Amaya Espinal Is Waiting for Zohran Mamdani’s Call

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While several players on season seven of Love Island USA showed strategic thinking, Amaya Espinal ultimately won the competition. Viewers overwhelmingly voted for Amaya and Bryan Arenales because of Amaya’s strong and likable personality. Even after they left the show, she handled their split with grace. Her positive attitude and ability to build friendships were a refreshing change in the often competitive environment of the villa, allowing her to act as a peacemaker when conflicts arose. However, she admits she doesn’t necessarily agree with everything her fellow contestants did or said. “I don’t believe in the idea that trying to be friends with everyone means you’re not really friends with anyone,” she explains.

She’s a natural reality TV star, quickly becoming known for memorable quotes like, “God forbid I’m a sensitive gangsta,” “I need to shave my ass crack,” and “Last time I checked, I got ten toes, not one toe missing. So I’m gonna stand on business on my ten toes.” She’s even released a song, “I Never Said I Was Perfect,” that deserves platinum status. And she continues to deliver these moments on her Peacock spinoff, Beyond the Villa. She believes every good reality show needs someone who isn’t afraid to be outspoken. “Let’s be real,” she says, “people aren’t tuning in to see everyone just get along.”

I knew I’d succeeded in the reality TV world when I was able to pay off my mom’s cars. It was a really amazing and fortunate moment.

I always feel like you can read my mind! When I think about what you did with your first paycheck, it’s so relatable. You were craving Dominican food the instant you left Fiji – mangú, salami, and queso frito, right? It’s amazing! You immediately headed to El Castillo de Jagua and spent $20 on breakfast. It sounds like the perfect first purchase!

If I had to describe my on-screen character in just five words, I’d choose bold, funny, unhinged, spontaneous, and wild.

If I had to pick a defining moment from my time on screen, it would be my memorable one-liners, especially ‘Standing on business with my ten toes, not one toe missing.’ Also, people remember my energetic runs around the villa – I definitely embrace my playful side!

I felt most misunderstood when people criticized my friendships by saying ‘A friend to all is a friend to none.’ That idea just doesn’t resonate with me. The people I choose to surround myself with are genuine connections, and I’m comfortable ending friendships when they no longer serve me.

If you could trade lives with someone on reality TV at this moment, who would it be? Absolutely Lisa Rinna! I’d love to be her – especially with that amazing haircut!

It’s surprisingly common for reality TV stars to be authentic on screen. Whenever I meet them, I’m struck by how much they embrace being over-the-top and perfectly suited for television – they really are who they appear to be!

Who is the least like their TV persona?Oh wait, I can’t answer that one.

As a big reality TV fan, I definitely think a good show needs someone to play the villain. It’s not enough to just watch everyone get along! You need that person who isn’t afraid to cause a little drama, speak their mind, and really shake things up. Honestly, that’s what makes it interesting to watch, right? We want conflict, not just everyone singing ‘Kumbaya’!

Let’s talk iconic villains, shall we? It’s a tough one, but honestly, my mind immediately went to reality TV. Remember Mike “The Situation” from Jersey Shore? He definitely played the bad guy for a while. But you know what’s funny? Looking at him now, he seems to have really turned things around – he’s actually in a pretty good place these days!

I really miss being able to just go for a walk without being noticed. And it was nice to be able to check my phone without feeling anxious about what I might find. Now, whenever I get a lot of notifications, I worry about what the messages might be about.

My advice for anyone wanting to be on reality TV? Be yourself! Authenticity is key – viewers can always tell when someone’s being fake. If you want to shine, just be genuine and embrace who you are.

When it comes to the most memorable reality TV feuds, I’d pick the one on Jersey Shore. Specifically, the fight between JWoww and Sammi is iconic. I remember them yelling, ‘What she going to do? What you going to do?’ As a New Yorker, I definitely understood the intensity!

If I could be on any non-dating reality TV show, I’d pick The Traitors. I absolutely love that show! I’ve heard they film it in a castle, and it just seems like a place I’m meant to be.

As a film buff, I love a good twist, and honestly, this whole ‘Traitor or Faithful’ thing? It’s fascinating. I think I could genuinely see myself playing either role, depending on the story. But if I end up being one of the ‘Faithful’ types, be warned – I’m a crier! Seriously, discovering who the ‘Traitor’ is would hit me hard. It’d feel like someone kicked my pet rabbit, that kind of deep, personal betrayal. It’s all about emotional investment, you know?

I know you watch The Real Housewives.
Yes.

If I could hang out with any TV show cast, I’d choose the one from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

If you were to create a slogan for yourself, what would it be? Amaya Papaya says hers would be, ‘My name is Amaya Papaya, and even though I’m not married, I’m still very wealthy.’

I was so excited when I remembered back to when you were on Love Island! We actually did a questionnaire with Mayor Zohran Mamdani around that time, and he gave you a quick shout-out – I don’t know if you ever saw it. It was amazing! Seriously, Mayor Mamdani, hello! I’d be absolutely thrilled to meet you someday, please!

So, we haven’t actually gotten together yet, but we’re planning to soon. We’re a group of New Yorkers and we’re looking to do some good for the community, you know, lend a hand where it’s needed. It’s exciting!

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2026-05-04 15:59