Ariana Grande Debuts With Ricky Álvarez at Focker-in-Law Premiere

Ariana Grande and Ricky Álvarez made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the world premiere of Universal Pictures’ comedy Focker-in-Law at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.

Beacon Theatre Red Carpet Debut

The Wednesday, November 11 event marked the first time the couple stepped onto a step-and-repeat together since rekindling their romance earlier this year. Grande wore a 1990s vintage Badgley Mischka silk gown featuring a gray plaid pattern, spaghetti straps, and delicate floral embroidery at the bust. She styled her hair into a shorter ponytail fastened with a cream bow.

Álvarez accompanied her in a casual black blazer over an open-collar white shirt, dark cuffed jeans, a black belt, and brown shoes. The pair posed together for photographers before Álvarez stepped aside to let Grande complete her solo photos.

Written and directed by John Hamburg and based on a story by Hamburg, Ilana Glazer, and Austen Earl, the comedy stars Ariana Grande, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Robert De Niro, and Blythe Danner.

In the film, Grande plays the role of Olivia Jones, following Henry, the son of Greg and Pam Focker. Prior to the premiere, Grande appeared alongside co-stars Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

From Tour Dancers to Red Carpet Couple

The relationship dates back more than a decade to when Álvarez worked as a backup dancer on Grande’s Honeymoon Tour in 2015. They dated for about a year before splitting in July 2016. Grande later referenced him in the lyrics of her 2018 single Thank U, Next.

Speculation about a reunion grew over the summer when Álvarez attended the Eternal Sunshine Tour. Grande subsequently altered her live performances of Thank U, Next, singing alternate lines including “I know he’s still got my back” and “We always find our way back” during concert stops, before making the relationship Instagram official in August.

Álvarez and Grande Promote R.E.M. Beauty Before Film Release

Ahead of the premiere, the couple appeared together in a promotional video for R.E.M. Beauty posted to Instagram. In the “What’s on my lips?” challenge, Álvarez wore a beanie over his eyes and attempted to identify different lip products simply by kissing Grande.

The appearance follows a planned step back from public-facing work that Grande announced after wrapping her Eternal Sunshine tour on September 1. While she paused general appearances to spend time with family, friends, and Álvarez, she maintained commitments surrounding Focker-in-Law, which opens in theaters on November 25.