Every season of Love Island USA ends with a debate, but this time? The discourse is louder, messier, and borderline unhinged. Amaya Espinal took home the crown (and that juicy prize money), and while some fans have been quick to cry foul, the truth is simple: she earned it.
Whether you were Team Couple Goals or just there for the drama and bikinis, there’s no denying that Amaya brought it all season long. She was funny, strategic, vulnerable, and most importantly, real. So if you’re mad about her win, maybe take a moment and ask yourself: are you angry because she played the game or because she played it better than your fave? Let’s break down exactly why Amaya Papaya earned every bit of her Love Island USA victory and then some.
Amaya Espinal deserved the Love Island USA win despite the controversy
Let’s address the elephant in the fire pit. Yes, some fans were upset that Amaya and her partner (who, let’s be real, was mostly background noise next to her) took the win. But when has Love Island ever been about tradition? Amaya didn’t coast to the finale. She worked every corner of that villa. Amaya made connections, navigated dramatic recouplings, and stayed true to herself even when the show tried to box her in. She wasn’t afraid to call people out, and she definitely wasn’t afraid to shake things up when the vibes were off.
And while Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia might have looked like a bride and groom by the finale, they didn’t hold a candle to Amaya. The native New Yorker gave us emotional growth, genuine connections, and Amaya-isms. She made the show watchable. So while others were busy rehearsing their TikTok couple debut, Amaya gave us reality TV gold. If the audience voted based on who kept them entertained, it’s no surprise she came out on top.
Google gave a shout-out to Amaya
Still not convinced she earned that win? Let’s talk receipts. Specifically, from Google. Last week, before the finale aired, Google’s official website used the lyrics to her Amaya Papaya song to appear in a ticker tape message that popped up if you searched her name. Translation? Even the search algorithm knows she’s the moment. After winning, users who Googled “Amaya Papaya” or “Amaya Love Island” on July 14 got a surprise on their screens. Multiple confetti-shaped papayas poured down on the screen when she was searched. In a sea of reality stars who come and go faster than a Casa Amor flirtation, Amaya broke through. She didn’t just trend. She dominated timelines. When your win is acknowledged by one of the world’s biggest tech platforms, the conversation shifts. You’re no longer just a contestant. You’re a cultural moment.
Fenty Beauty Slid into Amaya’s DMs
If Google cosigning wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the real crown jewel: Fenty Beauty sliding into Amaya’s DMs. That’s right. Rihanna’s billion-dollar beauty empire saw the vision. And honestly, what took them so long? The Fenty Beauty account reached out before the finale, and fans are already speculating about a possible brand collab. She hasn’t confirmed anything officially yet, but the fact that Fenty even acknowledged her? That’s bigger than the $100,000 prize.
Fenty doesn’t miss. They’re known for aligning with bold, unapologetic women who move culture forward. If that doesn’t scream Amaya, we don’t know what does. While other Islanders are hustling for Fashion Nova codes, Amaya’s out here catching the attention of Rihanna’s team.
Amaya is the “people’s princess”
The best part about Amaya’s win? She didn’t need to be the most coupled-up girl in the villa to earn the people’s vote. She was relatable, outspoken, and refreshingly unfiltered. The nurse reminded us that you don’t have to shrink yourself to be likable. And that’s why fans rallied behind her. She wasn’t afraid to show her emotions or set boundaries, especially with the men. And she wasn’t scared to play the game. Amaya showed up exactly as she was, and it resonated.
That’s why, even if the final vote surprised some, it made perfect sense to those who were really watching. Amaya tapped into something deeper than just villa drama. She represented a new kind of Love Island USA winner—one who didn’t follow the script but rewrote it. And now? She’s the people’s princess. Crown secured.
Love Island USA is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WAS AMAYA YOUR FAN FAVORITE?
