JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez still can’t believe their Love Island USA connection.
“You know what’s so crazy? When it first came out, it didn’t hit me,” JaNa, 28, exclusively told Us Weekly at the 2025 American Music Awards. “The first six months outside the villa, I don’t think it hit me. But now that it’s settled down and season 7 is coming, I was like, ‘My gosh, I did that last summer.’”
What JaNa means by “that” last summer is building an undeniable connection with Kenny, 25, in Fiji as Love Island USA cameras rolled.
Since the finale, which aired in August 2024, the pair have remained together and are expected to appear in Love Island: Beyond the Villa with some of their closest costars later this summer.
“We all just went to dinner,” JaNa shared from the red carpet at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “We have a lot of fun together as couples.”
Kenny added, “We’re good. We hang out all the time. It’s a different vibe.”
While the pair remain close with the other couples, including Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi and Serena Page and Kordell Beckham, they also savor quality one-on-one time.
With their first anniversary approaching August 9, Kenny teased that he may have a surprise for his girlfriend.
“There’s a trip. There’s a trip planned. They’re in the works,” he said. “That’s all I can say. She’s dropping subtle hints.”
JaNa added, “I asked him if we could go to Italy for our one-year, so …”
Until then, the dynamic duo are looking forward to watching a new group of islanders appear on season 7 of Love Island USA and hopefully build special connections throughout the summer.
Host Ariana Madix will return to the show that promises temptations, couples’ challenges, jaw-dropping twists and even a few surprise guests in the vibrant Fiji villa.
“I think we’re really excited to see the new cast. I hope they just bring it and be themselves,” JaNa said. “I’m pretty sure all eyes are going to be on them, but I think they’re going to be great.”
As for the fans who say nothing can top last season’s epic summer of connections — and drama — Jana believes the new group of islanders deserves a chance.
“I think it’s so beautiful and cute when people say that but I mean we did our big one,” she said. “We did our damn thing. I’m rooting for the next season. I hope that they won’t be too hard on season 7 because they love season 6 so much.”
Love Island USA returns to Peacock Tuesday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Christine Maddela
