Ariana Grande hopes Ricky Alvarez will be her ‘last’ love weeks after rekindling romance

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez hinted at their renewed romance after dating from 2015 to 2016, with Alvarez supporting her at several shows
Ariana Grande made her rekindled romance with Ricky Alvarez Instagram official on August 12 with low-key photos showing their close bond (Getty Images)
Ariana Grande made her rekindled romance with Ricky Alvarez Instagram official on August 12 with low-key photos showing their close bond (Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND: Ariana Grande made a cheeky lyric change during the final show of her Eternal Sunshine Tour, changing the words to 'Thank U, Next' as a hint at her rekindled romance with ex Ricky Alvarez, nearly three weeks after making their relationship Instagram official.

While performing the song on Tuesday, September 1, Grande changed the familiar line about Alvarez, adding a more personal twist to the lyrics that suggested she could be hoping to make him her last.



Ariana Grande hints Ricky Alvarez is her last

Grande appears to be looking at her rekindled romance with Alvarez differently this time. While performing 'Thank U, Next', instead of singing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh,” she sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I’m tryna make him my last.”

Video of the moment shared on X showed Grande’s dancers celebrating the hopeful words as the crowd erupted in cheers.

The latest lyric change follows several other modifications Grande has made to the song this summer.

On June 24, she sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / And they still really slap.”

At her June 26 show, the day after she was spotted grabbing lunch with Alvarez, she changed the line to, “I know he still got my back.”

MILANO, ITALY- MAY 25 :Ariana Grande Performs In Milan with new boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, 2015 May 25, in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Robino Salvatore/GC Images)
Ariana Grande Performs In Milan with Ricky Alvarez, 2015 May 25, in Milan, Italy (Robino Salvatore/GC Images)

Grande appeared to all but confirm their renewed connection at her July 13 concert, when she altered the lyrics again to, “We’ll always find our way back.” He was later seen dancing at Grande’s show in Brooklyn, New York, while she performed 'Imperfect for You.'

The duo, who dated between 2015 and 2016, have remained friendly since their split.

The former backup dancer was first spotted with Grande again in Austin, Texas, on June 26, her birthday, before attending her tour stop later that night and being seen in the VIP pit of the crowd.

MILAN, ITALY - JUNE 25:  Ariana Grande performs on stage with her backing dancer and rumored boyfriend Ricky Alvarez on June 25, 2015 in Milan, Italy.  (Photo by Robino Salvatore/FilmMagic)
Ariana Grande performs on stage with her backing dancer Ricky Alvarez on June 25, 2015 in Milan, Italy (Robino Salvatore/FilmMagic)

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez keep romance private

On August 12, Grande made her rekindled romance with Alvarez Instagram official by sharing a photo dump that included low-key pictures with him. In one image, Grande photographed their coordinating outfits in a mirror while cutting off their faces.

He could be seen with his arm over her shoulder and holding her hand. Another blurry mirror photo showed Alvarez holding the camera while she turned toward him.

A source previously described Alvarez as a friend and confidant whom Grande really trusts.

The source added that he has positive energy, makes her laugh, and that Grande enjoys spending time with him.

Another source said the pair were “taking things very slowly,” describing Alvarez as dependable, trustworthy, and supportive, with Grande feeling she can be herself around him.

Ricky Alvarez and recording artist Ariana Grande attend The Creators Party, Presented by Spotify, Cicada, Los Angeles at Cicada on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for Kitty Purry, Inc.)
Ricky Alvarez and recording artist Ariana Grande attend The Creators Party, Presented by Spotify, Cicada, Los Angeles at Cicada on February 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California (John Shearer/Getty Images for Kitty Purry, Inc)

The relationship comes after Grande’s private breakup with 'Wicked' costar Ethan Slater earlier this year.

E! News confirmed the split in June, while a PEOPLE source said Grande’s relationship with Slater was “100% over” and that she was focused on her tour and spending time with people who had always been there for her.

She gave fans another apparent nod toward Alvarez on August 15 by sharing a picture of a new script-lettering tattoo on her collarbone reading “I do love you,” the same words Alvarez has tattooed on his collarbone in a different font.

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