Ariana Grande surprises fans with another lyric change
Ariana Grande gave fans something to remember during her July 13, 2026, concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. While performing her smash hit “Thank U, Next,” the singer (once again) changed one of the lines that mentions her ex-boyfriend, Ricky Alvarez. Instead of singing, “Wrote some songs about Ricky, now I listen and laugh,” Ariana performed the new lyric: “Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back.” The surprising change immediately sparked loud reactions from the audience and quickly ignited online discussions.
Ariana Grande changes Ricky’s lyric during “thank u next” at the ‘eternal sunshine’ tour in Brooklyn:
“Wrote some songs about Ricky, we always find our way back” pic.twitter.com/0lOlbpyJzm
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 14, 2026
Fans continue to speculate about Ricky Alvarez
The line adjustment follows several similar changes the songwriter has made during recent shows on her Eternal Sunshine Tour. During her June 26, 2026, concert in Austin, she sang, “Wrote songs about Ricky/ I know he’s still got my back,” while another performance included the line, “Wrote songs about Ricky/ And they still kinda slap.” According to reports, Ricky Alvarez himself attended the Austin show and later spent the Fourth of July weekend with Ariana and her family in Florida. Although fans are wondering whether the pair have rekindled their relationship, the singer has not commented on the reason behind the latest lyric changes.
The pop star continues her successful tour and prepares new music
The Brooklyn performance came as Ariana Grande reached the halfway point of her 41-date Eternal Sunshine Tour in arenas, which supports her 2024 album of the same name. The “We Can’t Be Friends” hitmaker returned to Barclays Center for another show on July 14, 2026, before continuing the tour across North America. At the same time, the pop star is preparing for the release of her eighth studio album, Petal, which will arrive on July 31, 2026.
