Ariana Grande's ex surprised fans by attending her concert as she changed a lyric about him mid-performance

On June 7, Ariana Grande celebrated her 33rd birthday with a special performance during her Eternal Sunshine tour stop in Austin, Texas. The occasion featured a notable surprise as Ricky Alvarez, the singer’s former boyfriend and longtime friend, made an unexpected appearance in the VIP section.

Alvarez, who previously dated Grande between 2015 and 2016 after joining her Honeymoon Tour as a backup dancer, was seen alongside Grande’s father, Ed Butera. During the concert, Grande momentarily altered the lyrics of her 2019 hit "thank u, next"—a song that originally referenced Alvarez—to acknowledge their enduring camaraderie. The revised lines hinted at a positive and supportive relationship, contrasting with the original reflective tone.

Fan footage captured an exchange between Butera and Alvarez, highlighting a warm handshake that underscored the friendly atmosphere. The former Argentine footballer appeared visibly pleased to be part of the celebration, especially as backup dancers brought a birthday cake on stage for Grande.

This reunion unfolds amid the backdrop of Grande’s recent break from Ethan Slater, her co-star in the musical-fantasy film Wicked. Reports indicate their relationship ended amicably several months prior, with sources emphasizing the mutual respect between the two despite the split. Notably, Slater has not attended any of Grande’s tour dates since their separation.

Grande and Slater’s romance, publicly noted in mid-2023, followed the singer’s earlier separation from Dalton Gomez. Slater, who also recently separated from his wife, shares a son born in 2022. Both Grande and Slater reportedly began their relationship only after concluding their previous commitments.

While Alvarez’s attendance might prompt speculation regarding a rekindled romance, insiders have clarified that the former couple is simply enjoying each other’s company as friends. Just a day before the concert, Grande and Alvarez were spotted having lunch with friends in Austin, further signaling their close but non-romantic bond.

In addition to her ongoing tour, which launched in early June in Oakland and is set to conclude in London this September, Grande is preparing to release her eighth studio album, Petal, at the end of July. The album includes "Hate That I Made You Love Me," a track that explores themes beyond a traditional breakup, addressing the complexities of public scrutiny and the artist-fan relationship.

Grande’s career trajectory has been multifaceted, spanning music, television, and musical theater since her early days on Nickelodeon’s Victorious. Her recent work includes starring as Glinda in Wicked and its sequel, projects that deeply engaged her both artistically and emotionally. Reflecting on her demanding schedule, Grande has expressed a desire for greater balance in the coming years, contrasting with her previously relentless pace.

The Austin concert itself was marked by dynamic choreography and impressive aerial stunts, showcasing Grande’s vocal prowess and stagecraft. Her ability to captivate audiences while navigating personal milestones and professional transitions underscores her sustained influence in the pop music landscape.

As Grande moves forward, the public will be watching how her personal relationships and artistic ventures evolve. The presence of Ricky Alvarez at this birthday performance serves as a reminder of the enduring connections that shape her journey, even as she embraces new chapters.