Ariana Grande Drops Rebound Hint With Another ‘Thank U, Next’ Lyrics Change

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 12:40 PM

Ariana Grande has been keeping fans guessing about her relationship status following speculations of a reunion with her ex Ricky Alvarez. The Ariana Grande Drops Rebound Hint With Another ‘Thank U, Next’ Lyrics Change first appeared on The Blast

Ariana Grande may be off the market, at least that’s what some fans believe.

The sensational singer and actress has been keeping fans guessing about her relationship status following speculations of a reunion with her ex Ricky Alvarez.

The rumors skyrocketed when Ariana Grande made multiple lyric changes to her hit 2018 song, “Thank U, Next,” all of which hinted at a possible rebound after her separation from Ethan Slater.

Ariana Grande Gives Her Ex Another Special Song Tribute

Ariana Grande at Oscars 2025: Nominees Dinner
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Grande recently hit the stage at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday, July 13, for another performance in her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour. While performing her 2018 song, she changed the lyrics from “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh” to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.”

The moment was captured in fan videos shared on social media platforms like X, with someone believing Grande had used the moment to announce her rekindled romance with Alvarez. “THE HARD LAUNCH SHE’S INSANEEEE,” the excited fan captioned the clip detailing the moment.

The moment follows another “Thank U, Next” tribute from the singer’s tour stop in Austin, Texas, on June 26. The Blast covered the story, reporting that Grande changed the original lyrics to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he still got my back.” The moment was similarly captured in fan videos, which included Alvarez’s reaction.

The Nickelodeon Alum’s Ex Was Seen With Her Parents

A fan video showcasing the moment caught Alvarez smiling after the lyric change. He was seen shaking hands with a man many believed was Grande’s father, Edward Butera. The entertainer’s mother, Joan Grande, was also seen gesturing to Alvarez during the shoutout.

The lyric changes weren’t the only reasons fans suspected Grande and her ex had rekindled their relationship, as they were spotted spending time together. The duo was seen on the Fourth of July weekend running an errand at Whole Foods and looking comfortable in each other’s company.

They were both dressed casually for the outing, with pictures capturing Alvarez playing the part of a perfect gentleman. He carried all the groceries and loaded them into their vehicle. Sources claimed Grande and her ex were spending the holiday at her parents’ house in Boca Raton.

The Former Couple Reportedly Grew Closer After Her Breakup

A source recently added fuel to the growing speculations about the exes, telling US Weekly that Grande’s separation from Slater had played a key role in her rekindled relationship with Alvarez. “There was a period in time where they weren’t close — while she was with Ethan [Slater],” the source explained.

They claimed the “Wicked” star was “happy to reconnect” with Alvarez after her separation from Slater, adding: “Ariana is grateful to have him in her life right now, and he’s been a huge source of support.” The exes first met during the singer’s Honeymoon Tour in February 2015.

Alvarez joined the entertainer’s group as a backup dancer, and they reportedly began dating that April. However, their romance didn’t last long, with the duo separating in July 2016. Two years later, Grande released “Thank U, Next,” which featured lyrics about her exes, including Alvarez.

Ethan Slater Enjoys Solo Theater Date After Split

Ethan Slater at Wicked For Good - New York Premiere
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

News of Slater and Grande’s separation broke in June, with The Blast reporting that the actor shrugged off the split with a solo theater date days later. He was spotted attending Shakespeare in the Park’s production of “Romeo & Juliet” at The Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park.

He dressed casually for the event, looking dapper in a white T-shirt, black trousers, and white sneakers. Slater was all smiles for the cameras, giving off a happy demeanor that seemingly confirmed the amicable end of his romance with the singer.

A source confirmed the news of Slater’s split from his “Wicked” co-star, reporting that they had quietly separated for months before their breakup became public. They claimed the exes had parted ways amicably and were still friends who supported each other.

Inside About Ariana Grande’s Relationship History

Ariana Grande at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards
MBS/MEGA

Besides Alvarez and Slater, Grande has been tied to several high-profile figures in the past. Her dating history includes stars such as former “SNL” comedian Pete Davidson, late singer Mac Miller, and rapper Big Sean, among others.

Her romance with Big Sean began trending when they were spotted together at a movie theatre in August 2014. They dated for nine months before separating due to conflicting work schedules in April 2015, per PEOPLE.

A year later, Grande launched her romance with Miller by sharing a picture of them hugging in September 2016. They reportedly separated in early May 2018, with the entertainer moving on with Davidson that same month. But their whirlwind romance ended in October 2018.

Are Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez back together?

The Ariana Grande Drops Rebound Hint With Another ‘Thank U, Next’ Lyrics Change first appeared on The Blast

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