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Love Island USA season 6 concluded on Sunday, July 21. Serena and Kordell were crowned the season's winners, while Leah and Miguel were declared runners-up. JaNa and Kenny came in third place, whereas Kendall and Nicole were placed fourth.
Although four couples secured their positions in the finale by displaying commendable chemistry, fans struggled to forget some connections that emerged early in the show. One such relationship was Rob and Leah's. They paired on the first night but broke up once "bombshell" Andrea coupled up with Rob.
The Love Island USA season 6 finalists spoke to Us Weekly on Monday, July 22, sharing their opinion on Rob and Leah shippers. Given their undeniable chemistry on-screen, the finalists were not surprised to see fans rooting for them. However, they felt Leah had a better connection with her Love Island USA beau, Miguel.
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Meanwhile, Miguel appeared unfazed by the comments online. He claimed influencing fans' preferences was beyond his reach. As long as he had faith in his relationship with Leah, viewers could support whoever they wanted.
"Ship who you ship" — Love Island USA star Miguel is not worried about Leah and Rob's stans
Kenny Rodriguez reacted to the comments online and differed from the other finalists when he said he saw potential in Rob and Leah's relationship. When Rob was eliminated from the show before the finale, he bid an emotional farewell to Leah.
The former couple confessed they would never stop caring for each other despite their differences. Seeing how the two felt for each other, Kenny felt there was "something there."
"There was so much Rob [and] her [online] and I still feel like there is something there. She talks about him in such a high regard. I would love to just know how this month goes," said Kenny.
Meanwhile, Kenny's Love Island USA partner JaNa Craig struggled to understand why fans supported Rob. She claimed he was not the best at "expressing his emotions," which seemed like he did not care about his partners as much as they did.
"I couldn't tell if he cared as much as they cared. And then every single girl that got coupled up with Rob, other than Leah, got sent home," said JaNa.
Andrea, Cassidy, Daniela, and Kassy were all Rob's partners who were eliminated from the show. JaNa stated that she could not understand the "allure of Rob." She revealed she would talk to Love Island USA co-star Aaron Evans rather than Rob if she needed a friend to vent to.
"I'm like, 'What effect does this man have on women? Am I missing something?'...There's just something that makes people fall in love with him. I'm like, 'What is he putting in these girls' coffees when he brings them breakfast?' Because please don't put them in mine!" said JaNa.
JaNa firmly believed that Leah's connection with Miguel was stronger. Leah was happier and experienced less turbulence than she did with Rob. In an episode of Love Island USA, JaNa and Serena questioned if Leah wanted to reconnect with Rob. Leah refused, stating she would choose Miguel over Rob.
"I'm like, 'OK, they're both drowning in the ocean. You can only save one.' She chose Miguel. Like, say less!" said JaNa.
Season 6 winners Serena and Kordell also supported Leah's relationship with Miguel. Serena jokingly said Rob could "go find Andrea," while Leah strengthened her relationship with Miguel.
Andrea was the "bombshell" Rob coupled up with, marking an end to his relationship with Leah. As Leah's friend, Serena was unimpressed by Rob's betrayal.
"They are shipping Leah and Rob and I don't like that for my boy Miggy!" said Serena.
Leah's partner, Miguel, was unaffected by the comments online. He knew Rob and Leah were one of the original couples, which was why fans were in awe of their chemistry. However, he mentioned that there was a reason why he coupled up with Leah, and their relationship lasted throughout the season.
"People are entitled to their opinion. I ain't gonna gate 'em for it. It is what it is. Ship who you ship, but at the end of the day, I'm the one with her. There's a reason behind it. So whether you like it or not, suck it up!" said Miguel.
Miguel coupled up with Leah after she lost all romantic interest in her then-partner, Connor Newsum. They immediately hit it off and were renowned as one of the funniest couples in the villa. Viewers saw them crack jokes and laugh at every little thing.
"You gotta see who's really connecting over there and I feel like me and Leah did connect in a way that's very different to how she and Rob connected. It really doesn't bother me at all. I know where me and Leah are and we're in a very good place," said Miguel.
Love Island USA season 6 reunion is set to air on August 19, 2024.
