Ariana Grande has sparked fresh relationship buzz after debuting a new “I do love you” tattoo that appears to match ink already worn by Ricky Álvarez.

August 17, 2026: Ariana Grande is giving fans another reason to talk about her rekindled romance with Ricky Álvarez.

The singer recently debuted a new tattoo reading “I do love you” across her collarbone during her Eternal Sunshine Tour stop in London. Fans quickly noticed that the tattoo closely resembles one Álvarez already has in a similar spot on his chest.

The timing has made the new ink particularly interesting. Grande and Álvarez, who previously dated from 2015 to 2016, have recently rekindled their relationship and made their romance more visible on social media. Grande also shared photos with Álvarez on Instagram earlier this month, effectively making their renewed relationship public.

HOLR breaks down Ariana Grande’s new tattoo, its connection to Ricky Álvarez and why fans believe the matching ink marks another chapter in their unexpected relationship comeback.

Ariana Grande takes a mirror selfie while wearing a red bandana and white top.

Image Credit: arianagrande/Instagram

Ariana Grande Debuts “I Do Love You” Tattoo

Grande revealed the new tattoo during her August 15 performance at London’s O2 Arena.

Written in script across her left collarbone, the tattoo reads “I do love you.” The placement made it highly visible during the performance, prompting fans to immediately begin discussing the meaning behind the new ink.

The tattoo itself is relatively delicate, fitting the style of many of Grande’s existing tattoos.

However, it was the wording that caught everyone’s attention.

Fans soon realized that Álvarez has a tattoo featuring the same words in a similar location. His version uses a different font and appears slightly different stylistically, but the matching phrase and placement have made the connection difficult to overlook.

Ricky Álvarez Already Had the Same Tattoo

The biggest detail surrounding Grande’s new tattoo is that Álvarez appears to have had his version first.

The dancer and photographer previously showed off his “I do love you” tattoo in 2025.

His tattoo is positioned around his upper chest and uses a different lettering style from Grande’s new design.

That timing has led fans to debate whether Grande’s tattoo was intentionally inspired by Álvarez’s or whether the phrase has another meaning for the couple.

Neither Grande nor Álvarez has publicly explained the story behind the matching tattoos.

For now, the connection remains a noticeable detail rather than something either has officially described in depth.

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez in casual attire.

Image Credit: arianagrande/Instagram

Ariana and Ricky Have Rekindled Their Romance

The tattoo arrives during a significant period for Grande and Álvarez.

The pair first dated nearly a decade ago after meeting while Álvarez was working as one of Grande’s backup dancers. Their relationship ended in 2016, but they remained friendly in the years that followed.

In 2026, however, the former couple began spending more time together again.

Álvarez was spotted supporting Grande at several shows during her Eternal Sunshine Tour, and the pair were also photographed together in New York.

Their renewed relationship became increasingly difficult to keep private as they were seen spending time together and showing affection in public.

Grande Made Their Relationship Instagram Official

The relationship received another major moment on August 12, when Grande shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included Álvarez.

The singer tagged him in photographs that showed the pair together, including affectionate moments and coordinated outfits.

The post was widely viewed as Grande making their rekindled romance Instagram official.

Sources have described the relationship as something the pair are taking slowly, with their long-standing friendship providing a foundation for the renewed connection.

That makes the timing of the new tattoo particularly interesting.

Rather than simply being a private symbol, the tattoo has now become part of a relationship that Grande is allowing fans to see more openly.

Instagram story from rickyrozay featuring a black and white photo of Ariana Grande in a "PETAL" t-shirt, winking and pouting.

Image Credit: Ricky Alvarez/Instagram

Their Relationship Goes Back to 2015

Grande and Álvarez originally became a couple in 2015.

At the time, Álvarez was part of Grande’s touring team as a backup dancer.

Their relationship lasted for more than a year before they split in 2016.

The breakup later became part of Grande’s music history.

Álvarez was mentioned in her song “Thank U, Next,” where she reflected on several of her past relationships. Grande famously sang about having “written some songs about Ricky,” turning their former romance into a small part of one of her most recognizable songs.

Nearly a decade later, the former couple have seemingly found their way back to each other.

Fans Are Connecting the Tattoo to Their History

Grande has a long history of using tattoos to mark important moments, relationships and personal experiences.

