Love Island USA has crowned new winners — and created a new relationship worth celebrating.
In case you missed the romantic moment, Trinity Tatum and Bryce Alakai Dettloff came out on top during the season 8 finale on Sunday, July 12. America cast their votes and determined the pair were worthy of a $100,000 cash prize.
“America absolutely got it right,” Love Island USA season 3 contestant Shannon St. Clair exclusively told Us Weekly after attending FanDuel Casino’s Finale Fortune experience on Sunday. “Trinity and Bryce were the clear choice and the best couple, hands down. Their love story on the show was genuinely beautiful to watch — a real slow burn that felt earned. Clearly America felt the same way!”
As viewers adjust to their new schedule without Love Island USA airing six days a week, there is good news. The Love Island USA reunion is slated to air next month on August 31. Plus, Love Island: Beyond the Villa season 3 has been renewed at Peacock with the cast expected to be announced later this year.
Until then, Us asked a few familiar faces from the franchise to sound off on season 8 and the finale. Keep reading to see their honest feedback:
Kaylor Martin
Kaylor Martin Ralph Bavaro/Peacock
The Love Island USA season 6 alum is not surprised to see Bryce and Trinity win.
“We got to see their relationship grow through the season, which was so special,” she exclusively told Us after attending FanDuel Casino’s Finale Fortune experience. “They definitely deserved it. I think the fans made a great choice.”
As for what she will remember most from season 8, Kaylor couldn’t help but gush over Bryce’s extended family.
“Bryce’s grandma was the cutest, and it just reminded me a lot of my time in the villa when my grandma was on the show,” Kaylor shared. “She recently passed two years ago, and I always have that footage to remember her. It was on television and it’s just such a good piece that we have.”
Deb Chubb
Deb Chubb Randy Shropshire/Peacock
Watching season 8 was “so much fun” for the Love Island USA season 4 contestant.
“I’m gonna miss everyone coming together every night to watch!” she exclusively told Us on finale night. “That’s my favorite part of Love Island: watching and reacting with the rest of America. It’s such a fun time to be chronically online because everyone is so funny.”
As for the winners, Deb had a feeling Trinity or Aniya Harvey were going to win from the moment they walked into the Fiji villa.
“They both have winner energy just like when Serena Page walked in too. We all could see it,” she said. “I’m so happy for Trinity and Bryce. They both are so deserving and America got it right!”
Shannon St. Clair
Shannon St. Clair Courtesy of Shannon St. Clair/Instagram
As the season 8 cast adjusts to life back home in the United States, Shannon hopes they know how special they made this summer for so many viewers.
“I think every single season, the personality of the Islanders really shapes the season,” she explained to Us from the Asbury Hotel. “I feel like just the down to earthness of the Islanders really made this season incredible.”
As for the winners, Shannon said she was rooting for Trinity and Bryce since day 1.
“From the start, I felt like they were the couple to beat,” she said. “Watching it all come together in the finale was everything I hoped for.”
