09-07-2025
Google drops a little treat if you search for 'Love Island USA' favorite 'Amaya Papaya'
A positive affirmation made by "Love Island USA" contestant Amaya Espina to herself has not only manifested into reality, but also onto the internet.
The 25-year-old cardiac nurse better known as "Amaya Papaya" has been a fan favorite throughout "Love Island" Season 7. However, a specific self-affirming song she performed in front of the mirror has transcended the show.
"I never said I was perfect. I never said I didn't have any flaws, But at least I'm pretty. And at least I'm a little funny. And at least I'm my own best friend," Espina sang on the show.
The first portion of the quote now appears as a ticker tape pop-up message anytime someone Google searches "Amaya Papaya," followed by an emoji of the papaya fruit.
"We love to celebrate fun moments in pop culture by creating delightful surprises when people come to Search looking for information about iconic TV shows, films and more," a Google spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Her moment has gone viral on social media, with one TikTok user saying the summer tune cemented her status as "the REAL peoples princess."
Espina made the affirmation song after being unsuccessfully coupled with Ace Greene, Zak Srakaew and Austin Shepard. She is currently coupled up with Bryan Arenales, with many fans hoping the two can win the whole competition.
Who is 'Amaya Papaya?'
Amaya Espina, nicknamed "Amaya Papaya," is a 25-year-old New York City native and cardiac nurse.
She has become a fan favorite on Season 7 of "Love Island USA" since entering the villa as a bombshell. On the show, where contestants must be in a couple or risk getting "dumped," she has coupled up with Ace Greene, Zak Srakaew, Austin Shepard and now, Bryan Arenales.
While her fellow islanders have criticized her for being emotional and sensitive, much of the internet has nothing but love for her after resonating with her unapologetic self.
On the show, Espina has emphasized the importance of her Dominican culture as the daughter of immigrants.
"Both of my parents were actually born in the Dominican Republic and I'm the first generation to be born here," she said on the show. "I'm heavy, heavy on culture. Even when I have my kids, let's say my husband isn't Dominican, they're still going to know Spanish, they're still going to know the culture."
How to watch 'Love Island USA' Season 7
New "Love Island USA" Season 7 episodes air every day, except Wednesdays, at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET on Peacock. Previous episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
Peacock offers two subscription options, Premium for $7.99 a month, and Premium Plus for $13.99 a month.
"Love Island USA" Seasons 4-6, the upcoming Season 6 spinoff "Love Island: Beyond the Villa," "Love Island Games," the UK's "Love Island: All Stars," and seasons of "Love Island South Africa" and "Love Island Spain" can be streamed on Peacock, too.
Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY
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