Amaya Espinol entered theLove Island USAvilla as a Bombshell during episode 4 alongside Hannah Fields, and while it took some time for Amaya’s unconventional style to take hold,she’s developed a rabid fan base in the real world. Amaya, 25, is becoming known as the only Islander onLove Island USAseason 7who has genuine intentions.
Amaya wears her hearton her sleeve and is fully comfortable in her own skin. A registered nurse from New York City, she failed to make much of an impact during her first few days, but after abrutal showdown with Ace Greene, with whom she was in a couple,Amaya’s fans began to rally around her.
Since then, Amaya’s funny one-liners have gone viral, as has a song she made up while singing to herself in the mirror on the island. Team Amaya Papaya has become a trend, andAmaya’s fans are drawn to her sincerity, heartfelt emotions, and genuine kindness.
Amaya’s Journey On Love Island USA
Amaya Entered As A Bombshell
Amaya’s journey onLove Island USAbegan when she entered the house as a Bombshell. Amaya’s arrival made the other Islanders nervous, as all Bombshell arrivals do. But Amaya wasn’t out to steal anybody’s man (although she did ruffle Huda Mustafa’s feathers by choosing Jeremiah Brown for a kissing challenge).
Amaya wanted to have the fullLove Islandexperience, and so she entered the villa with an open heart.
Amaya’s first connection in the villa was with Ace, and he chose her to couple up with during her first recoupling ceremony.The honeymoon didn’t last long, as immediately after Ace chose Amaya, he let her know that he was not looking to close off too soon. He still wanted to explore other options. Amaya’s feelings were hurt, and she and Ace weren’t able to get back on track.
Amaya next felt a connection with Austin Shepard, and their romance lasted a few episodes until Austin decided Amaya wasn’t the one for him. Still, Amaya persevered, andshe formed genuine friendships with the women in the house. Such good friendships that when Amaya was up for elimination, the girls voted to send Hannah home over Amaya.
Amaya was nearly eliminated again, but was saved at the last moment bynew Islander Zak Srakaew. Amaya and Zak are newly getting to know each other, butfans clearly want more Amaya, so keeping her on the show will give her more opportunities to find love, or even just bond with the other girls.
Amaya’s Fans Rally Around Her
Amaya Has A Growing Fan Base On Social Media
Unlike her fellow Islanders, Amaya doesn’t appear to have anyone running her social media while she’s at the villa. Fans took this to mean that her reasoning for going on the show was not for clout, butto find actual love. Even though it looks like Amaya might not find a strong connection with a “boy” in the villa, she’s earning so much love from fans.
“God, you must be real, baby, because you are listening and you are answering my prayers. Holy guacamole, Amaya Papaya just may be in love.”
Amaya is a genuine person, andshe’s always there to hype up the other girls. She’s so authentically herself on camera, and even though some may have made fun of her early on, she’s won people over with her silly songs and almost child-like demeanor.
Amaya is a breath of fresh air onLove Island USA, someone who would never change who she is to suit others. She’s there for the right reasons, and since the Islanders don’t have access to their phones.Amaya has no idea that America has fallen in love with her.
Amaya’s Fans Refer To Themselves As “Team Amaya Papaya”
Fans Love Amaya’s Energy
Amaya’s confidence and honesty have endeared her to fans, who have flocked to social media to share edits andproclaim themselves to be Team Amaya Papaya. Amaya’s one-liners and songs are all over TikTok, and she’s gaining more and more followers by the day.
When Amaya gets out of the villa and can see how many people love her, she’ll no doubt be happy about herLove Island USAexperience.
“I’m a big, loving person, and you know, other people just view it as me being too much for them, but I am not going to change who I am for anybody.”
On a show filled with drama,Amaya has risen above and found her place. There’s still a lot of season 7 left to go, but while Amaya might not leave the island with a partner, when she’s finally able to have access to her phone, she’ll see how people have resonated with her honesty and authenticity.
Love Island USAairs new episodes on Peacock at 9 p.m. EDT daily, except Wednesdays.
