How Love Island USA’s Nic & Olandria Exited the Villa a Success Story

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Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen have true soul ties.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the couples from Love Island USA season seven, and it’s so lovely to see things still going strong for them! It wasn’t instant, though – their romance really took time to develop. In fact, it took the entire season – all 30 episodes! – for their connection to truly blossom.

Even though it developed gradually, the connection between them was clear from the start, especially after their initial kiss in Fiji. During the original season seven, they shared a passionate moment before Olandria chose to couple with Taylor Williams.

Oh my gosh, you guys, it’s SO obvious Nic and I had chemistry from the very beginning! I actually kissed him on the first day we met! It’s not that I immediately jumped into a relationship with him, but that spark? It was always there. It just took time, you know? We had to build things slowly, and honestly, that’s what makes our connection so incredible. It feels like everything has been leading up to this moment, and it’s just… perfect!

Despite already being paired with Bell-A Walker, Nic unexpectedly kissed another islander during their first challenge. Olandria was blindfolded during the kiss and didn’t realize it was Nic until later. Nic now thinks that if he’d revealed himself as the kisser earlier, things might have turned out differently.

In a July interview with TODAY.com, the 24-year-old said they weren’t sure what the future held, but they felt confident in the path they’d taken. They stated they wouldn’t alter any of their past choices, as each one had led them to where they were now.

I was completely invested in watching Olandria and Nic! It was tricky though, because Olandria was already with Taylor, and Nic was clearly falling for Cierra Ortega. Still, their connection was undeniable – so many of us fans, we called them ‘Nicolandria,’ and we all really felt like they were going to realize just how amazing they were together.

Casa Amor really highlighted the existing connection between Nic and Olandria. While the guys stayed at the villa and the girls went to Casa Amor, both Nic and Olandria had trouble making new connections. This led to Nic bringing Olandria back for a date where they faced a tough choice: commit to each other or leave the show single.

Although Nic and Olandria shared a kiss and became an official couple, their romance didn’t last long. During the next recoupling, Nic chose to be with Cierra, and Olandria was left single when Taylor coupled up with Clarke Carraway.

Olandria initially told Cierra and Chelley Bissainthe that she didn’t feel any chemistry when she kissed Nic, but she now says that wasn’t entirely true. She’s willing to admit she wasn’t being completely honest at the time.

Looking back, Nic and I were both emotionally unavailable at the time,” she told Variety in July. “We still had unresolved issues – I was working to repair things with Taylor, and Nic felt a strong obligation to Cierra. Because of those commitments, we didn’t let ourselves explore any potential connection between us. There might have been chemistry, but we convinced ourselves there wasn’t because we felt loyal to the people we were trying to make things right with.

Their potential romance seemed uncertain, but everything shifted when Cierra left the show after episode 30. She was removed from the villa due to offensive posts she’d made online. With Cierra gone, Nic was free to pursue a relationship with the contestant known as the Bama Barbie, and she happily coupled up with him again.

I’m so thrilled for her! She just explained to everyone why she chose him, and it was so sweet. She said he’s always made her feel valued, and they’ve really connected. She actually admitted she fell for him instantly – she said she’s loved him since the moment they met and is really excited to see where things go. It’s just lovely to hear her say all of that!

After that, Nicolandria really hit its stride, with everyone getting to know each other and families meeting before the final event.

You know, listening to Olandria and Nic at the finale really hit me. She said something so true – the person who’s been there for you all along, through everything, might actually be the person you were supposed to end up with. It was amazing to hear her admit she hadn’t realized it was Nic the whole time! It just felt so real and beautiful to witness.

At the end of the show, the couple—who finished second to Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales, who have since broken up—shared their optimism about what the future holds for them now that they’ve left the villa.

Things are looking good for Olandria and Nic, even though they live far apart – Olandria’s in Houston and Nic’s in Jacksonville. They’re both working on their careers, with opportunities like sponsorships and modeling. But most importantly, Nic is focused on making sure Olandria feels secure and cared for.

