In Her Campus’s series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview talent Gen Z loves about what it’s like to rule over pop culture. This month, actress and Love Island USA host Ariana Madix is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
As the host of Love Island USA, it can be hard for Ariana Madix to not get involved with the cast. The scene she had to resist the urge to react to in Season 8? “Definitely the Casa Amor recoupling,” she tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. “I always have moments where I see things happening, and I just have to let them do what they want to do and make their own decisions and not jump in and try to be protective of anyone. I definitely have to hold myself back sometimes.”
After an unforgettable summer of bombshells and recouplings, Madix has officially wrapped up another incredible season of Love Island USA. And with her third summer in Fiji in the books, Madix has plenty of Season 8 moments to look back on. “The love letters recoupling” was her favorite this year. “I really enjoyed getting to hear all of their thoughts and it felt like such a wonderful celebration of love that day. We were going through a very hard time behind the scenes, and it just felt very positive in that moment.”
Since becoming the host of LIUSA in Season 6, Madix has continued to prove she is a true triple threat — her reality TV roots came from Vanderpump Rules and Dancing with the Stars, her dancing and singing were on full display in her Broadway debut in Chicago, and in December 2025, she landed a role on NBC’s St. Denis Medical. And it’s all coming full-circle for the entertainer, who was nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category.
“I found out in Fiji in the middle of filming and I was dead asleep because it was about four in the morning,” Madix says of her Emmy nomination. “I cried when I got the news. It feels so cool to see my name listed amongst these people that I’ve admired for so long [and] that are so good at what they do. To be recognized in that category is everything.”
And in more good news, it won’t be long before Madix and the cast of Season 8 return to our screens for the Love Island USA reunion on Aug. 31. With the anticipation of the upcoming reunion only growing, Madix says, “I’m very excited for everyone to see where everyone’s been. There’s been a period of time since we’ve all left Fiji, so I’m very excited for everyone to catch up with the Islanders and see everything that they’ve done and hear about all the things that they’ve got going on since then.”
But in between the regular season and the reunion, Madix is taking some time for herself and getting back into her everyday routine. “I sleep a lot when I get back [from Fiji] because the jet lag is real, and I’m trying to get back into my routine. It’s a bit of a struggle,” she says. She also tries to optimize her nutrition and wellness. “I definitely try to make sure that I am hitting my protein goals, and I try to sweat or move every day. It’s not some perfect gym routine — it’s not thousands of sit-ups, it’s just making sure that I feel good,” Madix says. “And in that, if I want to hit those protein goals, I use Orgain. I put it in my iced coffee in the morning, because that way I know that I’m getting it. I know myself — I know that when I’m really busy, I’m not gonna get up in the morning and make an elaborate smoothie.”
In addition to her protein goals, Madix has a few other wellness habits that keep her feeling good. “I chug so much water, and I try not to scroll on TikTok too late into the night,” she says. “I just have to remind myself that it’s not about being perfect.”
Now that Love Island is just about wrapped up, Madix is looking to pursue more acting roles in the future. “I went to school for theater, so these were all the things that I always dreamt of doing. Being able to achieve these major goals by being on Broadway — and I’ve always wanted to be on a show like St. Denis Medical — that definitely inspires me to keep pursuing those scripted TV goals. I absolutely love doing it, and it’s something that I am very passionate about working hard to do.”
Back in 2023, Madix said that one day she hoped to own a home, perform on Broadway, and host a dating show — and by 2024, she accomplished all three. Despite checking those off the list, Madix still has more she’s hoping to accomplish. “I really, really hope that I can go back to Broadway. I would absolutely love to go back and be able to do that again,” she says. “I want to be able to own a home in New York because when I first moved to LA from New York, this big idea was to be able to be bi-coastal. If I had my own place out there, I’d be able to truly live that as a reality.” If there’s anything I know about Madix, it’s that her opportunities are endless.
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
If you could describe Love Island USA Season 8 in three words, what would they be?
Fun, dramatic, and spicy.
You wore so many amazing outfits this season. which one was your favorite?
Definitely the red Casa Amor recoupling dress.
If you could steal one islander’s wardrobe this season, whose would it be?
I want Trinity’s shoe collection, Aniya’s dresses, Kayda’s makeup, and Melanie’s hair — it’s so nice.
You made your Broadway debut as Roxie Hart — if you could play any other Broadway role, what would it be?
Mamma Mia is one of my top favorite musicals. It was the first musical I ever saw on Broadway, so if I could be any part in that, I’d be happy. I’ll be a townsperson, I’ll be someone who’s carrying a jug of water across the stage, any of it.
What’s one wellness item you never travel without?
My asthma inhaler.
What TV show are you currently binge watching?
I just finished it — The East Palace on Netflix.
If you could guest star on any TV show, what would it be?
Only Murders in the Building.
If you weren’t hosting Love Island USA, what reality show would you love to host?
I would love to host Top Chef, because I like to eat, but I could never. Kristen Kish is the best there could ever be for that show.