“Love Island USA” is a dating show, but the real love affair of Season 7 has been between one contestant and the audience.
Amaya Espinal, aka Amaya Papaya, has won over the internet thanks to her catchy one-liners and likable nature.
Not fully initiated into the world of “Love Island” and confused as to why this contestant has become a breakout star? Here’s what you need to know about the the New York native who became a star in Fiji, amassing millions of followers and genuine fans.
Who is Amaya Espinal on ‘Love Island’?
The 25-year-old entered the “Love Island” villa in Episode 4 as a bombshell, sent to shake up existing connections.
The nurse and rising social media influencer initially struggled to find a true connection, exploring with Ace Greene and Austin Shepard at first. Her most recent connections have been with Casa Amor’s Zak Srakaew and Chris Seeley.
As of July 9, Amaya and Chris seem to be making a genuine connection, even spending a night in the Hideaway after being nominated by their peer islanders.
The nickname “Amaya Papaya” has been used online and on the show, including by “Love Island USA” host Ariana Madix and the Scorpio herself in a confessional.
Why are people calling Amaya the ‘People’s Princess’?
“Love Island” fans have fallen for with Amaya’s funny and genuine personality, paired with her ability to persevere through backlash.
After entering the villa, Amaya was met with immediate hostility because she kissed Jeremiah Brown without knowing he was exclusive with Huda Mustafa. Huda was upset, leaving Amaya on the defense.
Her following connections left her confused and deflated.
During her coupling with Ace, fans watched as Amaya’s communication style conflicted with Ace’s as he revealed his distaste for romantic nicknames and physical touch. This escalated to a blowout fight on the dock of the villa left both parties feeling unheard and frustrated.
“I know my worth plus the tax. I don’t beg no man to see my value,” Amaya told Ace.
Then, during the postcards challenge, islanders wrote down anonymous complaints about each other and Amaya received many comments.
Throughout a few episodes of difficult connections, fans caught smaller moments of Amaya’s personality, including a photobooth strip of just herself when other islanders took photos in their couples.
Despite the in-house drama, Amaya kept her head up and has been a positive light throughout the show. She’s been emotional and resilient, taking care of herself first and foremost. Standout moments include the song she sang to herself while getting ready for the day and her mumu.
What about her one-liners?
Amaya is also known for her instantly quotable one-liners about everything from tea to confidence. Here are a few of the most memorable:
- “If I’m not your cup of tea, don’t drink it.”
- “Sometimes I’m not the book that someone should be reading and that’s OK.”
- “Last time I checked I got 10 toes, not one toe missing. So I’m gonna stand on business on my 10 toes.”
- “I feel like I could fly like the pigeons back in New York City.”
- “I’m not going to have a sugar rush anymore from the word candy you’re feeding me.”
