As the sun sets over the picturesque Mamanuca Islands of Fiji, the drama inside the Love Island USA villa is heating up like never before. Season 7 of the hit reality dating show, which premiered on June 3, 2025, is racing toward its July 13 finale, and the stakes have never been higher. With $100,000 on the line and viewers’ votes shaping every twist and turn, the islanders are battling not just for love, but for survival in one of the most intense seasons yet.
At the heart of this season’s intrigue is Huda Mustafa, a 24-year-old fitness instructor from Raleigh, North Carolina, of Palestinian descent, who has quickly become one of the most polarizing figures to ever grace the villa. Known affectionately (or infamously) as "Hurricane Huda," she entered the villa with a secret: she is a mother to a 4-year-old daughter, a fact she kept under wraps until episode four. From day one, Huda dominated the narrative, coupling with Jeremiah Brown on the very first night. Their volatile relationship, marked by Huda’s jealous streak and demand for constant reassurance, soon became a focal point of the show.
Jeremiah, struggling to keep up with the emotional rollercoaster, was ultimately voted off in episode 18 following a public vote that also broke up the toxic couple. Since then, Huda has navigated the villa mostly single, exploring connections with islanders like Pepe Garcia, TJ Palma, and JD Dodard, before recoupling with Chris Seeley at the end of the Casa Amor twist. Against the odds, this pairing now stands as one of the season’s strongest, showcasing a softer side to Huda that fans are eager to see more of.
Huda’s explosive behavior hasn’t come without backlash. Online, she has faced massive criticism, prompting the father of her child to publicly defend her. Nevertheless, her social media presence has soared. Earlier this week, she became the second islander this season to surpass one million followers on Instagram, joining fan favorite Amaya Espinal and Ace Greene, who hit the milestone earlier in June. Currently, Huda boasts an impressive 1.8 million Instagram followers and 2.4 million on TikTok, making her the most followed islander of Season 7.
Speaking of Amaya Espinal, she’s been another standout this season. Known as America’s sweetheart, Amaya found herself at the center of a dramatic love triangle involving Bryan Arenales, Zak Srakaew, and Elan Bibas. Her choice during the intense recoupling in episode 30 was pivotal: she chose Bryan, leaving Zak and Elan uncoupled and consequently dumped from the villa. This decision underscored the high stakes and emotional intensity as the season nears its climax.
Episode 30 also brought unexpected twists beyond romantic drama. Midway through the episode, Love Island USA narrator Iain Stirling announced that Cierra Ortega had left the villa for "personal reasons." This departure was later linked to resurfaced social media posts containing alleged racial slurs against Asians, sparking fan outcry and calls for her removal weeks prior. Despite her initial popularity, Cierra’s behavior alienated many viewers, leading to her exit from the show and leaving Nic Vansteenberghe open for new connections.
With the finale looming, the villa’s dynamics have shifted considerably. Five couples remain: Ace Greene and Chelley Bissainthe, Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa, Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia, and Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe. Meanwhile, singles like Bryan, Iris, Elan, Olandria, and Pepe are navigating their own paths, hoping to secure lasting bonds before the final vote.
Fans play a crucial role in shaping the season’s outcome. On Sunday, July 6, voting opened at 10 p.m. ET on the official Love Island USA app, allowing viewers to cast ballots for their favorite couples. Voting remained open for two and a half hours, closing at 12:30 a.m. ET on July 7. The couple with the fewest votes would be left vulnerable in the next dumping, adding a nail-biting edge to the competition.
Despite the intense competition, the islanders face unique challenges beyond romantic entanglements. The cast members do not have access to their phones while filming in Fiji, living in isolation without clocks and under constant video surveillance. Communication with the outside world is limited to a special device used solely for messaging, with producers monitoring all correspondence. This strict environment heightens emotions and fuels the raw, unscripted drama fans crave.
Meanwhile, back home, loved ones and management teams keep the islanders’ social media accounts alive, sharing updates and rallying support. For instance, Huda’s Instagram is abuzz with posts from her inner circle, celebrating her journey and rallying fans to back her. Similarly, Ace Greene’s and Amaya Espinal’s accounts are managed by close friends and family, maintaining their vibrant online presence despite their physical absence from the digital world. Even Cierra’s social media, though controversial, is managed by her inner circle, who engage with followers and offer support.
Host Ariana Madix and narrator Iain Stirling continue to guide viewers through the season’s twists, with episodes airing daily except Wednesdays on Peacock. The show’s unique airing schedule includes "Love Island: Aftersun" on Saturdays, where eliminated contestants and past islanders gather to discuss the unfolding drama, giving fans additional insights into the villa’s dynamics.
As the countdown to the July 13 finale continues, the islanders are more determined than ever to solidify genuine connections and win over America’s hearts. With fan votes determining who stays and who goes, every smile, tear, and whispered conversation carries weight. Will Huda’s fiery persona lead her to victory, or will the calm and charm of other couples prevail? One thing is certain: Season 7 of Love Island USA has delivered unforgettable moments, and the final chapters promise even more twists, heartbreaks, and perhaps, true love.
