‘Love Island’ Host Ariana Madix Has One Rule: No Looking Back

Ariana Madix, if you haven’t noticed, isn’t just surviving—she’s thriving. In the year since her very public breakup with longtime partner and Vanderpump Rules costar Tom Sandoval, she’s managed to transform personal wreckage into professional gold—Broadway runs, Dancing with the Stars, hosting Love Island—while maintaining an almost zen-like detachment from the drama that made her a household name.

On Not Skinny But Not Fat, Madix talked about everything from her new career highs to the emotional lows of moving forward. And yes, she spoke of Tom Sandoval—but only to make it clear she’s over it and not interested in looking back.

Ariana Madix is not crying over Tom Sandoval—and she doesn’t want you to, either

If anyone was hoping for dramatic tears—or lingering bitterness—Ariana’s making it clear she’s not the girl for that.

In fact, on Not Skinny But Not Fat, she spent most of her time discussing her ever-growing resume: Broadway (Chicago), Dancing with the Stars, and most recently, her return as host of Love Island USA.

“I feel like when I am really busy, though, I’ve learned that I’m less tired when I’m busy,” Ariana shared. “Even though while I’m busy, all I’m saying is, like, I want a nap. I’m so tired. And then I’ll have a stretch where maybe there’s less going on. And then it’s, like, not good for me.”

In other words, she doesn’t have time—or energy—for anything that doesn’t serve her.

Post-breakup glow-up theory is real

Ariana’s recent style evolution is impossible to ignore. From red carpets to street style, she’s been taking risks and experimenting more than ever—and it’s all intentional.

“I’m, like, fuck flattering. Flattering is such a stupid thing that we care about,” she told Amanda. “Sometimes I like it. Yeah. I love to be like, oh, this accentuates this. Sometimes I’m like, ‘why don’t I just wear this thing that I think is cool’?”

It’s that IDGAF attitude that’s earned her praise from both fans and fashion insiders. The best part is, it’s not a performance—it’s a return to self. Okay, slay!

She’s thriving because she’s done the work

While Ariana’s star has undeniably risen since her split from Tom Sandoval, she made it clear that none of this came out of nowhere. She didn’t just land roles—she earned them.

“I’ve had the same manager since before Vanderpump,” she said. “And he would always ask me, like, what do you still want to do? And I was like, no. I still always wanna do that [perform].”

Despite years of rejection—often being told she wasn’t “a big enough name”—she stayed the course. And when the moment came? She was ready.

From winning over audiences as Roxie Hart on Broadway to reality TV hosting with unshakable charisma, Ariana Madix is proving her range—and reminding us that the best revenge really is living well.

So if you’re still clinging to the past, take her advice: “I don’t [think about it],” she said of her breakup with Tom Sandoval.

TL;DR: If Ariana’s not looking back, maybe it’s time the rest of us stop, too.