Love Island USA Season 7: Who Was Dumped, Who Found Love, and Who Claimed the $100,000 Prize?

The summer heat wasn’t the only thing sizzling in the Villa during Love Island USA Season 7. From explosive recouplings and dramatic dumping ceremonies to unexpected twists and turns, this season delivered an unforgettable journey of love, heartbreak, and resilience. As islanders navigated complex relationships, intense challenges, and the constant threat of elimination, only the strongest connections – and the most popular personalities – could hope to make it to the very end. Fans eagerly tuned in to witness the highs and lows, the budding romances, and the inevitable goodbyes. This season proved once again that while love might be the ultimate prize, the path to finding it on national television is anything but smooth.

Love Island USA, known for its thrilling format and a revolving door of hopeful singles, consistently keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The core premise remains simple: attractive singles live together in a luxurious villa, coupling up to avoid being “dumped” from the island. New bombshells arrive frequently, testing existing relationships and creating new sparks, while public votes often determine who stays and who goes. This dynamic environment means that alliances are constantly shifting, and hearts are broken as often as they are mended. For Season 7, the stakes were incredibly high, with every islander hoping to find a genuine connection and, of course, a share of the coveted $100,000 cash prize. Let’s delve into the details of who made a lasting impression, who exited prematurely, and which couple ultimately triumphed.

When Did Love Island USA Season 7 Air? Your Viewing Schedule Explained

For dedicated fans of reality romance, Love Island USA Season 7 offered a near-daily dose of drama and delight. Episodes premiered on Peacock, the exclusive streaming home for the series, at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT. This consistent schedule meant that viewers could immerse themselves in the Villa’s happenings almost every night, creating a continuous narrative flow that built anticipation for each new episode. The show aired six days a week, with Wednesdays typically serving as a brief pause before the drama resumed. This intensive viewing schedule allowed audiences to form strong connections with their favorite islanders and follow their romantic sagas in real-time, making every recoupling ceremony and challenge feel incredibly impactful. The constant stream of content was a major draw, ensuring that conversations and theories about the islanders dominated social media platforms throughout the summer.

Who Was Dumped From Love Island USA Season 7? The Full List of Departures

The journey on Love Island USA is notoriously unpredictable, and Season 7 was no exception. While some islanders left due to lack of connection or public votes, others faced more serious circumstances that led to their early departure. Here’s a detailed look at everyone who was dumped from the Villa:

Early Controversial Exits: Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega

Season 7 saw two particularly notable and controversial departures early on, highlighting the increased scrutiny on reality TV contestants’ past social media activity. The first islander to be sent home swiftly was Yulissa Escobar. Her time in the Villa was cut short after clips surfaced online from an old podcast appearance where she used a racist slur. This immediate removal underscored the show’s commitment to addressing such serious issues. Yulissa later addressed her departure and the controversy in a comprehensive Instagram post, expressing deep remorse and taking accountability for her actions. Her statement, in part, read: “First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly. In those clips, I used a word I never should’ve used, a racial slur. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn’t trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn’t excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It’s tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use.” Her departure served as a stark reminder of the digital footprint that follows public figures and the responsibility that comes with being in the public eye.

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Following Yulissa’s exit, another islander, Cierra Ortega, was also removed from the Villa under similar circumstances. A past social media post involving Cierra using an anti-Asian racial slur came to light, leading to her swift departure. These incidents served as significant moments in Season 7, emphasizing the rigorous vetting process and the high standards of conduct expected from contestants, especially in an era where social media archives are readily accessible to the public. The show’s proactive approach in removing individuals involved in such controversies reiterated its stance against hate speech and discrimination, sending a clear message to both contestants and viewers alike.

