Ariana Madix, the charismatic host of Love Island USA, is basking in the glow of her first-ever Emmy nomination, a moment that has left her both thrilled and slightly stunned. As she continues her hosting duties in Fiji, the news of her recognition by the Television Academy has brought a wave of excitement and gratitude. Madix, who has been a fan of the dating series before becoming its host, is now among an elite group of reality TV hosts, including the likes of RuPaul Charles, Alan Cumming, Kristen Kish, and Jeff Probst.
What makes this nomination particularly special is the full-circle nature of it. Madix's love for the show is evident in her hosting, and she hopes that this passion shines through to viewers. 'I hope my love for my role on the show and my love for the show itself comes across because I think that if it does — it’s so important,' she said. 'I really think it is such an amazing show and I’m so lucky to be a part of it and to be recognized for that is incredible.'
The nomination came as a surprise, catching Madix off guard while she was still in Fiji. 'I’m so thrilled and excited,' she told Deadline. 'I mean, almost a little bit shocked just because when you look at the names of the categories — these are juggernauts of hosting when it comes to reality TV.'
The moment of her nomination was a bit surreal, with Madix almost going back to sleep after being woken up in the middle of the night by her team calling to congratulate her. 'It was my team calling me to tell me about the nomination, and to congratulate [me]. I was in such a stupor, and I was so half-asleep that I almost went back to sleep, wondering if that had actually just happened or not,' she recalled.
The support from her friends, family, and boyfriend, Daniel Wai, was overwhelming. 'I got an amazing text from Andy Cohen and all of my team in the States,' she added. 'I haven’t been able to look at my phone to see everything. I’m actually just scrolling right now, just very overwhelmed. I have a lot of really awesome, amazing people to respond to.'
One of the most special messages she received was from her mother, with whom she shares a very close relationship. 'We have this thing from when I was a kid. She would call me her awesome girl,' Madix said of the sweet message she received from her mother. 'And when she texted me, ‘Congratulations,’ she referred to me as her awesome girl, which always makes me tear up a little bit because it’s kind of our thing.'
As Madix steps into the spotlight as an Emmy-nominated host, she is both giddy and aware of the magnitude of the moment. 'It’s so wild. It’s one of those things that when you’re plugging away, and you’re working, and you say, ‘Maybe one day,’ and then you see your name up there with some of TV’s greatest — It’s just a dream come true,' she said.
Despite the competition, Madix is taking the nomination in stride, appreciating the opportunity to be recognized among such esteemed company. 'It feels like a big of a David and Goliath situation with this amazing category, but I think seeing the packages and seeing them say all of the names, and my name being one of those names — I think that is gonna feel like the best win ever in that moment,' she said.
Madix's journey to this point is a testament to her dedication and passion for the show. As she continues to host Love Island USA, her Emmy nomination serves as a reminder that hard work and love for what you do can indeed pay off. 'To quote RuPaul, who has won this category so many times, ‘You’re a winner, baby!’' she concluded, embracing the moment with both excitement and humility.
