Who Is Ricky Alvarez? 5 Things About Ariana Grandes Boyfriend & Their Relationship

Ricky Alvarez has been connected to Ariana Grande for more than a decade. The dancer and creative first met the Grammy winner while working as one of her backup dancers before the two began dating in 2015. Although their relationship ended the following year, they’ve remained on friendly terms over the years. In mid-2026, though, Grande changed the lyrics to her hit single “Thank U, Next” during her Eternal Sunshine Tour to give Ricky a sweeter shout-out. And later that year, in November, the two re-made their red carpet debut as a reconciled couple.

Learn more about Alvarez, his career and his history with the pop star below.

Ricky Is From California

Alvarez was born Richard John Alvarez on July 13, 1991, and grew up in San Diego, California. While he has kept much of his personal life private, he found a passion for dance at a young age and turned it into a full-time career in entertainment.

He’s a Professional Dancer and Choreographer

Alvarez built his career as a professional dancer, performing alongside some of pop music’s biggest stars. He joined Grande’s dance team in 2014 and appeared in live shows and music videos for songs including “Problem” and “Santa Tell Me.”

Ricky Joined Ariana Grande’s Team on the Honeymoon Tour

After working with Grande throughout 2014, Alvarez became one of the dancers on her Honeymoon Tour, which kicked off in February 2015 in support of her My Everything album. Fans started speculating the pair were dating after they shared an onstage kiss during a Pride performance that year, and their romance was confirmed in July 2015 when they were photographed kissing during a trip to a California doughnut shop. The two ultimately split in 2016 after about a year together.

He’s Worked as a Photographer and Director

In recent years, Alvarez has expanded behind the camera as a photographer, videographer and creative director. He has taken on portrait photography and tour content, including rejoining Grande’s team as a photographer and videographer during her Sweetener World Tour in 2019. He also launched his own media company, All Things Mean, producing content for brands like Nike, Adidas and Calvin Klein.

Ricky Stayed Close With Ariana After Their Breakup

Although their romance ended in 2016, Alvarez and Grande stayed friends over the years. In 2018, Grande shut down rumors that they had reunited, calling them friends at the time. That shifted in 2026. The pair were spotted together in Austin, Texas, in June, and Grande began tweaking the Ricky line in her song “thank u, next” during her Eternal Sunshine Tour, at one point hinting she was trying to make him her “last.”

In July 2026, People and TMZ reported that the former couple had rekindled their romance following Grande’s split from Ethan Slater, with sources saying the two were taking things slow.

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

Grande went Instagram official with Alvarez in August 2026, sharing photos of the two together, and on November 2, 2026, she posted a series of loved-up snaps with him. The pair has also appeared together in content for her r.e.m. beauty brand. A decade after they first got together, the two are giving their romance a second chance.