In a surprising turn of events, pop sensation Ariana Grande was seen enjoying lunch with her former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez in Austin, Texas. The pair, who share a history dating back to 2015, were spotted together ahead of Grande’s performance as part of her “Eternal Sunshine Tour” on June 26, 2026. This recent outing has reignited interest in their past relationship and the ongoing friendship between the two.
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Grande and Alvarez initially began dating in 2015, with their relationship continuing until July 2016. During this time, Alvarez worked as one of Grande’s backup dancers, and their romantic involvement was well-documented in the media. Since then, both have moved on and have continued to support each other as friends.
A source informed PEOPLE that the duo has been spending time together lately, although Grande’s representative chose not to comment on the situation. The lunch occurred shortly after Grande’s breakup with her “Wicked” co-star Ethan Slater, which was confirmed in June 2026. The end of that relationship followed a series of high-profile romances for Grande, including links to Mac Miller, Pete Davidson, and Dalton Gomez.
When Grande first began dating Alvarez, she expressed her happiness in an interview with Billboard, noting in May 2016, “We’re happy. I’m a very happy girl I have a healthy life right now.” However, their relationship came to an end by mid-2016, prompting both to focus on their respective careers.
Despite their romantic history, Grande and Alvarez have maintained a close bond. Alvarez has even shown his playful side by engaging with Grande’s music. In her 2018 hit “Thank U, Next”, the singer sings about Alvarez, causing him to share a humorous video on Instagram where he reacted to the lyric. He expressed “nothing but gratitude” regarding the mention, even playfully acknowledging, “Thank you, next… (those songs are fire tho… you’re welcome).”
Their interactions on social media have sparked speculation about a possible rekindling of their romance, especially following Grande’s breakups. However, Grande has been keen to clarify their relationship status. In response to fan inquiries regarding the nature of her friendship with Alvarez, she has consistently maintained that they are simply friends.
In a light-hearted comment on a social media post featuring Alvarez, Grande wrote, “these colors are sick,” in reference to his fashionable attire. To one fan account that inquired about the pair’s relationship, she humorously replied, “We’re friends everyone take a big ol breather,” further reinforcing their platonic relationship.
Adding to the intrigue, Grande has made subtle changes to her performance of “Thank U, Next” during her concerts. On June 26, she altered the lyric about Alvarez to state, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, I know he’s still got my back,” suggesting a deeper sense of camaraderie and respect between the two, despite their past romance.
As Grande continues her tour and navigates her personal life, it is evident that her relationship with Alvarez remains a significant part of her journey. Fans remain intrigued by their dynamic, and with their recent lunch outing in Austin, it seems that their friendship is as strong as ever. As more details about Grande’s personal life and relationships emerge, both fans and onlookers will undoubtedly be watching closely.