Amaya and Bryan Win ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7: A Fairytale Ending to a Wild Ride
After a rollercoaster season packed with bombshell arrivals, unexpected exits, and explosive drama, Love Island USA Season 7 crowned its winners—and fans couldn’t be happier. On Sunday night, Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales took home the $100,000 prize and, more importantly, each other’s hearts. The public voted overwhelmingly in their favor, closing the curtain on what has been called the most chaotic and entertaining season yet.
From Bombshells to Beloved: Amaya & Bryan’s Journey
When Amaya Espinal entered the villa as an early-season bombshell, she turned heads instantly with her bold personality, quick wit, and unapologetic authenticity. The 25-year-old Dominican beauty from New York City called herself a “sensitive gangster,” and quickly became a fan-favorite with viral catchphrases and moments—especially her now-iconic self-love anthem sung in the makeup room:
“At least I’m pretty, and at least I’m a little funny.”
Bryan Arenales, a 28-year-old from Puerto Rican and Guatemalan descent, entered the villa later during Casa Amor, the show’s signature twist that challenges established couples by separating them and introducing a new batch of singles. Amid the chaos, Bryan and Amaya found solace in each other’s company. Their shared Latino roots helped spark an immediate bond, deepening into a real connection fans rallied behind.
Bryan’s heartfelt final speech melted hearts nationwide:
“You said I was the water to your fire, but you are my peace to this madness.”
In a twist of fate, Bryan picked the envelope containing the $100,000 prize. Without hesitation, he chose to split the money with Amaya—a romantic gesture that sealed their love story with poetic symmetry.
Love, Drama & Everything In Between
Season 7 of Love Island USA, filmed in the stunning setting of Fiji, was anything but ordinary. It featured explosive breakups, shocking eliminations, and emotional highs and lows that kept fans glued to their screens. Ariana Madix, the show's new host, added her own charm and sass to the season, guiding islanders through everything from recouplings to heart-racing challenges.
From steamy kissing contests to drama-filled Casa Amor shakeups, each episode served a dose of passion and unpredictability. Contestants navigated everything from misunderstandings to culture clashes, with every move watched by an ever-invested audience.
However, not all the drama was light-hearted. The season faced backlash when resurfaced social media posts revealed two contestants, Cierra Ortega and Yulissa Escobar, had previously used racial slurs. Both left the villa before the finale, with Ortega releasing a TikTok apology addressing the controversy. Despite these setbacks, the season managed to regain momentum, largely thanks to its more heartfelt and grounded love stories—none more compelling than Amaya and Bryan’s.
The Final Four: Who Made It?
The finale narrowed down to four couples:
-
Amaya Espinal & Bryan Arenales – Winners
-
Olandria Carthen & Nicolas Vansteenberghe – Runners-up
-
Huda Mustafa & Chris Seeley – Third place, despite a tearful breakup
-
Iris Kendall & Jose “Pepe” Garcia-Gonzalez – Fourth place
The final episode included emotional dates, thoughtful gifts, and one-on-one reflections. Amaya and Bryan shared a scrapbook of their lives before the villa, and Amaya summed it up perfectly:
“I feel like I’m a Dominican Cinderella when I’m with you, and I finally found my perfect glass slipper.”
America’s New Sweethearts
What made this couple so compelling? Their late-blooming connection. Unlike others who paired off from day one, Amaya and Bryan found each other after navigating multiple failed relationships. Amaya was briefly coupled with Austin Shepard, Zak Srakaew, and Ace Greene—all of whom didn’t quite match her energy or emotional depth. Bryan, on the other hand, brought calm and understanding into her life. In his words:
“Coming from a Hispanic household, calling someone babe, mi amor, mi vida—that’s just how we talk.”
The couple’s shared cultural values and ability to express emotions openly won over audiences. They balanced each other beautifully—her fire and his peace. In a season filled with performative romance, their connection felt refreshingly real.
What’s Next? Reunions & Spin-Offs
The season may be over, but the love stories continue. Host Ariana Madix revealed during the finale that the entire Season 7 cast will reunite for a Love Island USA Reunion special, dropping August 25 on Peacock. Expect dramatic confrontations, behind-the-scenes confessions, and plenty of tea.
Additionally, Love Island: Beyond the Villa premiered immediately after the finale, following last season’s alumni as they navigate post-show life, relationships, and social media stardom in Los Angeles. Could Amaya and Bryan be featured in a future season of this spin-off? Fans are already buzzing with speculation.
A Cultural Phenomenon
From Twitter threads to TikTok trends, Love Island USA Season 7 captivated viewers and ignited conversations across the internet. Amaya Papaya became a viral nickname, complete with memes and remixes. Bryan’s supportive nature earned him the title of “America’s boyfriend.” Together, they’ve become symbols of modern love done right—honest, inclusive, and emotionally intelligent.
Peacock reports that Love Island USA is now its most-watched mobile entertainment series, solidifying its place in reality TV royalty. With the announcement of new spin-offs and reunion specials, it’s clear this franchise isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion
Amaya and Bryan’s win wasn’t just about love—it was about resilience, representation, and real connection. In a season filled with chaos, their relationship blossomed like a calm oasis. They showed viewers what it looks like to be vulnerable, to grow, and to choose love, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
From viral quotes to fairy-tale endings, Love Island USA Season 7 gave us everything—and Amaya and Bryan gave us hope that love, even on reality TV, can be the real deal.
Long live the Dominican Cinderella and her charming prince.
0 Comments