Ariana Madix is celebrating a major career milestone after earning her first Emmy nomination. The “Vanderpump Rules” alum has experienced a boost in her career in recent years, transitioning from starring in reality television to hosting her favorite show, “Love Island.” The honor is the latest sign of her successful career pivot, with her hosting work earning recognition from the television industry.
Ariana Madix is currently in Fiji filming the eighth season of “Love Island,” and she was in bed asleep when the nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards were announced on July 8.
The 41-year-old TV personality assumed hosting duties for the dating reality show’s sixth season in 2024, replacing “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland.
News of Madix’s Emmy nod came via a phone call at 4:30 a.m. Fiji time. She felt anxious when she was awakened by the ringing of the room phone, as it was too early and she assumed the worst. “I ran over to answer the phone, worried that something bad had happened,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
The call was a welcome surprise, though, as it was Madix’s team on the other end of the line, congratulating her on her very first Emmy nomination. Admittedly, she was still half asleep when she got the news and went back to bed.
The Host Up Against TV Heavyweights
Madix is going up against TV titans for the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category. Other nominees are Jeff Probst for “Survivor,” RuPaul Charles for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Alan Cumming for “The Traitors,” and Kristen Kish for “Top Chef.”
Madix shared she was absolutely “over the moon” when the news sank in, describing the experience as “crazy and amazing.” To see herself get recognized alongside other hosts she considers her idols was a “cool feeling.”
“It’s such an honor to be nominated, especially to be nominated in the category where these are people who are the absolute best at what they do,” Madix gushed.
Ariana Madix Was A Big Fan Of ‘Love Island’ Before She Became Its Host
Madix gained fame as a cast member of the Bravo series “Vanderpump Rules,” appearing on the show for 11 seasons from 2013 to 2024. Over the years, she had repeatedly expressed her love for the dating reality show “Love Island,” which was documented on “Vanderpump Rules.”
At one point in the show, she was seen urging her then-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, to spend more quality time with her by watching “Love Island” together. Sandoval replied, “I don’t have time to watch 50 goddamn episodes of ‘Love Island.’”
In 2023, Madix and Sandoval broke up after nine years together when the former discovered that her partner had been having an affair with her close friend and fellow “Vanderpump Rules” cast member, Raquel Leviss, who now goes by Rachel Leviss. The highly publicized scandal, which became known as “Scandoval,” dominated headlines and remains one of reality TV’s biggest controversies.
The Host’s Personal Turmoil Turned Into Professional Triumph
Madix made her “Love Island” debut in Season 5 as a VIP guest shortly after the demise of her relationship. She said it was a “dream come true” to step into the villa after being a superfan for years.
In 2023, NBCUniversal executives said the fifth season was in pre-production when they saw the episode of “Vanderpump Rules” where Madix expressed her obsession with “Love Island.” The executives said it made sense for Madix to appear as a guest, per Rolling Stone.
Madix visited the villa to host the “Mr. and Mrs.” game for the islanders, and she also dropped a dig at her former partner, telling the contestants, “Take it from me, it’s important to know who you’re dating or sharing a bed with, and if they’re not the one for you, trust me, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.”
Ariana Madix Finds Fulfillment As ‘Love Island’ Host
In 2024, Hyland stepped down from her “Love Island” hosting duties due to scheduling conflicts, and the production tapped Madix to take over.
Ahead of the Season 8 premiere, Madix told The Hollywood Reporter that she would love to host the show until she dies. “I truly feel very fulfilled doing this job. I feel creatively fulfilled. It also scratches an itch for me in terms of the performance side… I love connecting with the islanders every season, and so I definitely could see myself doing it for quite some time,” she said.
“Love Island” Season 8 is streaming on Peacock, with the finale set to air on July 12.
