

During an interview with Billboard in May 2016, Grande spoke positively about her relationship.

She said:

"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."

At the time, the couple appeared to be doing well.

Their Breakup in 2016

After dating for around one year, Ariana and Ricky ended their relationship in July 2016.

The breakup appeared to be friendly.

Grande hinted at the split through social media, writing:

"Life is wild and change is ... fantastic."

She also liked fan posts referencing the breakup.

Neither publicly blamed the other, and there was never a major public controversy surrounding their separation.

Ariana's Relationships After Ricky

Following the breakup, Ariana went on to have several high-profile relationships.

These included:

• Mac Miller

• Pete Davidson

• Dalton Gomez

• Ethan Slater

Meanwhile, Ricky focused on building his career as a photographer and director.

Despite moving on romantically, the two remained close.

"Thank U, Next" Made Ricky Part of Pop Culture

In 2018, Ariana released the hit song "Thank U, Next."

The opening verse included the lyric:

"Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh."

The line instantly became one of the song's most memorable moments.

Instead of reacting negatively, Ricky joked about it on Instagram Stories.

He posted a video pretending to listen very seriously before the lyric played.

Afterward he wrote:

"Nothing but gratitude."

He also joked:

"Those songs are fire though... you're welcome."

Ariana reposted his posts and responded playfully.

She wrote:

"I'm sorry you got the worst line."

She added that the lyric was written with affection.

Their friendly exchange became popular among fans.

Rumors in 2018

Because of their online interaction, some fans wondered if the former couple had reunited.

Those rumors grew when Ariana complimented one of Ricky's Instagram photos.

Fans immediately asked whether they were back together.

Grande quickly responded:

"We're friends everyone take a big ol breather."

That comment largely ended the speculation.

Working Together Again

Unlike many former celebrity couples, Ariana and Ricky continued working together professionally.

He became part of several important creative projects.

His work included:

• photographer for the Sweetener World Tour

• designing the cover art for Imagine

• co-directing the Monopoly music video

Their professional partnership showed that they had maintained mutual respect following their breakup.

The 2026 Lyric Changes

During her Eternal Sunshine Tour, Ariana surprised fans by changing the famous Ricky lyric in "Thank U, Next."

Instead of singing:

"Now I listen and laugh"

she performed new versions, including:

"Wrote some songs about Ricky, now they still kinda slap."

Later she changed it again to:

"Wrote some songs about Ricky, I know he's still got my back."

The updated lyrics immediately attracted attention online.

Many fans interpreted them as signs of their continued friendship.

Lunch Together Sparks New Speculation

Only a day after one of the lyric changes, Ariana and Ricky were photographed having lunch together in Austin, Texas.

The timing naturally led fans to wonder whether they had reunited romantically.

Reports from PEOPLE, however, did not describe the outing as a romantic date.

Instead, sources indicated that they have simply been spending time together.

Some reports also suggested the gathering coincided with celebrations around Grande's 33rd birthday.

A Friendship That Has Lasted for Years

More than a decade after meeting on tour, Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez continue to share a rare friendship among celebrity exes.

Their relationship has gone through many stages:

• coworkers

• romantic partners

• supportive friends

• creative collaborators

Even after ending their romance in 2016, they have consistently shown respect for one another, collaborated on artistic projects, and publicly supported each other's work.

Their recent reunion in Texas and Ariana's updated concert lyrics have renewed public interest in their history. While fans continue to speculate about the possibility of romance, there is currently no confirmed evidence that they have resumed dating. Based on available reporting, they remain close friends whose connection has endured well beyond their past relationship.