Ariana Madix, the beloved host of Love Island USA, found herself in a bit of a funny situation recently when she accidentally used a viral nickname for one of the contestants in the villa. During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Madix shared details about her slip-up with Nic Vansteenberghe, shedding light on the light-hearted moment that unfolded in the Casa Amor segment of the show.
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Madix, who thoroughly enjoys her time in the sun hosting Love Island USA in Fiji, admitted that being a fan of the show herself can sometimes lead to amusing mix-ups while interacting with the contestants. Despite the slip-ups, Madix finds hosting the show incredibly enjoyable, stating that even though she goes to work, it doesn’t feel like work at all.

As the sole person consistently engaging with the Islanders throughout the season, Madix also keeps up with the episodes in real-time on Peacock and interacts with fans online. This dual role can sometimes blur the line between what the Islanders are aware of and what the viewers know, leading to incidents like the one with Nic’s viral nickname.
The humorous mishap occurred when Madix inadvertently referred to Nic as “Mommy’s Little Meatball,” a nickname that fans created after Nic was spotted wearing a T-shirt with that phrase. Madix’s slip-up left Nic visibly confused, as he wasn’t aware that the audience had seen his distinctive shirt. This light-hearted moment added a touch of fun to the villa, showcasing the natural camaraderie that exists among the contestants.
Reflecting on some of the standout moments from the current season of Love Island USA, Madix mentioned the unforgettable interactions that have captured viewers’ attention. One such moment was the endearing exchange between Nic and fellow contestant Huda Mustafa, where Nic’s reaction to Huda revealing she is a mother to a 4-year-old daughter went viral and garnered widespread acclaim.
In addition to the endearing moments, Madix highlighted the innovative twist introduced for Casa Amor, where every Islander was considered single and had to couple up with someone new for the week. This fresh approach added an exciting dynamic to the show, allowing for unexpected connections to form and keeping viewers engaged throughout the season.
Joining forces with Instacart, Madix shared her go-to items for the ultimate viewing party spread, offering fans insights into her preferences for a relaxing night in. As the season unfolds with new episodes dropping regularly on Peacock, viewers can look forward to more entertaining interactions and unexpected twists in the captivating world of Love Island USA.
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As the journey continues for the Islanders in the villa, each episode brings new surprises and revelations that keep fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their romantic adventures. With the charming host Ariana Madix at the helm, Love Island USA promises an engaging and entertaining viewing experience that captivates audiences and leaves them eagerly awaiting each new episode.
