"It’s been very dramatic"- Season 6 winners Serena and Kordell open up about Love Island USA journey

Love Island USA season 6 started on June 11, 2024, and wrapped up on July 21, 2024, during which it was revealed which couple out of the top four received the most votes and took home the prize.

Serena and Kordell, who had been together since Day 1, were crowned the winners of the show while Leah and Miguel received the second-highest number of votes. JaNa and Kenny finished third and Kendall and Nicole placed fourth.

The winners recently opened up about their journey on the show while in conversation with TODAY.com and said they had an atypical time on the show.

The couple stated that they thought Leah and Miguel were going to win and were truly shocked when their names were announced.

"I didn't think that we would win. I guess because we haven't had the typical 'Love Island' journey. It's been a little rough. It's been very dramatic," Serena said.

Kordell added that their time on the Peacock show wasn't as "smooth" as some of the other couples. While comparing their relationship to other islanders, Kordell said that others had an "instant connection" whereas theirs was "built up."

"I was explaining to her slow and steady wins the race. She won that race to my heart. And I stand by it," Kordell added.

---

Love Island USA winners Kordell and Serena chime in on their journey

During the conversation with Today.com, the season 6 winners were asked about being away from the cameras and being outside of the show.

Serena chimed in and said that while it was fun to be away from the cameras, she missed her "PPG" but that it was good to get some "alone time" with Kordell.

The male islander added that he was looking forward to doing the things he and Serena said they would, including going to amusement parks, meeting each others' families and seeing how far they can go.

"I stay in Texas, she stay in LA, and I even plan on moving out there so we can really make this work. I’m taking it serious. Whatever happens, happens, and I’m ready for it," he added.

The Love Island USA season 6 co-winner opened up about when she realized she had feelings for Kordell and said that she had initially "friend-zoned him." Serena stated that it didn't "bruise his ego" or "make him any less of a man."

She further said that it didn't make him do any less and Kordell was still "pursuing" her. She added that Kordell said they could be friends but would see where things go while also respecting her boundaries.

"A couple of days later, we ended up cuddling in the bed and stuff. Then I’m sure he was like, ‘Hmm, friends don’t cuddle, Serena.’ I was like, ‘Hmm, you’re right," Serena recalled.

Kordell also chimed in on their relationship and said that he had never connected with someone "so fast" but it didn't "scare" him." The Love Island USA season 6 islander said that he was "ready" but that it was "so weird" for him to have such strong feelings for Serena from the beginning.

He added that he knew it would be something more and wanted to "explore" his and Serena's connection further. Recalling Serena friend-zoning him, Kordell added he instantly saw how she felt about him.

The Love Island USA winner credited JaNa for calling Serena out for being hesitant about pursuing her connection with him and said that was where it began.

While speaking about Love Island USA Casa Amor and Kordell's connection with Daia McGhee, Serena said the speedbump was "pretty essential" for their relationship. However, she admitted that they could have "done without" some of the dirtiness. Kordell admitted that he would have behaved in a better manner.

Serena added that although she wanted her partner to have the opportunity to explore, she missed him instantly.

"Honestly, as soon as he left the villa, I was like, ‘Oh, hell no. Bring my man back right now.’ So it was also a wake up call for me for me to be like, ‘OK, you actually really, really like him," she added.

Serena and Kordell ended up winning Love Island USA season 6, which aired on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Episodes of the same are available to stream on Peacock.

While Love Island USA season 6 is officially over, the cast will return to screens on August 19, 2024 for a reunion special.