A Bronx cardiac nurse and her partner were crowned the Season 7 winners of Peacock’s reality TV show, Love Island USA, on Sunday, July 13, prompting a public congratulatory message from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

 

Several media oultets reported that winning contestant, Amaya Espinal, was a break out star of the show due in part to what they described as her authenticity and her quirky one liners like “God forbid I’m a sensitive gangster,” and “Baby, I’m standing on business today. Last time I checked, I got 10 toes, not one toe missing. So, I’m gonna stand on business on my 10 toes.” 

 

The show, which Espinal won, along with her partner, Bryan Arenales, is described by Peacock as a real-time dating competition featuring a group of sexy singles living in a tropical villa who must try to win the $100,000 prize by coupling up and surviving to the end. It is hosted by Ariana Madix, filmed on the island of Fiji, and narrated by Iain Stirling. 

 

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions but they’re all positive,” Espinal told Madix after her win, her voice a bit hoarse. “I feel so happy and excited and I can’t wait to call my parents.” For his part, Arenales said in part, “I’m so happy. I can’t wait to talk to my mom and dad and my [inaudible] back home. It’s crazy!”

 

Espinal, a Dominican American, has garnered the nickname “Amaya Papaya.” Asked how they would spend the prize money, Espinal said, “I actually do want to donate to like a charity of course. I want to give back to the community. That’s like one of my biggest passions he asked me early on is just leaving a positive impact [on] a group of people who are in need.”

Meanwhile, Arenales said, “I definitely want to invest the money but I also I think I told her I want to give back. Mental health awareness is extremely important to me. I went through it when I was younger and I definitely want to help little kids face their emotions.”

 

Espinal and Arenales beat finalists Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen, who also had their supporters. In a subsequent X post the following day, one social media user, @naocives, showed the couple entering the arrivals area of an airport, writing, “Nic with two suitcases and olandria with none yeah my winners” followed by a heart emoji.  

 

Back in New York City, the mayor congratulated the couple, saying, “Congrats to Bronx’s own Amaya Papaya (and Bryan) for winning Season 7 of #LoveIslandUSA. Like I always say, New York City is the Love Island Villa of America!” 

 

Prior to entering the show, Espinal had discussed the challenges she encountered with her nursing studies on her own YouTube channel. Watch the announcement of Espinal and Arenales’ win here.