With the recent launch of Are You The One? Season 9 on Paramount+, fans are buzzing with curiosity about the status of couples from Season 8. This 2019 season marked a groundbreaking moment in reality dating television by featuring sexually fluid contestants for the first time. Instead of the traditional format with ten heterosexual men and women, Season 8 allowed all participants to seek their perfect matches freely in a stunning Hawaiian villa.
As the dust settles on Season 8, it’s an excellent time to revisit those contestants and find out what they are doing today, especially as anticipation builds for the upcoming Season 10. While it may not be the highest-rated season, the journeys of the cast members remain intriguing, making it worthwhile to catch up.
Asha & Brandon
Not Together
Aasha Wells and Brandon Davis were declared a Perfect Match during their time on the show, spending the closing five weeks together in the competition. Despite their apparent chemistry, they revealed their breakup during an unofficial reunion episode after filming wrapped. Aasha has since embarked on an exciting new chapter in Florida, launching her podcast, Aasha Uncensored, leveraging her degree in Communications and Journalism to connect with a broader audience.
Brandon, hailing from Salt Lake City and with a background in athletics, has remained largely out of the public eye since the show. His absence from social media and reality television may be attributed to the pandemic, making his current activities a mystery to fans and followers.
Amber & Remy
Not Together
Amber Martinez and Remy Duran had an unconventional journey together; despite never spending quality time together on-screen, they were labeled as a Perfect Match during the finale. Amber transitioned from reality TV to participating in The Challenge: Double Agents and has co-hosted a reaction show on YouTube, although her online presence has been dormant for the last two years. Currently, she resides in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Remy has captivated a significant online following through social media, launching an OnlyFans account. He recently celebrated the arrival of his son, Ari, with partner Zoey, proudly sharing updates about his fatherhood journey online. As his television career takes a backseat, he is committed to enjoying family life and traveling.
Basit & Jonathan
Not Together
In the unique landscape of Season 8, Basit Shittu and Jonathan Monroe shared an authentic connection, sitting together for seven out of ten weeks. They were the first couple in the show’s history whose match was not known by the contestants. Today, Basit, also known as drag persona Dionne Slay, continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and co-founded Legacy: A Black Queer Production Collective to empower similar voices.
On the other hand, Jonathan has relocated from Florida to Los Angeles, pivoting from his former banking career to become a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. His romantic life remains private, adding an air of mystery to his current status.
Danny & Kai
Not Together
Danny Prikazsky and Kai Wes connected in the initial week and ended their journey as a Perfect Match, sitting together multiple times through the season. Post-show, Danny has leveraged his charisma into a budding career in acting, contributing to several short films and shows like The Verdict. He effectively blends his tech background with creative ventures, producing content for various brands.
After their appearance on MTV’s True Life: Quarantine Stories, Kai continues to raise awareness within the LGBTQ+ community as a transmasculine non-binary advocate. They are currently in a relationship with intimacy coach Hunter Rae, while also using their platform to document their transition journeys.
Jasmine & Nour
Not Together
Jasmine Olson and Nour Fraij became a Perfect Match during the final weeks of Season 8. Jasmine has since transitioned to modeling in Dallas, Texas, where she has gained a significant following thanks to her appearance on MTV’s Floribama Shore, albeit she posts infrequently on social media to focus more on her career.
Meanwhile, Nour has embraced motherhood, welcoming her son Noah with boyfriend Stanley while also pursuing her passion for the arts. Nour established her company, Love Always Nour, focusing on digital creation, modeling, and fitness, showcasing her diverse talents after the show ended.
Jenna & Paige
Not Together
Jenna Brown and Paige Cole, who shared fleeting romantic moments, solidified their connection as Perfect Matches in the finale. Jenna now resides in Los Angeles, focusing on her artwork. While she briefly dated someone named Nani, she has moved on and is currently in a happy relationship with local artist Brooke Harrington, sharing their joyful moments on social media.
Paige, from Allen, Texas, has taken a different path, teaching video tutorials on exotic dancing while navigating a brief fling with Remy during the show. Having revamped her appearance, she now sports a chic blonde bob and seems to embrace her independence as she continues to pursue her creative endeavors.
Kariselle & Max
Not Together
Despite their apparent connection, Kariselle Snow and Max’s algorithm-induced match led them down separate paths after the show. Kariselle has found success as an NFL cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens and has branched out into other reality TV projects, including a segment on Sexy Beasts. However, after a brief engagement on Perfect Match, she and her fiancé Joey Sasso have since parted ways.
In contrast, Max has remained in Los Angeles, focusing on his career as an Artist Manager with Seven20 Group, an international company that combines blockchain technology with entertainment. Embracing his newfound freedom, he’s been spotted at various music festivals across the country.
Justin & Kylie
Not Together
Justin Palm and Kylie Smith experienced a rollercoaster ride as they were matched without ever sitting together during the season. After the show, Justin transitioned to New York, developing a career as a photographer and content creator, although his private social media makes it challenging to discern his relationship status.
Kylie also moved to New York, appearing in the MTV dating show Match Me If You Can in 2021. Now a model, she appears to be enjoying single life while frequently sharing moments with friends and relishing the joys of exploration outside of a romantic relationship.
While Are You The One? is primarily about matchmaking, it also provides an entertaining glimpse into diverse personalities and their experiences, enhancing the viewing experience. Despite the couples not lasting, their time on the show paved the way for them to cultivate their online presence and brand identity effectively.
The inclusive nature of Are You The One? offers a valuable opportunity for contestants to explore their desires in a supportive environment. For individuals like Jenna Brown, it serves as a platform to connect with others beyond their usual social confines. Fans can anticipate a fresh season filled with new personalities, each hoping to discover their true love.
Are You The One? is currently streaming on Paramount+.
Sources:
Amber Martinez/YouTube,
Rembrandt Duran/Instagram,
Kai Wes/Instagram,
Jasmine Olson/Instagram,
Jenna Brown/Instagram
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