That history is one reason the new tattoo has received so much attention.

Fans are naturally wondering whether “I do love you” was chosen specifically because of her renewed relationship with Álvarez.

The phrase itself is also connected to Grande’s recent musical era. Some fans have pointed out that “I do love you” appears in the opening lyrics of “eternal sunshine,” the title track from her 2024 album.

That means the tattoo could potentially have more than one personal meaning.

However, there has been no official explanation from Grande about whether the tattoo references the song, Álvarez or both.

Ariana Grande’s Tattoos Often Tell a Story

Grande is known for having a large collection of tattoos, many of which carry personal meanings.

Over the years, she has added tattoos inspired by music, friendships, characters and significant moments in her life.

Some relationship-related tattoos have also changed over time.

That history makes her latest tattoo especially interesting to fans who have followed her career for years.

The “I do love you” tattoo is not simply another piece of body art appearing during a concert.

Because Álvarez already has the same phrase tattooed on his body, fans immediately interpreted it through the lens of their relationship.

The Tattoo Was Revealed During Her London Shows

Grande’s tattoo debut happened as she continued her Eternal Sunshine Tour in London.

Her London performances mark an important stage of the tour and come as Grande prepares to step back from some public-facing commitments after the tour concludes.

The singer has indicated that she intends to take a break from the intense demands of touring and public appearances.

That makes her recent personal updates even more notable.

While she is still performing for thousands of fans each night, Grande is also allowing glimpses of her private life to become part of this chapter.

Ariana Grande and Ricky Alvarez.

Image Credit: Ricky Alvarez/Instagram

Ricky Has Supported Ariana During the Tour

Álvarez has also been seen supporting Grande during her tour.

His appearances at her concerts helped fuel speculation about their relationship before Grande began openly sharing photographs with him.

At one New York performance, Álvarez was spotted dancing and singing along to Grande’s music from the audience.

The couple were also photographed together during a walk in New York, further adding to the growing evidence that their relationship had changed from friendship back into something romantic.

Now, the matching tattoo has added another layer to their story.

What Does the Tattoo Mean?

At this point, the exact meaning of Grande’s tattoo remains unconfirmed.

The phrase “I do love you” clearly carries romantic language, and the fact that Álvarez has the same words makes the connection particularly obvious.

Still, it is important not to assume details that Grande and Álvarez have not personally confirmed.

The couple have made their renewed relationship more visible, but they have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of their tattoos.

For now, the matching ink speaks for itself.

A New Chapter for Ariana and Ricky

There is something nostalgic about Grande and Álvarez finding their way back to each other after almost a decade.

Their original relationship happened during an earlier stage of Grande’s career, before she became one of the world’s biggest pop stars and before her life changed through major albums, films and Broadway projects.

Now, they are reconnecting as adults with completely different careers and experiences behind them.

That history could explain why fans are so invested in their reunion.

The tattoo simply adds another memorable detail to the story.

What Happens Next for Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez?

For now, Grande and Álvarez appear to be enjoying their renewed relationship while keeping many details private.

Their recent Instagram appearances suggest that they are comfortable being seen together, while the matching tattoo has given fans another reason to speculate about how serious the relationship may become.

There is no confirmed engagement or marriage announcement.

Instead, the couple appear to be taking things one step at a time.

HOLR has the latest news on Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez as their unexpected relationship reunion continues to attract attention.

From reconnecting after nearly a decade to appearing together on Instagram and now sharing matching “I do love you” tattoos, their latest chapter is certainly one fans did not see coming.

Whether the tattoo becomes a lasting symbol of their relationship or simply a meaningful piece of art, one thing is already clear: Ariana and Ricky are once again one of pop culture’s most closely watched couples.

FAQs

What does Ariana Grande’s new tattoo say?

Ariana Grande’s new tattoo reads “I do love you” and is placed across her left collarbone.

Does Ricky Álvarez have the same tattoo?

Yes. Álvarez has a tattoo featuring the same “I do love you” phrase in a similar location, although his design uses a different font.

Are Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez dating again?

Yes. Grande and Álvarez have rekindled their romance after previously dating from 2015 to 2016. Grande recently shared photos with Álvarez on Instagram.

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Image Credit: arianagrande/Instagram