Olandria shared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen how happy she is with Nick, explaining that he lets her embrace her softer side. She typically likes to be in control, but with him, she feels comfortable letting him take the lead. She’s incredibly grateful for his support, which allows her to be the kind of gentle and feminine person she’s always wanted to be.

Some people have wondered if Nic and Olandria’s relationship is fake, but she’s strongly denied those rumors and confirmed their love is real.

She told Cosmo at the Golden Globes in January that prioritizing both their individual careers and their relationship is a key to their success.

It all really boils down to their friendship and how it led them to a new life beyond Fiji.

Olandria explained that, in her opinion, a strong relationship starts with friendship – a connection built on getting to know someone without any pressure or expectations, simply allowing the connection to grow naturally over time, as she told Nic during the show’s finale.

Now that Olandria and Nic are doing well, let’s check in on the romantic lives of other stars from the show.

Status: Married

I was so thrilled to finally learn that Gabby Windey and Robby Hoffman got married back in January! They kept it pretty quiet for a few months, not sharing the news until mid-March. Apparently, it was a super last-minute decision – they had to evacuate their place because of the L.A. fires and ended up having the ceremony in Vegas. Gabby told Cosmopolitan it was the best, and honestly, that makes my heart so happy for them! It just sounds like a perfectly ‘them’ moment.

Hoffman remembers Gabby suddenly asking, “Should we get married?” while they were in their hotel room, which felt like a wedding suite. Windey quickly found a lace dress, and they played Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” as she playfully walked down the aisle.

There were roses everywhere, which Rachel Windey jokingly compared to the show The Bachelor. However, she was most excited to have a private date with Jean Smart from Hacks.

The reality star shared that she cherishes her time with Robby, and being able to spend a special, private moment with him on such a wonderful night was incredibly moving – it brought tears to her eyes with happiness.

Status: Split

In a surprising turn of events, Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell announced their breakup on January 16, 2025, just hours after sharing photos from a trip to London with their Instagram followers.

Kirkconnell explained that James was concerned they weren’t considering marriage for genuine reasons. She shared on the January 2025 episode of Call Her Daddy that he had reservations about certain aspects of her personality and whether they’d make her a good wife.

She explained that they simply weren’t a good fit for each other. He’d come to the realization that, after being together for a while, she should be the one wanting to get engaged. He admitted he wasn’t feeling ready for that step, or even seeing a future where they got married. He couldn’t picture himself proposing or being married to her.

Status: Married

Even though Katie Thurston was already engaged to Jeff Arcuri when she received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2025, their wedding vows about supporting each other through good times and bad became even more meaningful. They moved forward with their wedding plans in New York that March and tied the knot.

She told Us Weekly that he reassured her of his love and commitment one night, saying he wanted to prove he wasn’t going anywhere. He even surprised her by saying he wanted to marry her the very next day, though they still plan to have a bigger wedding celebration later.

Honestly, seeing him do that for Thurston just killed me. It was like, he really meant it when he said ‘in sickness and in health’ – it wasn’t just words! It’s so clear he’s totally committed and isn’t going anywhere, and I’m just…obsessed with how devoted he is!

Last July, Thurston shared encouraging news: her tumors had gotten smaller, and she was doing well despite everything, as she told TopMob News in October.

Status: Split

Spiritual astrologer Ally Lewber initially believed she and fellow Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy were destined to be together. However, their relationship ended soon after Kennedy’s arrest for domestic violence in December 2024.

Kennedy wasn’t charged with anything after the incident, but it was a tough time, according to Lewber. Speaking on her new podcast, StarStruck, in April, Lewber described the situation as very public and now realizes it was an unhealthy relationship.

Now that she’s moved on, she shared that she’s excited to dedicate herself to astrology and her other interests, leaving behind her previous work with DJs and reality television. She also clarified that while she and James Kennedy are no longer a couple, she will always be supportive of his recovery and well-being.

Status: Split

Brooks Nader, known for her role on Love Thy Nader, and her Dancing With the Stars partner, Gleb Savchenko, began dating during the show. However, in April 2025, Nader revealed that they had broken up.

