Black People Love Paramore — Love Island S7 (Midseason, USA) Recap
Podcast: Black People Love Paramore
Host(s): Sequoia Holmes, Jewel Wicker, Ryann Graham
Date: June 26, 2025
Episode Focus: A lively, unfiltered, and humorous breakdown of the U.S. Season 7 of Love Island at the midseason mark. The hosts discuss eliminations, cast personalities, reality TV production, and the unique dynamics at play—in particular, perspectives often overlooked in mainstream pop culture critique.
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the midway point of Love Island USA Season 7, sharing instant, honest reactions to episode 19, discussing the latest eliminations, and dissecting the nuances of reality TV through a particularly Black millennial lens. Alongside sharp commentary about systemic issues and fandom dynamics, the hosts serve up nostalgia and relatable humor as they give their verdicts on each remaining islander, the show’s structure, and the Love Island phenomenon overall.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Podcast Rebranding and Meta Commentary (00:55–03:49)
- Sequoia shares the podcast may soon change its name to clarify it's not strictly about the band Paramore, but about diverse Black interests in pop culture. Merch with the existing branding is now "vintage."
- The hosts riff on social media confusion when handles change owners (paralleling followers of the POTUS Instagram account).
"But until then, this is a pop culture show about the common and uncommon interest of black people and not a podcast about the band Paramore. And it was becoming increasingly unclear that that was the case." – Sequoia [03:13]
Jumping Into Love Island S7, USA (04:27–06:47)
- The hosts start right after watching episode 19, expressing frustration with the format that allowed fan-favorites (Nick and Alandria) to be eliminated.
- Ryann is grateful for being introduced to the show and notes the season’s addictive, campy quality.
Individual Islander Hot Takes (06:47–23:08)
The hosts deliver rapid-fire, hilarious “one-liner” reviews of each cast member. They highlight looks, vibe, and TV impact with quick, memorable jokes and sharp banter. Notable takes include:
- Austin: “Dumb as rocks. Love him, though.” [06:58]
- Shelly: “Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous. Talented. Well, I don't know if she's talented, but beautiful. Gorgeous doll.” [07:38]
- Nick: “My fave…he's very funny.” [08:46]
- Alandria: “Body. God damn body. Every time…she is also sweet, therapist-y…grounding.” [10:16]
- Taylor: “Interesting hats. Goofy.” [10:45–11:12]
- Amaya: “My favorite girl…too pure for this house. I want better for her.” [13:13]
- Coco: “Beautiful. Stunning. Good face. Oh, hell of a face.” [19:23]
Memorable banter:
- Comparing Amaya's Instagram photos to lighting and colorism [13:35]
- Extended shade and mockery for "Pepe," poking fun at the edit and production [14:06]
- Describing the boys as "just tall" rather than true bombshells, contrasting women’s standards [19:57]
"The girls have to have so much more than the boys do. The boys don't even have to have body…" – Sequoia [20:18]
Casa Amor & Bombshells Analysis (16:47–23:08)
- Newcomers are critiqued, especially stylistic issues (e.g., Clark’s wig [18:20]) and general forgettability.
- Discussion about how gendered standards of attractiveness impact casting and audience perceptions.
Key Production Choices and Twists (23:18–34:39)
- The hosts theorize about “fake eliminations” (where producers seem to protect certain cast members for drama) and speculate on behind-the-scenes manipulation.
- Extended discussion of the controversial dismissal of Jeremiah and suggestions he may return for a twist—a sign of reality TV’s concern for narrative over real competition.
"I definitely thought that he was going to come back for Casa Casa Amore…" – Sequoia [23:27]
- Critique on how male contestants build alliances (or “mean girls”-style cliques) to control the narrative and votes.
Couple Dynamics & Gendered Judgment (34:39–42:52)
- Criticism focuses on men who don't reciprocate affection (Taylor, Austin) or seem to play the game over genuine connection (Ace, Nick).
- The hosts express support for Shelly and Amaya as most deserving winners and debate which men, if any, “deserve” to win with them by association.
- The narrative about men avoiding “closing off” to avoid looking corny or hypocritical—a theme connected to toxic masculinity in reality dating.
