Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez celebrated the Fourth of July weekend in Florida with her family, as captured in photos published by
TMZ.
A source revealed to an
outlet that Grande is thoroughly enjoying her tour and appreciates having close friends accompany her during parts of it. “Ricky has always been a friend and confidant. She really trusts him. He has such great, positive energy, makes her laugh, and she enjoys spending time with him,” the source stated.
During a show, Grande altered a song lyric to say, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he’s still got my back.” She later changed the lyrics again at her July 13 concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, singing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.”
Grande and Alvarez were spotted together in Central Park on July 16. Alvarez, who is a backup dancer, attended her Eternal Sunshine Tour performances on July 18 and 19.
Amidst the speculation,
People confirmed that the pair are dating again but are “taking things very slowly.” A source commented, “Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend. She’s not held ill will against him. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy, and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky,” adding that Grande appreciates Alvarez’s sense of humor.
The insider continued, “They have a similar, smart, dry sense of humor. They’re not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life.”
Grande shared a collection of photos on August 12,
including several with Alvarez.