Savchenko was surprised to learn, through a recent article, that Brooks had ended their relationship. In a statement on April 7th to Us Weekly, Savchenko explained that the last time Brooks contacted her was via text message on April 6th, requesting a conversation. Savchenko tried calling her that day, but hasn’t received a response.

Status: Married

Zach Shallcross and Kaity Biggar, who found love on The Bachelor, chose Austin’s Chapel Dulcinea as the setting for their wedding. However, Kaity realized while planning that a large, elaborate ceremony wasn’t necessary. As she explained on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast shortly after their May 23rd wedding, she wanted to focus on the core of their relationship, not getting caught up in minor details. She realized the most important thing was staying true to their love and connection.

Okay, so after my intimate wedding – truly a small affair with just seven of my closest family members – my husband and I decided to make our second celebration a fun group outing! We wanted something relaxed and enjoyable with all our friends, so we basically turned the whole thing into a big date with everyone we love.

The couple celebrated their wedding with around 100 guests on November 15th, including several familiar faces from The Bachelor franchise like Joey Graziadei, Kelsey Anderson, Charity Lawson, Dotun Olubeko, Susie Evans, and Kathy Swarts. They’re also excited about starting a family soon, telling People magazine they’re hoping to begin trying for a baby in the fall of 2026.

Status: Dating

JoJo Siwa didn’t win Celebrity Big Brother UK, but she did find something even better during filming: a romantic connection with fellow contestant Chris Hughes. In May 2025, she told Keltie Knight of TopMob News that Chris is her “favorite person to talk about.” She playfully corrected herself, saying he’s not just a “thing,” but truly her favorite person.

And, yet, she kept reiterating, they were just friends. Until they weren’t. 

JoJo Siwa confirmed to The Guardian in June that her relationship with her partner had become romantic. She described it as a wonderful progression and shared that they are both deeply in love.

Status: Split

Though Jenn Tran went on Dancing With the Stars looking for love, not friendships, she developed a close relationship with her dance partner, Sasha Farber. After dating for almost a year—and living with him—she ended the relationship in June 2025.

After temporarily pausing her education to participate in the show and becoming engaged to Devin Strader (though they broke up before the season ended), Jenn is now focused on finishing her studies in Miami. A source told TopMob News that she’s determined to achieve her goals and doesn’t feel she needs to be in a public relationship to do so.

Status: Split

Just months after being questioned by runner-up Litia Garr on After the Final Rose about leading her on, Bachelor Grant Ellis announced his engagement to Juliana Pasquarosa had ended. In a June Instagram post, he explained they had both tried hard to make the relationship work, but ultimately realized they weren’t a good long-term match.

During an appearance on the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast last December, Pasquarosa said she was ready to share the full, honest story. She explained that shortly after ATFR aired, she was very upset and reacted angrily, saying things she regretted. She also revealed that the morning after their argument, he immediately started discussing how they could publicly announce their breakup, even though she hadn’t yet decided if she wanted to end things.

Status: Separated

Denise Richards was surprised when she and her husband of six years, Aaron Phypers, split in July 2025. In an Instagram video posted on August 21st, Richards shared how difficult the divorce process has been, explaining it’s her second divorce and that she never imagined she’d go through this again. She emphasized that you should never say never.

She obtained a temporary restraining order against Phypers following accusations of abuse, which he refutes, but she hasn’t shared the reasons for their split. She explained that the details of her divorce are sensitive and that she’ll discuss them when she feels ready.

Status: Engaged

It’s no surprise that Becca Tilley, known from The Bachelor, was overjoyed when her longtime partner, Hayley Kiyoko, proposed in July 2025. Kiyoko shared the happy news on Instagram, writing, “My dream girl said yes to forever.”

Five months after Kiyoko proposed in Mallorca, her partner of seven years reciprocated during a trip to Kyoto, Japan, asking to marry her.

The couple might choose to get married in an exotic location. In a 2024 interview with TopMob News, Tilley, host of the Scrubbing In podcast, shared that she envisions a smaller wedding with close friends and family, potentially held somewhere they can travel to.

