Ariana Grande has kept fans talking all year, and it is not just for her music, but for her personal life as well. She is all set to release her eighth studio album, 'Petal,' and the pop star has been mesmerizing the fans with her awe-inspiring and dreamy performances during her Eternal Sunshine Tour. While her concerts have largely been about celebrating music, her latest stop in Brooklyn gave fans something else to discuss. 

During the show, the singer appeared to drop a playful yet intriguing hint about her ex-boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez.

While it is not confirmed by either party, Ariana Grande piqued her audience's interest during her Eternal Sunshine Tour stop in Brooklyn, New York, on July 13, 2026. Ariana Grande appeared to hint at a rekindled romance with Ricky Alvarez while performing her hit song 'Thank U, Next.' As many fans know, the song includes the verse in which the singer famously mentions several of her former partners.

This time, however, when she reached Alvarez's name, she changed the lyrics to suggest more than just friendships being reformed, in place of singing the old, "Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh." 

"Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back," she sang instead. While several cheered for her, the performance has also begun to circulate online.

Grande previously dated Alvarez, one of her former backup dancers, from 2015 to 2016. In a conversation with Billboard, the actress once addressed her relationship.

"We're happy," Grande told Billboard about her romance with Alvarez (May 2016). "I'm a very happy girl. I have a healthy life right now, and I think that's all anyone cares to know. The end."

Earlier this month, the two were also spotted spending the Fourth of July weekend together in Florida. The lyric change, as shared by fans in the audience on TikTok and several other platforms, has now fueled speculation that Grande may have confirmed they are back together.

Ariana Grande Showcases Vocals by Ditching Backing Tracks for Live Loop Recording on Eternal Sunshine Tour

This comes after Grande broke up with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

Ariana Grande dated Ethan Slater for 3 years. As per TMZ, the singer and Slater had ended their relationship amicably several months before the news surfaced. The former couple remains friends and continues to support one another. 

Grande and Slater first met while filming Wicked in 2022. And in 2023, the two made their relationship public. As for Ricky Alvarez, whether it was a heartfelt confession or simply a playful nod to her past, Grande's lyric change has clearly become one of the biggest talking points of her tour. However, it is not confirmed until she addresses the rumors herself.

Ariana Grande Pre-Show Strategy for Unveiling ‘Petal’ Full Tracklist Live on the Eternal Sunshine Tour

Have you seen the performance? Let us know in the comments.