Ariana Madix is having a major moment, and the multi-hyphenate is taking it all in stride! The Love Island USA host stopped by to dish on her exciting return to Broadway, her first-ever Emmy nomination and, of course, the art of serving a flawless slow-motion entrance.
First up: Broadway is calling once again! Ariana is set to return to the stage in Just in Time, making her debut as legendary singer Connie Francis beginning September 12. The role is especially meaningful for Ariana, who says she has been listening to Francis’ music since childhood.
“This isn’t an impression,” Ariana explained of taking on the iconic entertainer. “It’s more of an honor.”
After previously breaking box-office records during her celebrated run in Chicago, Ariana is ready to bring her theater-kid dreams back to life. And with an incredible company joining her on stage, she says she is beyond excited for this next chapter.
But Broadway isn’t the only thing Ariana is celebrating! The reality star and television host also earned an Emmy nomination for her work hosting Love Island USA and the news came in the most unexpected way. While filming in Fiji, Ariana was sound asleep when a middle-of-the-night hotel phone call woke her from a deep sleep.
At first, she thought something terrible had happened. Instead, it was her team calling from the United States to tell her the incredible news.
“I freaked out,” she recalled before going back to sleep because she wasn’t even sure the whole thing was real!
One of the sweetest moments came when Ariana shared her mother’s reaction. Her mom affectionately calls her her “awesome girl,” and Ariana said hearing those words brought her right back to childhood. Even better? Her mom will be joining her at the Emmys to celebrate the special milestone.
Meanwhile, Love Island USA continues to be a full-blown cultural phenomenon, even if Ariana and the production team don’t always realize just how big the show has become while filming halfway around the world. Between keeping up with the latest villa drama, watching episodes through private links and preparing for her iconic entrances, Ariana has certainly mastered the art of being the ultimate bombshell.
And speaking of those famous slow-motion villa entrances, Ariana finally revealed the secret to getting the perfect shot: you have to saunter, put your hips into it and really sell the look! Add a little wave, a kiss or a dramatic look back, and you’ve got the recipe for a true Ariana Madix entrance.
From Broadway lights to Emmy nights and slow-motion walks into the villa, Ariana Madix is proving that this is definitely her year!
Ariana and Jimmy Fallon
Ariana wearing a Sue Wong black slip dress
images by todd owyoung