Status: Married

Lo Bosworth and her husband, Domenic “Dom” Natale, first connected on July 20, 2025. After getting engaged in January 2025, the New York City couple originally planned a big wedding. However, as they started making family plans, Lo, known from The Hills, told People magazine they decided on a smaller, more personal ceremony at home, hoping it would be perfect if she became pregnant.

Okay, so I’ve been following Kelsey from Love Wellness FOREVER, and can you believe she was already four months pregnant when she married her husband?! It was the cutest, most relaxed wedding ever – right in her parents’ backyard in Laguna Beach! She said since they wanted everyone to jump in the pool, they had to just go with the flow. They didn’t want some fancy, stuffy event, just a colorful, inviting lunch – and honestly, it sounded absolutely perfect! I’m so obsessed with how real and down-to-earth she is!

The couple welcomed their daughter, Nelle, almost a year after announcing their engagement. In a January 15, 2026 Instagram post, the new mom shared that Nelle arrived two weeks early, but felt perfectly timed. They named her after her grandmother, and she is already much loved.

Status: Split

Following the breakup of Love Island USA season six stars JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez in July 2025, several new contestants joined the show. Craig announced the split on Instagram, saying the real reasons behind it were even worse than what fans had guessed. Rodriguez also shared a statement on Instagram, explaining that despite their feelings for each other, they realized the relationship wasn’t sustainable in the long run.

Craig didn’t share specifics, but her close friend, Charmane Smith, couldn’t help but offer advice. In a post that has since been deleted, Charmane urged people to check their partner’s phone immediately, suggesting they search for phrases like ‘I don’t like Black women,’ ‘I thought I’d get more money from this,’ ‘I’m faking this relationship,’ ‘going on the show is just for attention,’ and ‘I can’t wait to end this so I can sleep with a lot of other women.’

Status: Split

Just a month after leaving the show, Love Island USA winners Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales have broken up. Amaya shared the news on Instagram, explaining they realized they were heading in different directions and didn’t share the same goals for the future. She described a healthy relationship as a partnership, adding that even a little bit of negativity can be a sign something isn’t right.

Now she’s getting her fill with a new romance she revealed in February.

While that was happening, Chelley Bissainthe from season seven of the show continued her relationship with Ace Greene after the show ended. However, their romance didn’t last long, and they eventually broke up within a year.

Ace and I have broken up,” Bissainthe shared on SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio on December 12th. “It was a really difficult decision for both of us. Sometimes, the best way to show love is to let someone go, and we realized that was the right thing to do.

Status: Dating

Although Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen finished as runners-up on season seven of Love Island USA last July, they consider themselves winners as the only couple still together from that season. Carthen jokingly says they would have paired up earlier if she’d known it was Vansteenberghe she was kissing during the blindfold challenge, as he took a little while to find the right person.

I felt that initial attraction too, which is why I kissed him right away,” she told TopMob News in July. “Looking back, though, despite both of us having a really tough time, we actually had very similar life experiences.

Status: Dating

Louis Tomlinson, from the band One Direction, and Zara McDermott, known from the show Love Island, have officially confirmed they are dating. They started sparking romance rumors about six months ago and publicly announced their relationship on Instagram on August 4th.

She shared a kissing selfie with just a heart emoji, and her partner replied with a sweet, “I love you.”

Status: Engaged

Bozoma Saint John of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills gained another friend with a diamond ring last summer. Keely Watson, an entrepreneur, proposed to her significant other in front of family and friends at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood on August 29th.

Over ten years after the passing of her first husband, Peter Saint John, the marketing executive shared with People magazine that her upcoming marriage is a testament to overcoming grief and finding happiness again. She described her fiancé, Keely, as proof that everything happens at the right time and according to a divine plan, adding that she’s embracing a second chance at love and life.

Status: Married

Two years after proposing, former Laguna Beach star Stephen Colletti has married NASCAR reporter Alex Weaver. The couple shared photos of their simple courthouse wedding on Instagram October 3rd, showing off Alex’s Nadine Merabi dress and Marrow Fine Jewelry rings. They simply captioned the post, “Mr. & Mrs.”

