Ariana Grande has given fans another glimpse into her rekindled romance with Ricky Alvarez, and their latest social media appearance has quickly caught people's attention. The singer shared a playful video with her boyfriend as they took part in a beauty challenge, but it was their affectionate interactions that had fans smiling.
The clip also sparked comparisons with Grande's previous relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater. While many viewers celebrated seeing the pop star looking happy and comfortable with Alvarez, others pointed out that they had rarely seen her share similar playful moments with her former boyfriend.
The Couple's Viral Beauty Challenge
Grande and Alvarez took part in a viral 'What's on my lips?' challenge in an Instagram Reel shared over the weekend. The video, which also promoted products from her R.E.M. Beauty brand, showed the couple putting a romantic spin on the guessing game.
With a beanie covering his eyes, Alvarez had to identify the lip products Grande was wearing by kissing her. The singer applied different products before leaning in to kiss him, who had to guess what was on her lips.
The couple continued playing as Grande tested different lip products. Their easygoing exchanges and frequent kisses made the video particularly entertaining for fans. The challenge also included a bonus round featuring an unreleased holiday product from R.E.M. Beauty.
Video Sparks Ex Comparisons
The video received plenty of affectionate reactions, with many fans expressing how happy they were to see Grande enjoying herself with Alvarez. Several described the couple as adorable, with one fan saying: 'I love them so much, they so cute together, mother and father'.
One fan commented that seeing Alvarez match Grande's silly energy brought them joy, adding that he seemed to offer her comfort. Another said the singer appeared genuinely in love, writing: 'The way they look at each other... oh she is truly so happy and in love❤️'.
This the first time i’ve heard him speak. The way he said he needed more on his lips this is love!! I’m so happy for her after all she’s been through. they look soooo good and healthy together!!!
— 7happy (@Sevenhappy007) November 7, 2026
It brings me so much joy to know that Ricky matches her silly energy 1 to 1 and probably always brings her comfort, never grief 🥺
— 𝓐𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓮 𝓖𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓲 🌸 (@ArianaGrandetti) November 8, 2026
Meanwhile, some comments quickly turned towards her previous romance with Slater. 'Seen more of Rickiana than I saw of Ethan in 2 years', one person remarked, using the couple's blended nickname. Another wrote: 'see how she never did this with ethan'.
A separate comment suggested that the singer appeared more comfortable showing affection with Alvarez. Another jokingly said: 'She knows SpongeBob was corny asf', referencing Slater's previous Broadway role.
see how she never did this with ethan pic.twitter.com/diofYsC52K
— kai♡ 🇧🇷 (@kairoyaltyy) November 7, 2026
Grande's Complicated Love Timeline
Grande and Alvarez have known each other for more than a decade. The photographer initially joined her team as a backup dancer in 2014 and later performed with her during the Honeymoon Tour.
Their romantic relationship began in 2015, with the pair dating for approximately a year before reportedly separating in 2016. Alvarez also became one of the former partners mentioned in Grande's 2018 hit 'Thank U, Next'.
Grande later began a relationship with Slater after they met while filming the two-part musical adaptation of Wicked. Grande played Glinda, while Slater portrayed Boq. Dating reports emerged in July 2023, following their respective separations from their spouses.
The pair kept much of their relationship private amid backlash. However, they eventually went their separate ways. Reports in June 2026 revealed that Grande and Slater had quietly split several months earlier.
Around the same time, Grande's connection with Alvarez resurfaced after the former couple, who had remained on friendly terms, were spotted spending time together in Texas. Further sightings fuelled speculation that they had rekindled their romance.
Grande seemingly acknowledged their renewed relationship during an Eternal Sunshine tour performance by changing the lyrics of 'Thank U, Next'. The pair subsequently made their romance Instagram official in August.