Other Islanders Who Left the Villa

Beyond the controversial exits, many islanders were dumped from the Villa for the more common reasons inherent to the game: failing to form a strong connection, being unpopular in public votes, or being left unchosen during a recoupling ceremony. Here’s a look at the other contestants who said goodbye to their Love Island journey:

Thomas “TJ” Palma: TJ entered the Villa with high hopes but struggled to form a deep connection. Despite his charming personality, he often found himself in “friendship couples,” which ultimately left him vulnerable when it came time for a dumping, as other, more romantic connections were prioritized.
Jaden Duggar: Jaden, a bombshell who arrived later in the season, faced the uphill battle of breaking into established couples. While he made efforts to connect, he couldn’t quite solidify a bond strong enough to keep him safe in the Villa, proving that late arrivals often have a tougher path.
Gracyn Blackmore: Gracyn was another islander who, despite her best attempts, couldn’t find her match. She often found herself on the periphery of the main romantic drama, and during a pivotal recoupling, she was left without a partner, leading to her inevitable departure.
Andreina Santos: Andreina brought a vibrant energy to the Villa but struggled to move beyond initial flirtations into a serious relationship. Her inability to settle down with one partner made her an easy target during public votes or when fellow islanders had to choose who to save.
Austin Shepard: Austin entered with a confident demeanor but found it challenging to ignite genuine sparks. He often seemed to be in the friend zone with the women he pursued, and eventually, the lack of a romantic connection sealed his fate in a dramatic dumping.
Belle-A Walker: Belle-A arrived with a clear intention to find love but found the competitive environment overwhelming. She had a few brief connections, but none developed into anything substantial, leading to her being voted out by her fellow islanders who saw her as less invested.
Charlie Georgiou: Charlie was a quiet and observant islander who preferred to take his time. While this approach might work in the real world, on Love Island, it meant he didn’t form a strong enough bond quickly, leaving him vulnerable during a public vote that favored more outspoken personalities.
Jalen Brown: Jalen’s journey was marked by a series of near-misses. He was involved in a few brief couplings but struggled with commitment and deeper emotional connections. This made him an easy choice for elimination when the islanders had to pick who they believed had the least potential for love.
Jeremiah Brown: Jeremiah brought humor and lightheartedness to the Villa, but romance proved elusive for him. Despite being popular among his friends, his romantic relationships never quite took off, and he was dumped after failing to find a partner who saw a future with him.
Hannah Fields: Hannah was a strong personality who knew what she wanted, but she didn’t quite find it in the Villa. After several attempts at coupling up, she realized her connections weren’t genuine, and she was eventually dumped when her current partner chose someone else.
Taylor Williams: Taylor’s time in the Villa was brief but memorable. As a bombshell, she struggled to break existing couples, and the timing of her arrival meant she didn’t have enough time to form a solid bond before a crucial dumping ceremony.
Clarke Carraway: Clarke was an islander who flew under the radar for a period. While friendly with everyone, she couldn’t forge a significant romantic connection, and when the public was asked to vote for their favorite islanders, she received the fewest votes, leading to her exit.

Who Won Love Island USA Season 7? The Victorious Couple

After weeks of intense challenges, passionate dates, and emotional rollercoaster rides, only one couple could be crowned the winners of Love Island USA Season 7. The ultimate champions, who captured the hearts of America and their fellow islanders, were Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales. Their journey was a testament to building a genuine connection amidst the chaos of reality television. From their initial spark to overcoming various tests and temptations, Amaya and Bryan consistently demonstrated loyalty, mutual respect, and a deep affection for each other. Their undeniable chemistry and authentic bond resonated strongly with viewers, ultimately securing them the majority of the public vote. As the deserving winners, they walked out of the Villa hand-in-hand, splitting the highly coveted $100,000 cash prize.

The finale also saw other strong couples who came incredibly close to victory. Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen finished in a commendable second place. Their relationship, built on a foundation of friendship and growing affection, was a fan favorite, and they proved to be strong contenders throughout the season. While they didn’t take home the top prize, their journey showcased the potential for love to blossom even under the most unusual circumstances. Love Island USA Season 7 concluded with a celebration of lasting connections, reminding us that while not every islander finds forever love, the experience itself often transforms lives and leaves an indelible mark on those who dare to seek love under the watchful eyes of millions.