TODAY’S PAPER | August 13, 2026 | EPAPER

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez go Instagram official amid rekindled romance

Ariana Grande shares photos with Ricky Alvarez as rekindled romance becomes more public


Pop Culture & Art August 13, 2026 1 min read
Photo: Kitty Purry, Inc

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez have taken another step in making their rekindled relationship more public, with the singer sharing photos of her former boyfriend on Instagram.

On Wednesday, August 12, Grande shared a photo dump featuring moments from various occasions, including two low-key pictures with Alvarez.

In one image, the pair appear together in a mirror selfie wearing coordinating outfits. Their faces are cut off from the frame, but Alvarez can be seen with his arm around Grande's shoulder while holding her hand.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Another photo shows Alvarez holding the camera upside down while Grande faces him.

Grande, 33, and Alvarez previously dated from 2015 to 2016 before remaining friends and staying in contact.

Their renewed closeness became public in June when they were spotted together in Austin, Texas, on June 26. Alvarez later attended Grande's tour performance in the city.

The pair were subsequently seen together during Grande's Eternal Sunshine Tour. Alvarez was spotted dancing in the audience during her Brooklyn show, where Grande also appeared to reference their history while performing “Thank U, Next”.

“Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back,” Grande sang.

A source told PEOPLE on July 14 that the pair were “taking things very slowly” as they explored their renewed connection.

“Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend,” the insider said. “She’s not held ill will against him [since their split]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky.”

“They’re not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life,” the source added.

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