Amaya Papaya Love Island became the undisputed queen of Season 7, the nickname that took over the internet for Amaya Espinal after her bombshell entrance turned her into the villa’s emotional core and the people’s champion. The Dominican cardiac nurse from New York City entered on Day 5, delivered iconic lines like “If I’m not your cup of tea, don’t f***ing drink it,” and left Fiji as the winner alongside Bryan Arenales on July 13, 2025, splitting the $100,000 prize as the first Latino couple to ever win Love Island USA.
From solo makeup-room serenades that spawned the song of the summer to the Google Easter egg that rains papayas when you search her name, Amaya Papaya’s journey was pure magic. This is the full breakdown of her Love Island run, viral moments, relationship with Bryan, post-show plans, and why she’s still trending months later.
How Amaya Papaya Got Her Nickname & Bombshell Entry
Amaya Espinal walked in as a Day 5 bombshell and immediately earned the nickname Amaya Papaya from the villa and fans alike, a playful nod to her Dominican roots and vibrant energy. Her very first confessional, singing to herself in the makeup room, introduced the world to the “sensitive gangster” persona that defined the season. Lines like “I never said I was perfect… but at least I’m pretty and a little funny” and “I’m my own best friend” exploded on TikTok, racking up tens of millions of views and remixes.
Amaya Papaya Love Island Journey: Ace, Austin, Casa Amor & Bryan Arenales
- Early villa: Coupled with Ace Greene but quickly realized they were mismatched, delivering the legendary “cup of tea” line.
- Austin Shepard drama: Felt dismissed when Austin questioned her intelligence in a group challenge, leading to one of the season’s most quoted clapbacks.
- Casa Amor: Stayed loyal while single, returning with the iconic declaration “I’m my own best friend.”
- Bryan Arenales coupling: Found her match when Bryan entered post-Casa. Their chemistry, shared Latino heritage, and “sensitive gangster” + “golden retriever” dynamic won America over.
- Finale: Crowned winners on July 13, 2025, the first Latino couple in Love Island USA history.
Viral Amaya Papaya Moments That Broke the Internet
- “If I’m not your cup of tea, don’t f***ing drink it” – instant merch
- Makeup-room solo songs (“I never said I was perfect…”) – remixed into the unofficial song of summer 2025
- “Gratituilly” (gratitude + utility) philosophy
- “Jeremiah on fire” and “Austin Boston” nicknames
- Google Easter egg – search “Amaya Papaya” and papayas rain down the screen
- Lizzo tweeting “Tell Amaya Papaya we love her”
Amaya Papaya & Bryan Arenales Post-Show Relationship
Amaya Papaya and Bryan Arenales are still together and stronger than ever. After the villa, they’ve done long-distance between NYC and Miami, celebrated Dominican Republic trips together, and regularly post couple content. Bryan calls her his “fairy princess,” while Amaya says he’s the first person who truly matches her energy. They’ve hinted at moving in together in 2026 and have used part of their prize money for family and nursing scholarships.
What Amaya Papaya Does for Work & Post-Show Plans
Amaya is a licensed cardiac nurse in New York City and has returned to the hospital part-time while building her brand. She’s teased an EP of the songs she wrote in the villa (the lead single “Amaya Papaya” already has millions of streams), launched merch with her iconic quotes, and become a mental-health and Latino-representation advocate. She regularly speaks about being first-generation Dominican-American and the importance of vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Love Island USA Season 7? Amaya Papaya (Amaya Espinal) and Bryan Arenales – first Latino winning couple.
What is the Amaya Papaya Google trick? Search “Amaya Papaya” and papaya emojis rain down the page with her quote banner.
Are Amaya Papaya and Bryan still together? Yes – still going strong, long-distance NYC to Miami, regular couple posts.
What does Amaya Papaya do for a living? Licensed cardiac nurse in NYC, now also content creator and upcoming musician.
What was Amaya Papaya’s viral song? “I never said I was perfect… at least I’m my own best friend” from the makeup-room solos.
Why do they call her Amaya Papaya? Villa nickname that stuck because of her vibrant personality and Dominican heritage.
Conclusion:
Amaya Papaya didn’t just play Love Island USA Season 7, she redefined it. From bombshell entrance to winner’s circle, viral songs to Google Easter eggs, she proved that being unapologetically yourself is the ultimate glow-up. With Bryan by her side, nursing scrubs on rotation, and new music on the way, Amaya Papaya’s story is only just beginning.
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