Photo:Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
Amongst the sizzling — and naked — red carpet looks of the night, it was the “Only U” singer’s purse that made the loudest statement, as it confirmed her rekindled relationship with former flameNelly.
Ashanti, 42, arrived at the ceremony carrying a personalized clutch bag printed with a 20-year-old photo of her and the “Ride Wit Me” rapper, 48.
“We’re in a great space, everything is positive, we’re having a lot of fun,” she told PEOPLE exclusively on the carpet.
When asked if fans could expect another collaboration from the two, she squeezed in a “Maybe!” while being led through the crowd.
Though the accessory drew lots of chatter, her sequined gown also deserved praise, especially with its bra cups shaped like turtles.
Nelly and Ashanti reunited last December for a steamy performance at the Power 98.3 and 96.1’s Under the Mistletoe concert in Arizona, which prompted Ashanti to share that they were in a"better place."
The on-again, off-again pair began fueling romance rumors this year, a decade after their 2013 breakup.
In April, the musicians were spotted in Las Vegas watching the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia boxing match andlooking cozy seated ringsidenext to each other. And later, they were seen holding hands.
Shortly after, a source close to Nelly and Ashanti told PEOPLE that the then-exes “have been touring and performing together andjust hanging.” In June, theypublicly posed together with their arms around each otherat a red carpet event.
Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Ashanti and Nelly’s romance haslong been something of a mystery, as well as a source of gossip for fans, as both have played coy in the press over the years whether they are actually together or just friends.
Ashanti confirmed to PEOPLE in 2005 that they “went out,” but said they were “not boyfriend and girlfriend” — though three years later, she teased that an engagement was"definitely in the future."
Nelly and Ashanti at the 2008 BET Awards.Jason Merritt/FilmMagic
Jason Merritt/FilmMagic
In 2013, she laughed off questions about the rapper in a Hot 97 interview, jokingly asking, “Who said we had a relationship?”
In 2014, Ashanti admitted that Nelly was her first real love in an interview withSway in the Morning, andlater told Hot 97that there was “no beef” between the two.
source: people.com
