Ariana Grande is reportedly in a relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ricky Álvarez again, according to People. The couple originally dated in 2015 and have rekindled their romance in July 2026. Here is everything you need to know about Ricky Álvarez, including his age, height, job, and their relationship timeline.
Who is Ricky Álvarez?
Ricky Álvarez is a 35-year-old professional dancer and photographer. He was born on July 13, 1991, in San Diego, California, to parents Sylvia and John Alvarez. He has a sister named Ryann Álvarez. His star sign is Cancer, the same as Ariana Grande, who was born on June 26, 1993, making her about two years younger.
How tall is Ricky Álvarez?
Ricky Álvarez stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm). Ariana Grande is around 5 feet tall, making her about 10 inches shorter than him.
What is Ricky Álvarez's job?
Ricky Álvarez first gained fame as a professional dancer. He worked with Ariana Grande as a backing dancer before they started dating. He performed with her at the Radio Disney Music Awards in 2014 when she debuted her song 'Problem', and later on her Honeymoon Tour. He has since transitioned into a career as a professional photographer, working with brands such as Vogue, SKIMS, and Tommy Jeans. He also designed the cover art for Ariana's song 'Imagine'.
How did Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez meet?
Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez met when he worked as her backing dancer. Their relationship was confirmed in 2015 after a video of them kissing in a doughnut shop leaked online.
Why did Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez break up?
The couple broke up in July 2016. On July 24, 2016, Grande tweeted, "life is wild and change is f---ing fantastic," leading fans to speculate about the split. She later liked a tweet that said, "forever boy cancelled." Neither Ariana nor Ricky has ever publicly explained the reason for their breakup.
What songs has Ariana Grande written about Ricky Álvarez?
Ariana Grande has written several songs believed to be about Ricky Álvarez, including 'Moonlight', 'True Love', and 'Forever Boy'. These songs appear on her album 'Dangerous Woman' and reflect her feelings about their relationship.
When did Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez start dating again?
According to People, Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez rekindled their romance in July 2026. Ricky spent the 4th of July weekend with Ariana and her family. A source told People that Ariana is "taking things very slowly" with her ex. The singer has also addressed the romance rumors by changing a lyric in her song 'thank u, next' during her Eternal Sunshine Tour, where she originally sang, "Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh," but changed it to "Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back."
Relationship timeline
- 2014: Ricky Álvarez works as Ariana Grande's backing dancer at the Radio Disney Music Awards.
- 2015: They begin dating after working together on the Honeymoon Tour. Their relationship is confirmed when a video of them kissing in a doughnut shop surfaces.
- July 2016: The couple breaks up, as hinted by Ariana's tweet and liked post.
- July 2026: Ariana and Ricky are reportedly back together, spending the 4th of July weekend together.
