After a season filled with unexpected twists, turns, and controversies, "Love Island USA" Season 7 has crowned Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales as its winning couple. The pair, who captured the hearts of viewers, secured the most fan votes, earning them the coveted $100,000 prize. Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen finished as runners-up in the competition. Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia-Gonzalez, and Huda Mustafa and Chris Seeley, were the other two couples who made it to the finale. The season finale aired on July 13 on Peacock.
Amaya and Bryan's victory came as a surprise to some, as they were not one of the original couples from the beginning of the season. Bryan entered the villa as a Casa Amor bombshell, and his connection with Amaya blossomed in the later weeks of the show. Their grounded romance resonated with viewers, though some debated Bryan's overall contribution to the relationship. In a moving moment after being announced as the winners, Bryan received the envelope containing the $100,000 and decided to share it with Amaya, solidifying their bond and proving their connection was about more than just money. "This isn't really even a question for me," he said. "Of course I'm splitting this money with Amaya".
Season 7 was marked by its fair share of drama both inside and outside the villa. Before the final vote reveal, "Love Island USA" social media accounts released a statement, "Huge thanks to everyone who has joined us for Love Island USA Season 7! We can't wait to celebrate our incredible Islanders in tomorrow night's finale. Love Island exists because of the real people who share their search for love with the world. Our host and Islanders deserve respect and kindness for opening their hearts to the experiences and to viewers everywhere. As this season comes to a close, let's show them our love and support!".
Several contestants were removed from the show due to resurfaced controversial social media posts. Yulissa Escobar was axed early in the season after videos surfaced of her using a racial slur. Cierra Ortega was also removed from the villa later in the season after similar posts containing an anti-Asian slur came to light. Both Escobar and Ortega issued public apologies for their past actions.
Another Islander who stirred controversy was Huda Mustafa after an old TikTok video resurfaced where she allegedly lip-synced a racial slur. Despite the backlash, Huda remained on the show and made it to the finale with her partner, Chris Seeley. Their journey, however, was not without its challenges, as Chris expressed his need for space and sleep during the final days in the villa.
Other notable events this season included the departure of Ace Greene and Chelley Bissainthe just before the finale. Olandria and Nic were temporarily booted from Casa Amor, only to return and couple up, surprising many. The Casa Amor twist, as always, stirred up drama and tested relationships, with Carthen and Williams being particularly affected.
Host Ariana Madix acknowledged the difficult season during an interview on "Love Island USA: Aftersun," expressing her appreciation for the islanders and the challenges they faced. Madix said, "It's been a really tough season for a lot of reasons, I just want them to know, and any islander who has also left the villa this point, I just want them all to know how much I genuinely really love them and appreciate them for putting themselves out there".
Despite the controversies and unexpected turns, Season 7 of "Love Island USA" ultimately delivered a captivating journey of love, connection, and personal growth, culminating in the victory of Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales. The winning couple is scheduled to appear in the reunion special on August 25, hosted by Andy Cohen.
