Inside Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez’s Complete Romance Timeline

Pop superstar Ariana Grande has had several high-profile romances over the years, but her mid-2010s relationship with backup dancer Ricky Alvarez remains one of her most remembered eras. The pair first sparked dating rumors back in 2015 after sharing a famous stage kiss, quickly becoming an item both on tour and off. A complete recap of their romance shows how the duo went from professional collaborators to romantic partners. Alvarez joined Grande's team as a backup dancer during her Honeymoon Tour, and chemistry quickly blossomed. They stepped out publicly as a couple shortly after, attending industry parties and appearing across each other’s social media feeds throughout 2015 and early 2016.

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The romance lasted for roughly a year, with the couple officially going their separate ways in the summer of 2016. Despite their breakup, the split appeared entirely amicable. Both artists continued to support each other's careers, and Grande even poked fun at their past history years later in her smash single "thank u, next," where she famously sang about her exes. In the track's iconic opening lines, Grande directly addressed Alvarez, reflecting on how she once thought he might be her forever partner. Alvarez later posted a humorous reaction video online listening to his name drop, proving there was no bad blood between the former flames. The affectionate shoutout cemented their relationship as a beloved piece of pop culture history.

BUZZBEAT

Reports and social media interactions over the years confirm that Grande and Alvarez have maintained a playful friendship long after their romantic split. The two have occasionally commented on each other's posts and remained on good terms within the entertainment industry. Alvarez has continued his work as a professional dancer and photographer, while Grande went on to achieve even greater global stardom. Looking back at their full timeline, the pairing stands out as a sweet chapter in Grande's musical journey. Fans still look back fondly on the era, which inspired several fan-favorite tracks during one of the most transformative periods of the singer's career.