What Happened to Amaya Elizabeth Espinal?
Amaya Espinal, known affectionately as "Amaya Papaya," rose to prominence after winning Love Island USA Season 7 in July 2025 alongside Bryan Arenales. Following their separation in August 2025, Espinal successfully transitioned from a cardiac nurse to a full-time social media influencer and content creator. She has since appeared on the spin-off series "Love Island: Beyond the Villa" Season 2, undergone a smile makeover in June 2026, and is pursuing a music career while maintaining a private relationship.
Quick Answer
Amaya Espinal, a fan-favorite from Love Island USA Season 7, won the show in July 2025 with Bryan Arenales. After their breakup in August 2025, she leveraged her popularity to become a successful social media influencer, known as "Amaya Papaya." In late 2025, she faced a health scare requiring emergency surgery but has since recovered. As of June 2026, Espinal has debuted a smile makeover, is actively pursuing a music career with new releases anticipated for summer 2026, and is in a committed, private relationship, choosing to keep her partner out of the public eye. She also features in "Love Island: Beyond the Villa" Season 2.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in New York City
Amaya Elizabeth Espinal was born in New York City, New York.
Became a Licensed Cardiac Registered Nurse
Prior to her reality TV fame, Espinal became a licensed cardiac registered nurse and worked at a hospital in New York.
Entered Love Island USA Season 7 as a Bombshell
Amaya Espinal entered the Love Island USA villa on Day 5 of Season 7, quickly becoming a notable personality.
Won Love Island USA Season 7 with Bryan Arenales
Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales were crowned the winners of Love Island USA Season 7, becoming the first Latino couple to win the show and splitting the $100,000 prize.
Signed with Gersh and Untitled Entertainment
Following her Love Island win, Espinal signed with prominent agencies Gersh and Untitled Entertainment for representation in all areas.
Landed First Official Brand Deal with Rare Beauty
Amaya Espinal secured her first major brand deal post-Love Island with Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, marking her transition into an influencer career.
Announced Breakup with Bryan Arenales
Amaya Espinal confirmed her split from Bryan Arenales via Instagram Stories, stating that their visions for the future did not align.
Hospitalized for Emergency Surgery
Espinal was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital and underwent emergency surgery due to severe abdominal pain.
Revealed New, Private Relationship and Music Career Plans
At the American Heart Association's Red Dress Collection Fashion Show, Espinal confirmed she was in a new, private relationship and announced her plans to release music.
Discussed Relationship Privacy on 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa' Season 2
On the Peacock spin-off, Espinal explained her decision to keep her new boyfriend out of the spotlight to protect their relationship.
Debuted Smile Makeover with Veneers
Amaya Espinal revealed her new veneers, stating the smile makeover significantly boosted her confidence for her public-facing career.
Anticipated Music Release
Amaya Espinal is expected to release new music in the summer of 2026, marking her official debut as a recording artist.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Amaya Elizabeth Espinal, born November 9, 1999, first captured public attention as a contestant on Love Island USA Season 7 in 2025. A 25-year-old first-generation Dominican-American cardiac nurse from New York City, Espinal entered the villa as a bombshell on Day 5 and quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Amaya Papaya" for her authentic, outspoken personality and memorable one-liners. Despite a challenging start with initial couplings, her genuine nature resonated with viewers, leading to her eventual win on July 13, 2025, with Bryan Arenales. They made history as the first Latino couple to win the show, sharing the $100,000 prize.
Post-villa life saw Espinal and Arenales attempt to continue their relationship, but they announced their breakup on August 27, 2025, citing differing life journeys and visions. This separation marked a significant turning point for Espinal, who then fully embraced a career as a social media influencer and content creator. She quickly secured her first major brand deal with Rare Beauty in August 2025 and signed with Gersh and Untitled Entertainment for representation, transitioning away from her nursing career.
In December 2025, Espinal faced a personal challenge when she was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital for emergency surgery due to severe abdominal pain. While details of the surgery were not fully disclosed, she has since recovered and continued her public engagements. Early 2026 saw her participating in "Love Island: Beyond the Villa" Season 2, a spin-off series. During this time, she revealed she was in a new relationship, choosing to keep her boyfriend's identity private to protect their bond, a decision she discussed on the show in April 2026.
As of June 2026, Amaya Espinal remains a prominent figure in entertainment. On June 2, 2026, she debuted a smile makeover, getting veneers to enhance her confidence for public speaking and her burgeoning career. She has also announced her foray into the music industry, with new music expected to be released in the summer of 2026, further expanding her brand beyond reality television. Espinal continues to engage with her large social media following, often sharing insights into her life and career developments.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Amaya Elizabeth Espinal made different choices?