Ariana Grande's Ex Ricky Alvarez Spotted at 'Eternal Sunshine' Tour Stop in Austin Following Ethan Slater Split
AUSTIN, Texas — Pop sensation Ariana Grande brought her highly anticipated Eternal Sunshine tour to Texas on Friday night, but it was a notable face in the VIP section that captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. Ricky Alvarez, Grande’s former backup dancer and ex-boyfriend, was spotted supporting the singer during her performance at the Moody Center in Austin. Alvarez's high-profile appearance comes on the heels of reports detailing Grande's recent split from her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, highlighting the singer's ability to maintain close, amicable relationships with her past partners.
From Romantic Partners to Lifelong Confidants
Grande and Alvarez originally dated from 2015 to 2016 during the peak of her My Everything and Dangerous Woman eras. While their romantic relationship ended nearly a decade ago, Alvarez famously remained a permanent fixture in Grande's cultural lore. He was immortalized in her 2018 chart-topping, Grammy-nominated anthem "thank u, next" with the opening lyric: "Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh."
Despite the initial breakup, the duo transitioned into a supportive friendship. Over the years, Alvarez has occasionally collaborated with Grande on creative projects and photography. Sources close to the artist confirm that the two have continued to hang out regularly in non-romantic capacities, defying the typical Hollywood narrative of messy post-breakup dynamics.
Navigating Personal Transitions on the Road
The Austin concert serves as a significant stop for Grande, who has recently navigated a turbulent period in her personal life under intense media scrutiny. Following her high-profile divorce from real estate agent Dalton Gomez, Grande was linked to Slater, whom she met on the set of Universal's upcoming cinematic adaptation of Wicked.
However, following her recent split from Slater, sources indicate that Grande has refocused her energy on her music, her global fanbase, and her inner circle of trusted friends—a group that clearly still includes Alvarez.
The 'Eternal Sunshine' Era
The Eternal Sunshine tour marks Grande's return to the global stage, supporting her critically acclaimed seventh studio album of the same name. Industry analysts note that the tour’s themes of healing, self-reflection, and moving forward mirror Grande’s current life chapter. Alvarez’s presence in the audience further emphasizes the album’s message of finding peace and maintaining love for those who have shared in one's journey, past and present.