"I think the reason Ace and Nick would not close off with Shelly and Sierra, even though it's apparent that those are their strongest bonds…is because they spent the entire season demonizing Jeremiah for being closed off with Huda. So they have made closing off so taboo that they can't do it." – Sequoia [36:48]
Reality TV, Editing, and Social Media Ethics (43:05–46:41)
- Reality vs. Perception: The hosts remind the audience that editing manipulates audience sympathy, and that hate online impacts real people.
- Mental Health: Discussion of the severe real-world consequences for cast members, referencing past tragedies across the Love Island franchise.
"People will get you pregnant and you will get pregnant as a means to trap or trap another person. So I feel like sex is probably something similar." – Sequoia [42:40]
- Social Media Responsibility: Sequoia acknowledges the power of TikTok and podcasting in shaping public perception, especially when reality TV contestants become targets.
"Maybe I need to think a little bit harder before hitting send on that video. Because at the end of the day, it's still kind of like trying to get viewership off of somebody else's hardship." – Sequoia [45:13]
Iconic and Viral Moments (55:10–56:58)
- The hosts recount favorite moments, including:
- The infamous "I'm a mommy, a mamacita" line.
- Amaya’s cheerful song.
- Over-the-top emotional responses to recouplings and pillow-cuddling.
- These moments are celebrated for their meme potential and sheer campiness.
Reality TV Nostalgia, Drama, and Violence (60:27–63:02)
- Longing for the raw drama and occasional physical altercations seen in shows like The Challenge, The Real World, Bad Girls Club, or Flavor of Love.
- Complaint that current Love Island contestants are “too nice” on departures; the hosts joke about wanting more “I could you up right now” energy.
Notable Quotes & Moments
On unfair elimination formats:
"Why have you all created an atmosphere? Even this can happen. Why have y'all set up a show or a circumstance where this is possible where like faves can go home…?"
— Sequoia, [05:12]
On male casting double standards:
"The girls have to have so much more than the boys do. The boys don't even have to have body… Versus the girls have to be literally model models."
— Sequoia, [20:18]
On “Cult Leader” Energy and Toxic Reality Tropes:
"I also feel like Ace could lead a cult…Charming, can like move masses…be careful. Or like, be aware that everyone on the Internet is a fully three dimensional person and they're adept to it."
— Ryann, [39:28]
On the ethics of recapping and social media:
"Maybe I need to think a little bit harder before hitting send on that video. Because at the end of the day, it's still kind of like trying to get viewership off of somebody else's hardship."
— Sequoia, [45:13]
On the show’s appeal:
"God, what a silly, silly show. I think, yeah. They are acting as if these people are dying."
— Ryann, [56:22]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:55 – Show rebranding and "meta" social commentary
- 04:27 – Immediate reactions post-episode 19 (Nick and Alandria eliminated)
- 06:47–23:08 – Rapid-fire hot takes on all the islanders
- 23:18–34:39 – Casa Amor: Theorycrafting producer manipulations, elimination drama
- 34:39–42:52 – Couples, "closing off," and reality dating game mechanics
- 43:05–46:41 – Reality TV’s editing, fan behavior, and social media impact (serious segment)
- 55:10–56:58 – Funniest viral moments
- 60:27–63:02 – Yearning for old-school reality TV drama, violence, and authenticity
- 63:13–65:39 – Looking ahead, listener engagement, and next steps
Final Thoughts and Episode Tone
This episode blends biting critique, irreverent humor, and thoughtful cultural analysis. The hosts love the campy drama of Love Island while highlighting systemic issues in reality TV production and fandom—especially from a Black perspective. They cherish the absurdity, abhor production’s manipulation and audience meanness, and root for their favorites with passion. Sequoia, Ryann, and friends dish scorching, fair rounds of tough love to the show’s contestants, fellow fans, and each other.
Attributions & Episode Credits
- Host: Sequoia Holmes (@SequoiaBHolmes)
- Co-hosts: Jewel Wicker, Ryann Graham (@GoodGuyRyRide)
- Theme Song: prod.joelteon
- Artwork: Pedro Fequiere
For More
Reach out at Blackpeopleloveparamore@gmail.com or via social all platforms at @BPLP5.