Ariana Grande gave fans another unexpected twist during her June 26 concert at Austin’s Moody Center, updating a famous lyric in “thank u, next” for the second time in the same week. The moment quickly fueled fresh speculation after ex-boyfriend Ricky Alvarez was spotted watching the performance from the VIP section.
During the song, Grande changed the original lyric, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and laugh,” to “Wrote some songs about Ricky / I know he still got my back.” The revised line prompted an immediate reaction from the audience, with videos of the performance spreading across social media within minutes.
The lyric follows another change made just two days earlier during her June 24 Austin show, when she sang, “Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now they still kinda slap.” Fans initially viewed the update as a lighthearted nod to the enduring popularity of the songs inspired by their relationship. The latest version, however, struck a more personal tone.
Adding to the online conversation, Alvarez was seen smiling in the crowd as Grande performed the lyric. Fans also captured footage of him greeting Ariana’s father, Edward Grande, further highlighting what appears to be an amicable relationship between the former couple.
Speculation intensified after photos surfaced showing Grande and Alvarez dining with friends at De Nada Cantina in Austin during her birthday celebrations. While some fans interpreted the dinner and lyric change as signs the pair may have rekindled their romance following reports of Grande’s split from Ethan Slater, multiple reports indicate the gathering was simply a group birthday celebration and that Grande and Alvarez remain close friends.
The renewed attention also brings “thank u, next” back into the spotlight nearly eight years after its release. Issued in November 2018, the single debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Grande’s first chart-topper and spending seven weeks atop the chart. Its music video, inspired by iconic teen films, became one of the defining viral moments of the streaming era after generating more than 55 million views in its first 24 hours.
The lyric update arrives as Grande continues building anticipation for her seventh studio album, Petal, due July 31. Throughout the Eternal Sunshine Tour, she has been revealing track titles and surprising audiences with subtle setlist changes, keeping fans closely following each performance. Lead single “hate that i made you love me” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her 10th career chart-topper.
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