Grande, Alvarez Rekindle Rumors
Ariana Grande's Texas Outing with Ex Ricky Alvarez Ignites Romance Rumors Amid Friendship Claims
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Key Points
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Grande's Austin outing included director Christian Breslauer, indicating she was accompanied by friends rather than going solo.
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During a June 24 performance of Thank U, Next, Grande changed the lyric to 'Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now they still kinda slap,' a tweak fans connected to her history with Alvarez.
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Alvarez previously worked as one of Grande's backup dancers on the Honeymoon Tour (2015), reinforcing the long-running, well-documented history between them.
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Alvarez publicly reacted to his name-drop in Grande's 2018 hit 'Thank U, Next' with a cheeky Instagram video, and Grande reposted his comments, signaling an ongoing friendly dynamic.
Ariana Grande celebrated her 33rd birthday in Austin, Texas, alongside ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez — and the internet immediately jumped to conclusions. Grande was photographed dining with Alvarez and music video director Christian Breslauer at De Nada Cantina on June 25, the day before her birthday, according to TMZ.
Sources close to Grande quickly pushed back on reconciliation rumors. E! News and People both report that insiders describe the outing as a casual group hangout for her birthday — not a romantic reunion. Grande's team has issued no public comment.
Lyric Swap at June 24 Show Lit the Fuse
The speculation started before Grande was even spotted with Alvarez. During her June 24 performance at the Moody Center, she swapped a line in 'Thank U, Next.' Instead of the original lyric, she sang, 'Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now they still kinda slap.' Fans immediately connected the name to her former backup dancer and one-time boyfriend.
The lyric change went viral within hours. Sportskeeda reports the phrase became a trending TikTok sound overnight. On the secondary ticket market, resale interest for the Austin shows jumped 22% following the June 24 performance, according to data tracked by SeatGeek.
Father's Handshake and a Birthday Concert Cameo
Things escalated on June 26 — Grande's actual birthday. Alvarez was spotted in the VIP pit during her second Austin show. TMZ reports that Grande's father, Edward Butera, was seen shaking hands with Alvarez right as the 'Ricky' lyric dropped on stage. Fans quickly labeled it a 'seal of approval.'
Later that evening, Grande's backup dancers surprised her with a birthday cake on stage. The celebratory atmosphere made the night feel personal — which only added fuel to the romantic narrative fans were already running with.
Who Is Ricky Alvarez and Why Does History Matter
Alvarez first joined Grande's world as a backup dancer on her Honeymoon Tour in 2015. The two dated for roughly 12 months before splitting in July 2016, according to TMZ. They remained publicly friendly — in January 2019, similar dating rumors surfaced after they were spotted together in New York City. Grande shut it down on Twitter, writing that she was seeing 'no one,' per Primetimer.
When Grande released 'Thank U, Next' in 2018, Alvarez reacted to his name-drop with a cheeky Instagram video. Grande reposted it. That back-and-forth cemented a public image of two people who parted on good terms and stayed in each other's orbit. Cosmopolitan notes their decade-long friendship is well-documented and predates any romantic speculation.
Ethan Slater Split Sets the Stage for Rumors
Grande's split from Wicked co-star Ethan Slater was confirmed on June 8. Page Six and TMZ reported the breakup as amicable, having happened 'several months' before going public. The two had been together for nearly 34 months. Slater is a Broadway actor who starred alongside Grande in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked.
The timing of the Alvarez sightings — coming just weeks after the Slater news — made the story irresistible to tabloids. But sources stress the context matters. Christian Breslauer, who directed Grande's videos for 'Yes, And?' and 'The Boy Is Mine,' was at the Austin lunch too. His presence, insiders say, points to a group of longtime friends rather than a private date, according to Zoom TV.
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