Ariana Grande has reportedly moved on following her split from Ethan Slater, rekindling her romance with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez nearly a decade after their first relationship. While the singer appears to be embracing a fresh chapter, a new report claims her ex-boyfriend wasn't informed directly about the reunion.
Instead, insiders say Slater learned the news the same way many fans did, through people in their shared social circle.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesEthan Slater reportedly heard the news through mutual friends
According to a new report, Ethan Slater discovered Ariana Grande's renewed relationship with Ricky Alvarez after mutual friends told him, rather than hearing it from Grande herself. Sources claimed there was no direct conversation between the former couple before news of the romance began circulating. “Ariana hasn’t told Ethan specifically, but mutual friends have told him that she is now dating Ricky again,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
The report also noted that Grande and Slater remain on amicable terms following their breakup earlier this year. “It was important to her to still be loosely in contact with him as they still had mutual friends,” the source said.
Although the situation may have been unexpected, insiders stressed that there was no drama surrounding the revelation.
Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez reportedly reconnected gradually
Sources familiar with the situation said Grande and Alvarez never completely lost touch after ending their relationship in 2016. Because they shared mutual friends, they occasionally crossed paths over the years.
© GC ImagesAccording to insiders, the pair initially spent time together in group settings after Grande's relationship with Slater began winding down. Their friendship reportedly evolved into one-on-one outings before eventually becoming romantic again. Sources emphasized that there was no overlap between Grande's relationship with Slater and her renewed romance with Alvarez.
Why Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez are taking things slowly
People close to the singer say Grande and Alvarez are intentionally pacing their relationship. Rather than rushing into a serious commitment, the couple is reportedly focusing on rebuilding trust and enjoying spending time together. A third source told the Daily Mail, “Ariana and Ricky are fully back in each other’s lives and are together.”
“What ultimately drew her back was the comfort and familiarity they share,” the person revealed. “She doesn’t feel like she has to prove herself, and there’s a level of trust that comes with knowing each other so well.”
© GC ImagesOne source said Grande appreciates Alvarez's dependability, humor, and the comfort of being around someone who has known her for years. Her demanding tour schedule is also said to be a reason the pair is keeping things low-key for now.
Public sightings fueled reconciliation rumors
Speculation about the couple began weeks before reports confirmed the reunion.
Grande and Alvarez were first spotted spending time together in Texas before later being seen in Florida around the Fourth of July holiday. More recently, the pair were photographed during a cozy walk through New York City's Central Park, adding to growing speculation that they were officially back together.
Fans also noticed subtle changes to the lyrics of Grande's hit song “Thank U, Next” during her Eternal Sunshine Tour. During recent performances, she appeared to reference Alvarez more affectionately, prompting widespread discussion online.
Ethan Slater and Ariana Grande's relationship
Grande and Slater met while filming Wicked and dated for nearly three years before quietly ending their relationship earlier in 2026. Reports about their breakup surfaced publicly in June, with sources describing the split as respectful and mutual despite Slater reportedly hoping the relationship would continue.
© Getty Images for National BoardInsiders maintain there is no lingering resentment between the former couple, even though Slater reportedly would have preferred learning about Grande's new relationship directly from her instead of through mutual friends. Adding: “From what friends say, Ethan would have preferred the relationship continue, but Ariana has always followed her own instincts. When she’s ready to move on, she does.”
What's next for Ariana Grande?
Professionally, Grande remains focused on her Eternal Sunshine Tour while preparing for the release of her upcoming album, Petal. Sources say she is happy both personally and professionally, with Alvarez becoming a supportive presence as they explore their renewed relationship at a comfortable pace.
