Did Ariana Grande just make her relationship with Ricky Alvarez official on the red carpet?

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez made their red carpet debut as a couple at the New York premiere of ‘Focker-in-Law’ on Wednesday, November 11. She wore a vintage Badgley Mischka gown, while Alvarez opted for a black jacket, white shirt and jeans. The two stood close as they posed for photographs. According to People, they embraced, exchanged smiles and whispered to each other during the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande)

When did Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez rekindle their romance?

Grande, 33, and Alvarez, 35, first dated about a decade ago between 2015 and 2016. Alvarez was a backup dancer on Grande's Honeymoon Tour when they began their relationship.

Rumours of a reunion surfaced in June 2026 after the two were spotted together during a lunch outing in Austin, Texas. Grande also made changes to the lyrics of her song "thank u, next" during her tour, according to ELLE. The song originally referenced Alvarez with the line, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh."


As per ELLE, Grande also made changes in the song. During her performance she sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / And they still kinda slap.” In another time she changed the line again, and sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s still got my back.”

Also Read: Usher and Chris Brown cancel more R&B Tour shows: Which concerts are still on and how to get refunds

On July 14, a source told People, “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.”

She later appeared to make their relationship public through social media. An August Instagram post from Alvarez also featured Grande, with the two close together.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ricky Álvarez (@rickyrozay)

Grande and Alvarez went Instagram-official before red carpet debut

On November 7, Grande shared an Instagram Reel with Alvarez for her makeup brand, R.E.M. Beauty. The video showed the couple take part in a kissing challenge. Grande sat on Alvarez's lap as he wore a beanie over his eyes and tried to guess which lip product she had on after she kissed him.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by r.e.m.beauty (@r.e.m.beauty)

“This is a challenge called ‘What’s on my lips?’” Grande explained.

“Or what’s on my girlfriend’s lips, really,” Alvarez replied.

The exchange drew attention from fans, with one Instagram user commenting, “She's being loved Mexicanly.”