Easygoing, funny and genuinely sweet, Nic Vansteenberghe quickly became one of those rare men on reality TV who fans actually root for, landing him a spot in Us Weekly’s Reality Stars of the Year issue.
“I was surprised. I’ve never been honored like this before,” the 24-year-old Love Island USA star tells Us, describing his reality TV journey so far as a “roller-coaster, exciting and fun.”
Vansteenberghe entered the villa in Fiji on day 1, and his happy-go-lucky vibe made him one to watch almost immediately.
“I don’t take life too seriously,” he tells Us. “I think it’s a breath of fresh air for people.”
His presence on the show soon led to viral moments and TikTok sounds, with social media users not being able to swipe without hearing the infamous “Mommy? Mamacita” conversation between Vansteenberghe and Huda Mustafa. The social media fame has only skyrocketed post-show — Vansteenberghe boasts more than 1.9 million Instagram followers — which he candidly reveals in the same breath comes with high highs and low lows.
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“The downside is I can’t really go out to eat alone anymore,” he says. “The upside is when you go out to eat, they sometimes give you free food.” (Vansteenberghe’s candor strikes again.)
The change comes quick, with the cast of the Peacock show going from six weeks of no internet to overnight fame.
“It was so hectic,” he says of adjusting to life after the show. “Even holding a phone in my hand [again] was just the most odd feeling. It’s definitely very, very stressful and a bit hard to get used to.”
“I would say the best part of the villa is no contact with the outside world. But also, the worst part of the villa is having no contact with the outside world,” he continues. “It’s a double-edged sword. It’s nice to get away from everything, but it’s also nice to know what’s going on, and nice to talk to your family and whatnot.”
Love Island USA took time to find its spot in pop culture, with many reality TV enthusiasts only jumping from the original U.K. version to the U.S. edition for the first time when season 6 aired last year. Season 7 proved to be even more popular, racking up 18.8 billion minutes of streaming time in six weeks.
“I think the format is one of one,” Vansteenberghe says about why the show keeps people hooked. “I haven’t seen much reality TV before, but just the way they keep the viewers engaged with challenges, mixed with the drama, love and friendship, it’s just a great recipe for a good TV show.”
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With season 7’s racy challenges, Vansteenberghe surprised even himself with his ability to let loose: “After twerking on national TV [in front of Megan Thee Stallion], you just don’t care what anybody thinks.”
That said, he’s reconsidering one thing. “Maybe not do any bedroom activity on [camera],” he muses. “It’s a bit too authentic.”
He and villa partner in crime Olandria Carthen definitely got viewers excited — watch-party videos document them screaming over every “Nicolandria” interlude.
The response, overall, has been “fully unexpected,” he says, “but it’s been so positive and exciting to experience so much love.”
For more with the Reality Stars of the Year, pick up the new issue of Us Weekly, on stands now.
