Are Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez finding their way back to each other?
That’s the question fans have been asking for weeks, and a new outing in New York City is only adding to the growing speculation. The pair, who famously dated nearly a decade ago, have recently been spending more time together, prompting renewed interest in a relationship many thought had long been left in the past.
On Thursday (July 16), during a break from Ariana’s current tour, the singer and the choreographer were photographed enjoying a relaxed walk through Central Park with her beloved dog, Toulouse. Photos obtained by TMZ captured several affectionate moments between the two, showing them wrapped up in each other as they strolled through the city.
In one image, Ariana can be seen standing on her tiptoes with her face close to Ricky’s while they talked. She had one arm draped around his neck, while Ricky rested a hand on her lower back as they shared what appeared to be an intimate conversation. Other photos showed them walking arm in arm, looking completely at ease in each other’s company.
While neither has publicly addressed the nature of their relationship, the affectionate outing has only intensified rumors that the former couple may be giving love another chance.
For longtime Ariana fans, Ricky isn’t a new face.
The dancer and choreographer first became romantically linked to the Grammy winner in 2015, and the two dated until 2016. Although their relationship eventually came to an end, they remained on good terms over the years, occasionally reconnecting professionally and socially.
Interest in the pair was reignited recently after Ariana surprised fans by changing one of her song lyrics during a performance to include Ricky’s name, a subtle moment that immediately set social media buzzing. Since then, eagle-eyed fans have noticed the two together on several occasions, including sightings around New York and Ricky’s attendance at multiple stops on Ariana’s tour.
The latest photographs, however, mark the clearest public display of affection between them since speculation began.
The timing has naturally attracted attention following Ariana’s recent breakup with actor Ethan Slater. The two met while filming the blockbuster Wicked movies, in which Ariana stars as Glinda and Slater plays Boq. After dating for several years, reports recently confirmed that the couple had gone their separate ways.
Now, insiders suggest Ariana is approaching this new chapter carefully.
A source recently addressed the ongoing reconciliation rumors, explaining that there is no rush to define whatever is happening between Ariana and Ricky.
According to the source, they’re “taking things very slowly” right now.
The insider also emphasized that Ariana has always maintained a positive view of her former boyfriend despite the passage of time.
“Ariana has always considered Ricky a friend,” the source shared. “She’s not held ill will against him [since their split]. Ricky is dependable, trustworthy and very supportive. Ariana feels she can be herself around Ricky.”
That sense of familiarity appears to be one of the biggest factors drawing them back together.
The source added that the pair have “a similar, smart, dry sense of humor,” something that has reportedly made reconnecting feel natural rather than forced.
While fans have eagerly speculated about wedding bells or an official reunion, those close to the singer say neither of them is putting pressure on the situation.
Instead, the focus is simply on enjoying each other’s company again.
“They’re not jumping into anything serious right away, but Ari is happy to have him back in her life,” the source added.
For Ariana, the past few years have brought enormous personal and professional change. Between filming Wicked, releasing new music, touring and navigating life in the public eye, she’s continued to balance a demanding career with intense media scrutiny surrounding her personal life.
That reality makes every public appearance a topic of conversation, particularly when it involves someone fans already know.
Whether this latest chapter develops into a full-fledged romance or remains a rekindled friendship, Ariana and Ricky certainly seem comfortable being in one another’s orbit again. Their easy chemistry during their New York outing suggests that whatever label eventually applies, they’re enjoying the chance to reconnect—one walk through Central Park at a time.
