‘Love Island USA’: All About Season 8 Standout Melanie Moreno
What To Know
- Melanie Moreno has become a standout contestant on Love Island USA Season 8.
- She’s already been involved in drama and has made bold moves in the villa.
- Melanie’s modeling history has been a popular topic amongst fans.
Love Island USA Season 8 viewers know full well that, out of all the Islanders, Melanie Moreno has been at the center of the drama and some of Season 8’s spiciest moments so far. (Remember that kissing challenge?!) It’s early days, but she’s already had some rocky moments with her Day 1 partner, Sincere Rhea. Melanie found herself in a love triangle when Sincere started showing interest in bombshell Sol Dean, and she was far from happy about it.
As a result, Melanie has made an impression on the villa and fans. But what do we know about her life off-screen? Melanie has revealed plenty of tidbits about her life so far, and Swooon did a digital deep dive, too. Find out Melanie’s history as a plus-sized model and more below.
What is Melanie Moreno’s age?
Melanie is 24 years old. “I’m a Scorpio. We’re a little freaky,” she said, explaining why sex is important to her in a relationship.
Where is Melanie Moreno from?
Melanie, who has Dominican roots and is fluent in Spanish, was raised in North Philadelphia. “I’m a Philly girl — we’re so real, we’re so blunt,” Melanie, who has resided in Los Angeles since 2023, said in her show intro. “But we’re so fun. We’re fun as f**k.”
A few years ago, the now-Islander sat down for an interview with Voyage LA, sharing a few more details about her upbringing.
In high school, she knew her parents wanted her to go to college. “And even though college wasn’t my number one plan, I still decided to go. I loved being in college; I just knew it wasn’t meant for me, and I wanted to give my dream a chance,” she said. “I truly didn’t want to go on in life regretting that I didn’t do what I actually wanted to do. So I decided to give myself one semester. One semester to go after the life I wanted. I had no idea what I was going to do. I was in my darkest time, and I didn’t know who I was or where I was going. I was completely lost and confused.”
Then her world was upended when her stepdad passed away. “I had never experienced the death of someone so close to me,” she explained. “I truly didn’t know what to do next or how to control my emotions. But despite my pain and grief, all I knew was that I had to pull myself together for my mother.”
Melanie said in her intro that her mom is her best friend. “She’s the reason I’m bubbly,” she added.
What is Melanie Moreno’s job?
Fitting for Love Island, Melanie is a bikini store manager. Season 7 star Iris Kendall reportedly referred Melanie to the show after she sold Iris a bikini, according to a screenshot from Iris’ Snapchat.
Melanie described her dating life as bikinis in the “damaged bin” of her store: She’s always picked the wrong guy. She’s ready to find someone to settle down with in “an actual relationship,” she said.
Was Melanie Moreno a plus-sized model?
According to her LA Voyage interview, Melanie didn’t start out as a bikini store manager. “Months after my stepdad’s death, I decided to go after my dream of starting my business MORE SPORT STUDIO,” she said. “More sport studio is a brand where I bring awareness to mental health through fashion. I believe people don’t take mental health seriously enough. It’s something that is often dismissed and overlooked. With my brand, I hope to bring luxury sustainable products with meaning.”
Then, she was scouted by her then-manager and signed with modeling agency Wilhelmina. “My biggest dream since I was ten years old was to be a model,” Melanie explained. “I lost myself so badly that I let go of that dream and tried to focus on something that was ‘more practical.’ But Elizabeth saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself for a while. The main reason I gave up on my dream was because I had this belief that I had to look perfect to even get into the business. I thought I needed a specific look or a specific body type. Little did I know I was wrong. I tried for nine years to get scouted and signed, but I still truly believe I was found at the perfect time.”
Love Island USA fans found videos of Melanie’s past work as a plus-sized model. Melanie collaborated with Pretty Little Thing for Miami Swim Week in 2022.
Since the photos took off on social media, her family members have spoken out. “Melanie has always had very high self-esteem, even when she was plus-size,” Melanie’s sister reportedly said, according to an screengrab in an Instagram video.
A user claiming to be Melanie’s cousin wrote something similar. “Melanie is my little cousin, and I can tell you it is her!!” they commented, according to The Tab. “And no Ozempic. She worked hard to get her current body!!!
“She wasn’t insecure when she was plus size, and she’s not insecure now,” they added. “People are allowed to change, grow, and become healthier without having to justify it. Her confidence didn’t come from her size; it came from knowing her worth.”
Love Island USA, Season 8, Every Night Except Wednesdays, 9/8c, Peacock
