Ariana Grande Alters Thank U, Next Lyrics Amid Ricky Alvarez Outing
Ariana Grande Alters Thank U, Next Lyrics Amid Ricky Alvarez Outing
Ariana Grande has introduced modifications to the lyrics of her 2019 hit "Thank U, Next" during her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour, fueling public speculation regarding her relationship with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez. The adjustments coincide with Grande’s recent public appearances in Austin, Texas, where she has been performing and celebrating her 33rd birthday.
Lyric Revisions Under Scrutiny
The original lyrics of the song’s first verse contain the line: "Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh." During a performance on Wednesday, June 24, Grande updated the verse to: "Wrote some songs about Ricky / And they still kinda slap." By Friday, June 26, she reportedly adjusted the lyrics again during a tour stop at the Moody Center, singing, "Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he's still got my back."
Media additions
These lyrical shifts follow widespread media reports that Grande and Alvarez were spotted together at a restaurant called De Nada Cantina in Austin on Thursday, June 25. Social media photos depicted the pair in conversation, with observers noting the singer was also interacting with fans at the venue.
Context of Recent Personal Changes
The sightings and lyrical updates occur shortly after the public confirmation of Grande's separation from her Wicked co-star, Ethan Slater. On June 8, 2026, reports surfaced that the pair had "quietly broken up" several months prior, ending a relationship that spanned nearly three years. Sources close to the situation described the split as amicable, emphasizing that both parties maintained respect for one another and chose to transition into a friendship.
Alvarez, who originally worked with Grande as a backup dancer during her 2015 Honeymoon Tour, dated the singer from 2015 to 2016. Their history has frequently intersected with her professional output; songwriter Victoria Monét previously noted that Grande's track "Moonlight" was inspired by an early romantic moment between the two.
Clarifying the Nature of the Reunion
Despite the speculation triggered by the lyric changes and the Austin lunch outing, sources close to the singer have moved to temper rumors of a rekindled romance. According to Complex, internal sources indicate that Grande and Alvarez remain friends. This sentiment was echoed by others familiar with the situation, who told AOL and Yahoo News that the outing was centered around Grande’s 33rd birthday celebration, which included a wider group of friends.
History suggests that public appearances by the former couple often invite intense scrutiny. In 2019, when the two were seen together in New York City, similar rumors circulated. Grande addressed those reports on social media at the time, stating she was not dating anyone.
Recent Timeline of Events
- June 8, 2026: Media outlets confirm that Grande and Ethan Slater have been separated for several months.
- June 24, 2026: During her first Austin performance, Grande debuts an updated lyric for "Thank U, Next."
- June 25, 2026: Grande and Alvarez are photographed dining together at an Austin restaurant.
- June 26, 2026: Grande performs at the Moody Center and further alters the lyrics to reference Alvarez.
The artist is currently focusing on her eighth studio album, Petal, which is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026. Representatives for the singer have not issued a formal statement regarding the specific nature of her current relationship status or the rationale behind the live performance lyric changes.
