Ariana Madix Talks Hosting 'Love Island USA,' When She Found Out She Got the Job & How Long She Wants to Host the Series
Ariana Madix is opening about her latest gig – hosting Love Island USA season six!
The 39-year-old Vanderpump Rules star took over hosting duties from actress Sarah Hyland, who is starring in Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway.
In a new interview, Ariana dished on when she found out she landed the job, what it’s like hosting as a superfan, following in Sarah‘s footsteps and how long she hopes to serve as the host.
Keep reading to find out more…
“It was amazing! I was actually backstage at Chicago, and I had to sneak away into the stage manager’s office to take a call,” she dished to THR. “Getting that news was so exciting. I was backstage, living this lifelong dream of being on Broadway. And then to get that call and go into another total dream was amazing. A pinch-me moment.”
On if she got any advice from Sarah and if she feels pressure, she shared she just wants to be herself.
“I didn’t get any advice. But what’s really cool and crazy is that because she’s doing [Little Shop of Horrors on Broadway], we almost just like did a swapsies. (Laughs) And I’m actually kind of bummed, because I would love to see her in Little Shop,” Ariana said. “But you know, as a longtime fan of Love Island across the board, watching Sarah kill it as host, along with Arielle Vandenberg, Sophie Monk, Caroline Flack — the best to ever do it, Maya Jama, who’s like the hottest person alive — I know that every host brings their own flavor to the job and to the show. And so I knew going in that I just wanted to be me because that alleviates any sort of pressure to try to do what anyone else is doing, and creates something that can’t be re-created because you’re just being yourself. But I think the excitement on my end is palpable because it is my favorite show.”
Ariana was also asked if she hopes to return for season seven.
“I don’t know anything yet, but I hope to host this show until I die… until it never airs ever again or something,” she replied with a laugh.
Speaking of returning for another season, find out if Ariana will be back on the next season of Vanderpump Rules…
She is also set to return to Broadway in Chicago for another run of shows in August!