‘Love Island USA’ Star Andreina on Her Elimination, Romance With Jeremiah and Bryan and Why Chelley and Ace Should Win

As Season 7 of “Love Island USA” comes to an end, more islanders have been dumped from the villa.

What started as a fun challenge turned into a massive dumping that sent several contestants home during Episode 27 on July 3. In the “Hate To Burst Your Bubble” challenge, the islanders had the opportunity to gauge their alignment with America as they were instructed to rank each other based on votes from the public. With categories such as “most genuine” or “trustworthy,” the islanders gained a better understanding of what America thinks of them.

“Love Island USA” host Ariana Madix revealed to the islanders that America also voted for their favorite girl and favorite boy. The three boys and three girls with the least amount of votes were put at risk of being dumped from the island. In the challenge, contestant Amaya Espinal discovered that she ranked as America’s fan-favorite, having received the majority of the high ranks.

Ultimately, the boys with the fewest votes were Austin Shepard, Taylor Williams and TJ Palma. Andreina Santos, Gracyn Blackmore and Jaden Duggar were the girls with the fewest votes. At the end of the game, Madix then explained that the remaining contestants could only choose one islander to save by standing behind them. Williams was declared safe after earning five votes from his fellow islanders.

Santos was the fifth bombshell of the season and was introduced by rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who made a guest appearance as host of the “Build-A-Bombshell” challenge. Santos entered the villa alongside Palma that same night.

Upon arrival, several of the male islanders expressed interest in Santos, but she instantly connected with Jeremiah Brown. After ending his toxic relationship with Huda Mustafa, Brown was open to exploring more connections and gravitated towards Santos. However, their time together was short-lived after the men made a collective decision to send Brown home.

Santos found a new connection to pursue after being introduced to a new group of men in Casa Amor in Episode 19. She chose to couple with Bryan Arenales, which appeared to be the start of a strong connection. However, by Episode 24, it became clear that their time together had fizzled out as Arenales and Santos expressed interest in new people.

Over Zoom, Santos spoke with Variety about her exit, relationships with Brown and Arenales, the couple she’s rooting for and more.

During the “Hate to Burst Your Bubble” challenge, how did you feel when Bryan stood behind Jaden?

I felt bad. Bryan and I were having some issues. We weren’t talking, but we had a really good conversation that day. We talked about not talking, and we were going to fix it. He never said that he liked Jaden. He never told me that he liked another connection more than our connection, so it took me by surprise. I don’t care if you choose someone else, but just be transparent and let me know. Even when I was trying to explore my connection with Pepe, I told him I was pulling Pepe for a chat. He never told me I’m pulling Jaden for chats. So, the whole thing was that he never told me anything.

How did you feel about Bryan saying your conversations were boring? Was that an accurate description?

We weren’t even having conversations. It was like two or three days that we weren’t talking at all. We would talk when it was time to go to sleep because we had to share a bed.

The day I left, we had our last conversation, and he said that he had been waiting for me the whole time to ask him questions, talk to him and pull him for chats. I told him that I just didn’t understand why it was such a big deal for him to wait for me. “Why can’t you do all those things?” I’m a little old-school, so I like it when my man does everything to show me that he wants me. He wasn’t doing that.

What did you think about Cierra standing behind Taylor?

I was surprised. I thought she was going to stand behind me. I was low-key waiting for Cierra. I didn’t think any of the girls would stand behind Taylor because of the whole Olandria situation and everyone calling him out during the mail challenge before that. I wouldn’t say that Cierra and I are best friends, but we were close. I was close to most of the girls. I’m not going to judge or wonder why she chose Taylor and not me. She told me that she was torn. 

What’s your take on Nic and Olandria coupling up? 

I didn’t see that one coming. I honestly thought that Nic was going to leave with Cierra because it was like a week left, and they were the first couple to close off. So, when I saw that he’s giving it a shot with Olandria, I was like, “Wait, what?  What’s happening here?” But I like them both. 

The “Heart Race” challenge was another big moment, especially with Ace and Huda’s performance. What happened off-camera that made that so shocking? 

We were all speechless. We were all like, “Oh, my God, what is happening?” She did something with every single guy, but then she took Ace and took a long time with him. We were all looking at Chelley, and she looked like she was feeling some way. We all agreed that it was a little too much. I told Huda that when she pulled Amaya and me for a chat. That wasn’t shown. I know it’s been a big topic with people saying that I twisted the words. I told her, “I think this is why Chelley’s mad because you did a little too much with Ace.” Challenges are your opportunity to show who you want or like more. I told Huda, “You have to explain to Chelley why you picked Ace to do extra stuff.” 

What was your take on Huda’s reaction to Chelley being upset with her and not wanting to talk about that night?

Huda didn’t realize what she was doing. After she did, she was like, “Oh, my God I fucked up.” She has genuine feelings for Chelley, and she felt bad. I told Huda that she had to pull Chelley for a chat and explain everything that she told me and Amaya. But Chelley didn’t want to hurt her feelings and say something rude because she was heated. I remember she told us that she didn’t want to talk to Huda that night. So I understand Huda going to other people and being like, “Oh my gosh. Chelley’s mad at me,” because at that moment she couldn’t speak to her. You could feel the tension. I don’t think she was trying to manipulate us or the situation. She just wanted to talk about it because she actually cared for Chelley.

After entering the villa, you and Jeremiah connected instantly.  What drew you to him the most?

When we first spoke, it was like a spark. It was like butterflies. We had really good chemistry, and it was so easy talking to Jeremiah.

Some islanders described Jeremiah’s behavior as love bombing. What are your thoughts on that observation?

He didn’t love bomb me. He was intentional. Since the moment I arrived, he made it clear that he wanted to get to know me. We were doing so well, and I don’t think he did anything wrong. I think they kept saying this because they felt some way about how he moved with his first connection. But he was trying to do things better with me. He didn’t have the chance to, but he didn’t do anything wrong.

Were you surprised when Ace, Taylor and Nic decided to vote him out?

I was so nervous. I was thinking that there’s no way that they’re going to pick Jeremiah. We were having a good conversation, and we kissed in front of everybody five minutes before the elimination. So I thought there was no way they were going to vote Jeremiah out, knowing that he had a new connection. We never had the chance to couple up or try out our connection. So I thought there was no way. Also, they were friends, and he was best friends with Nic, so I wasn’t expecting them to say Jeremiah.

Have you heard from Jeremiah since leaving the villa? 

I reached out to him mainly because I noticed that many people were interpreting my “yes” to Ace in a different context when I got my phone back. I wanted to explain that wasn’t what I meant, but we haven’t talked since then. 

Did he respond to your message?

He responded. We might talk this week. He has my number, so he can call me. 

Would you be interested in continuing that connection?

Yes. At the same time, I feel some way that he knows me in person and has an idea of who I am. I wanted to explain to him why I said yes.  It wasn’t in a negative way. If that’s all it took for him to be like, “Oh never mind,” then I don’t know if he will be the right fit for me.

Which couple do you see winning?

The couple that deserves to win is Chelley and Ace because I see them as the realest couple. They’ve been together for the longest, and they have real feelings.