Ariana Grande has officially rekindled her romance with ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, but the pop star is reportedly taking things slowly this time around.
After weeks of mounting speculation, sources have confirmed that the 33-year-old singer and her 35-year-old former backup dancer are giving their relationship another shot.
However, due to Grande’s packed schedule and ongoing tour commitments, the reunited couple is purposely taking things one step at a time.
According to a source close to the situation, the two are simply enjoying spending time together again and seeing where things go without putting too much pressure on the relationship.
An important factor in their reconciliation is the strong bond Alvarez has maintained with Grande’s family over the years, which she greatly appreciates.
The insider added that Alvarez has also made a concerted effort to show up and support the Grammy winner while she’s on the road, a gesture that certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by the singer.
The dating rumors first started swirling last month when Grande was spotted celebrating her birthday with Alvarez and a group of friends at a restaurant in Austin, Texas.
The pair then spent the Fourth of July weekend together, where they were photographed carrying shopping bags out of a Whole Foods in Boca Raton, Florida.
Grande herself gave the biggest hint yet that romance was back during a concert in New York City earlier this week.
While performing her hit song Thanks, next as part of her “Eternal Sunshine” tour, she surprised audiences by replacing the track’s original lyrics.
Instead of singing the famous line, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I’m listening and laughing,” Grande smiled and sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / We always find our way back.”
Concert footage captured the massive audience at the venue going wild over the unexpected lyrical change.
The history between the two goes back more than a decade.
Grande and Alvarez originally dated for about a year between 2015 and 2016, after first meeting when he joined her as a backup dancer for her Honeymoon Tour in 2015.
Despite their split, the pair have consistently remained on good terms.
