The latest season of Love Island USA has certainly birthed its share of memes and viral videos. And even host Ariana Madix gets a little mixed up once in a while about what the islanders know and don’t know when she steps inside the villa. And because of that, she let a small viral moment slip during filming.
The Bravo star has loved her time with the franchise. and was thrilled to return as the host for Season 7. She has been enjoying her time in Fiji, helping guide the islanders in their quest for love, and throwing plot twists at them along the way.
Love Island USA host Ariana Madix used a viral nickname for Nic Vansteenberghe
“It’s really fun,” Ariana told PEOPLE about her time in Fiji. “It doesn’t really feel like work.”
She does admit that it can get a bit confusing though. She is interacting with the islanders throughout the season, while watching the episodes in real time on Peacock. Plus interacting with fans online as they tune in and share their thoughts.
Because of this, she can sometimes slip up and mention a viral fan meme or nickname about the cast while she’s in the villa. In fact, Ariana shared an instance where she did just that during a recent episode.
“It’s funny,” Ariana said. “The other day, when I came in for the introduction of Casa Amor, and Nic (Vansteenberghe) and TJ Palma were the two guys stood there with no girls (on their hearts) on that first day. And Nic’s (heart) was empty and I was like, ‘Oh, no, not Mommy’s little meatball.”
The funny little nickname was in reference to an tee-shirt Nic wore that bore the same message, “Mommy’s Little Meatball.” Fans loved it and began calling him that after the episode aired. Ariana accidentally did too which left Nic visibly confused.
And as far as Ariana is concerned, Mommy’s Little Meatball is also behind one of the most unforgettable moments in the season. “I’ll never get over ‘Mommy? Mamacita,’” she shared. “I just think it’s the funniest thing. It’s a lot of these little moments that I feel are so fun.”
And she’s not the only one loving that moment. Nic’s hilarious reaction to Huda Mustafa’s confession has seen the attention of stars like Lili Reinhart, Gordon Ramsay, Demi Lovato, and more.
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock, with new episodes airing every day except Wednesdays.
TELL US – DID YOU NOTICE NIC’S FUNNY SHIRT? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE VIRAL MOMENTS THIS SEASON?