The couple then announced they were heading to Paris for a short honeymoon, with Weaver sharing photos from their “little French honeymoon” on Instagram.

The couple announced they are expecting a baby, sharing the news on January 20th with a simple message: “Mom & Dad.”

Status: Separated

Mercedes “MJ” Javid says she and her husband, Tommy Feight, are still on good terms despite recently filing for divorce after seven years of marriage. At BravoCon 2025 in November, she shared that she still loves Tommy and that they will always be a family, especially for their 6-year-old son, Shams. She expressed optimism about their future relationship as co-parents.

Viewers can see her story unfold on her new Bravo show, The Valley: Persian Style. She emphasized that the cameras captured everything, including the difficulties in her marriage, and that she and her husband held each other accountable throughout the filming process.

Status: Married

Amy Slaton, star of the show 1,000-lb Sisters, recently got married! She and her fiancé, Brian Lovvorn, had a Halloween-themed wedding five months after getting engaged. The ceremony took place at the historic Talbott Tavern in Bardstown, Kentucky, a restaurant and inn known for its reported ghost sightings.

Slaton found the ideal location for her wedding. She told People magazine, “My wedding feels like a dream come true, and I’m so excited to start my happily ever after!”

Status: Engaged

Dolores Catania’s fiancé, Paulie Connell, got creative with his proposal on November 10th. Since they first met at an Apple store in New Jersey, the entrepreneur decided to propose there, making it a special and meaningful location for them.

You know, when I was planning to propose, a lot of people suggested big, flashy gestures – a yacht in Greece, a huge party with fireworks… it was tempting! But honestly, that just isn’t us. My partner and I are pretty down-to-earth, and I really wanted the proposal to feel authentic and reflect who we are as a couple. We’re not about extravagance; we prefer things simple and genuine.

Though the 11-carat diamond isn’t exactly understated. 

The mother of two shared her joy about marrying her partner of almost five years. ‘It’s a deep, heartfelt happiness,’ she explained. ‘I feel incredibly lucky, almost too lucky – like I don’t deserve such wonderful love.’

Status: Separated

Shortly after publicly announcing her separation from husband Todd Tucker, Kandi Burruss let fans know that what she posts on Instagram isn’t always an accurate reflection of her life. During an Amazon Live session on November 24th, the Grammy winner explained she’s been struggling privately. “Just because you see me online doesn’t mean everything is okay,” she said. “I’ve been dealing with a lot, and life has been throwing things at me.”

She explained that her 11-year marriage had ended because problems had been building up for some time.

Status: Married

I was so excited to hear that Jon Gosselin and Stephanie Lebo finally tied the knot! It officially happened on November 23rd with a beautiful ceremony in Pennsylvania. They’re husband and wife now – it’s wonderful to see him so happy with Stephanie, who works in research and development.

With around 180 guests watching, including his daughter Juliana and his two children, Collin and Hannah, Jon Gosselin reportedly told his new wife that he’d never known such effortless happiness before meeting her. He continued, as reported by Entertainment Tonight, that he now feels incredibly lucky to spend his life with his best friend and soulmate.

Status: Separated

It’s sad news for fans of reality TV: Alexa Alfia and Brennon Lemieux, a popular couple from season three of Love Is Blind, have announced their separation after four years of marriage, which began with a televised wedding.

On December 3rd, Alfia announced on Instagram that she and her husband have decided to divorce. They share an 18-month-old daughter named Vienna. Alfia explained that this was a very difficult decision, made after careful consideration and with a lot of respect and appreciation for their time together.

Status: Separated

Despite a lavish gift of five diamond rings – symbolizing five promises to his wife, Bronwyn Newport – Todd Bradley couldn’t save their marriage. After much of the sixth season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City focused on accusations of infidelity, Newport and the tech executive announced they were divorcing after nine years together.

I’m hearing that Bronwyn Newport and Todd Bradley have decided to separate. A representative shared with me that it was a mutual choice, made with a lot of care and respect between the two of them. It sounds like they’re handling things with grace, which is always good to see.

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2026-02-14 13:20