The residents of the Love Island USA villa have been on a roller coaster the last few days. Just days ago, five islanders were sent home suddenly in a mass elimination. Last night, after growing online backlash, Cierra Ortega was finally pulled from the villa “due to a personal issue.” Her sudden absence split up one of the villa’s only solid connections, leaving Nic Vantseenberghe single. So, which couples will make it to the finale, and who will win it all?
On last night’s episode, Cierra disappeared without explanation. By now, most fans are aware that Cierra had become the subject of controversy when multiple posts surfaced in which she used anti-Asian racial slurs. Earlier this season, Yulissa Escobar was removed from the island for her own use of racial slurs, and after pressure from the audience, producers finally decided to pull Cierra as well. It’s fascinating to watch such an intense controversy unfold while its subject is completely unaware, and difficult to imagine how a person handles their reemergence from the villa to find their life turned upside down. Cierra should absolutely be held accountable for her racism, but the brutal online flogging happening without her knowledge isn’t productive. Considering the tragic toll online hate has taken on past contestants, let’s hope Cierra has a support system and mental health professionals awaiting her on the outside.
Cierra Is Out, Nicolandria Is Back on!
Following Cierra’s removal, her partner Nic remained in the villa, and seemed upset for about a total of six minutes. He quickly reconnected with Olandria Carthen, his close friend and brief Casa Amor connection. Fans have been obsessed with this far-fetched couple from the beginning, but now “Nicolandria” is more real than ever. This time, Nic and Olandria seem ready to pursue their connection more seriously. They can explore romantically without their minds wandering to their other connections. And, though they don’t know it yet, they have fervent fan support behind them. At this point, it’s hard to imagine that there’s any couple in the villa who could garner as many votes in the finale as Nic and Olandria will.
Amaya Had the Win Locked Down Until Nicolandria Re-Emerged
Just before Nic and Olandria recoupled, fan-favorite Amaya Espinal finally found her match in Bryan Arenales, and it seemed like the win could be theirs. Amaya has been unlucky in love all season; she’s coupled up with Ace, Austin, and Zak, and nothing seemed to work despite her best efforts. Enter Bryan, who understands her in a way that no other boy in the villa has. They seem like a genuine couple that could actually make it on the outside, and they are the likely runner-up of the season.
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6 Couples Remain, Only 4 Will Make It to the Finale
Vying for the last two spots in the finale will be Ace and Chelley, Clarke and Taylor, Huda and Chris, and Iris and Pepe. Ace and Chelley have received massive amounts of unfounded hate from viewers, which will hurt their vote count. Still, they are a love story worthy of winning – they’ve overcome obstacles and grown from them, they’ve clearly got real feelings for each other, and they’ll absolutely continue dating post-show. Chelley and Ace are the real deal, and they certainly deserve a spot in the finale.
Huda Mustafa has a legion of passionate supporters, and it would be a surprise not to see her in the finale. Despite starting out this season on the worst foot imaginable, Huda has fashioned herself a pretty convincing redemption arc, and seems to be forming a legitimate connection with Chris. Though Clarke and Taylor are a solid pair, it’s hard to see them receiving enough support to get them to the finale. Fans haven’t forgotten Taylor’s callous treatment of Olandria when he left her for Clarke, and he won’t be rewarded for that. Pepe and Iris both had stronger connections elsewhere, and their bond seems more platonic than romantic; their friendly couple doesn’t have much of a chance at making the finale.
Nic and Olandria Will Likely Win ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7
So, our final four couples will be Chelley and Ace, Nic and Olandria, Huda and Chris, and Amaya and Bryan. For a season without many deep romantic connections, this would be a strong top four, full of couples with a real chance outside the villa. However, it’s difficult to imagine a world in which Nic and Olandria don’t win the whole thing. At last night’s recoupling, Nic couldn’t help but click his heels when Olandria called out his name. These two seem to have serious chemistry, and all obstacles standing between them have now been removed. Even host Ariana Madix, who normally must keep a straight face and conceal her personal opinions, couldn’t help but grin at the new couple. Soon, we’ll cast our last votes of the season, and we’ll find out who wins it all on Sunday night.
New episodes of Love Island USA drop every day (except Wednesday) at 6 p.m. PT / 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.