Ariana Madix Has Some Sage Advice for the Girls’ Girls of Love Island

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Ten years ago, few would have predicted Ariana Madix would become the biggest star of Vanderpump Rules. While she was always a relatable and cool presence on the show, she didn’t dominate scenes like some of her castmates. Even when she was passionate about her hobbies or in disagreements, she usually came across as reasonable, making her someone viewers could easily relate to. So, when she faced personal struggles in season ten, fans were quick to support her. Madix embraced this support and turned it into amazing career opportunities – from Dancing With the Stars and a book deal, to performing in Chicago on Broadway, and finally, hosting Love Island USA, a show her ex famously avoided watching with her. Vanderpump Rules may have launched her career, but Love Island is proving she has a bright future that extends far beyond being part of an ensemble cast.

People often ask when I felt like I’d ‘made it’ in the reality TV world, but honestly, I don’t feel that way yet. I think I’m still at the beginning of my journey. There have been some amazing moments, though, and things that have happened that I’m really grateful for. One time, a few years ago, I was at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and President Biden was sitting there while the host was telling jokes about me! I couldn’t believe it – there’s even a video of my reaction. But yeah, I still have a lot to achieve, I think.

What was the first significant thing you purchased after getting paid a lot of money? I bought a Gucci bag and took care of my taxes.

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If you had to sum up your on-screen character in just five words, what would you choose? I’d describe them as confident, sexy, empathetic, authentic, and fashionable.

What’s the most iconic moment from your career, the one people still remember you for? For me, it was arriving at the Love Island villa for the first season I hosted. Stepping out of the car in that gold dress really stands out as a defining moment.

If I could revisit a scene I’ve worked on and alter it, which one would it be? That’s a tough question – I’d probably change many things! I can’t think of one specific moment, actually. It’s more that I often struggle to clearly identify why something doesn’t feel right – to put my feelings into words. If I could better understand and express my emotions, that would fix most of the things I’d want to change.

Have you ever felt like your on-screen persona didn’t quite match who you really are? I think a lot of people see me as relaxed and self-assured, but honestly, that’s not me at all.

If I could trade places with anyone on reality TV at this moment, I’d choose Andy Cohen. He has such a fun and interesting job, and I think it would be amazing to experience that firsthand.

It’s interesting to think about which reality stars are genuine on TV, and who puts on a show. I believe the ‘Power Pump Girls’ – Leah Kateb, Serena Page, and JaNa Craig – are consistently themselves, both on and off camera. They’re fun, attractive, and clearly close friends who aren’t afraid to be open. On the other hand, I think Katie Maloney presents a different image than her true self. People often perceive her as harsh, but she’s actually a very sweet, cheerful, and playful person.

Does every successful reality TV show require a villain? While many viewers believe a villain is essential, I disagree. Villains aren’t necessarily needed; they often emerge naturally, or people simply create one to have someone to root against and take sides on. I don’t think a show’s success depends on having a designated ‘bad guy’.

Does Love Island have a clear villain? Not really. I don’t think they do. Everyone who’s been on the show has moments people can relate to, so it’s hard to label anyone as a true villain.

What’s one thing you miss about your life before becoming famous? I miss not feeling pressured to always look perfect with hair, makeup, and clothes. Honestly, I sometimes intentionally try to rebel against that pressure by not putting in any effort at all – just to prove I can!

If you’re hoping to become a reality TV star, my biggest piece of advice is to be authentic. It’s perfectly okay to admit when you’re unsure of yourself or don’t have all the answers. In fact, being honest about not knowing what you’re doing will resonate with the people who truly care about you, and that’s all that matters.

If I could invite two reality TV stars to join me at the Traitors castle, I’d choose Katie Maloney and Serena Paige.

Would you rather be someone who stays loyal, or someone who betrays others? I’d probably choose to be loyal. I just don’t think I’d be very good at being a traitor – I’d likely be discovered and eliminated quickly.

What’s the most memorable fight ever on reality TV? I’m reminded of the classic seasons of The Challenge, especially the rivalry between Johnny Bananas and Wes. The old seasons of The Real World were always really entertaining too.

When it comes to reality TV hosts, it’s tough to pick just one! Alex Trebek was fantastic, but Andy Cohen is also a strong contender – he’s great at keeping things fun and light. I also really enjoy Kristen Kish; she’s a wonderful host on Top Chef and very engaging to watch.

Someone asked me about my favorite outfit from Love Island. I really loved this dress we nicknamed the ‘Rainbow Fish’ dress. It was covered in different colored netting and sequins, and it reminded me of the children’s book, ‘The Rainbow Fish’.

Lately, reality TV fans have really embraced the idea of contestants supporting other women – it’s become a huge compliment. This raises an interesting question for shows like Love Island, where the premise is often competition. I believe it’s essential for everyone to treat each other with respect. While being supportive is great, I think honesty and respect are even more important as people navigate relationships and look for love in the villa.

Reunions can be tough because a lot of people want to share their thoughts and potentially address old issues. My best advice is to clearly know what you want to say and be able to say it concisely. Things move quickly at reunions, and if you tend to talk a lot, you might run out of time before you get a chance to finish.

The Summer House reunion is almost here. Someone asked if I had any advice for Ciara Miller, but she’s great and doesn’t need it!

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2026-05-08 16:13