Chelley Bissainthe Of 'Love Island USA' Fame Teases New Show: 'I'm A Lover Girl Through And Through'

Chelley Bissainthe is stepping into a new role.

On March 26 at Uproxx’s NewFront, she announced Love, Songs, an interview series she hosts and executive produces. The project places her both in front of the camera and in a creative role shaping the format.

Bissainthe first gained national attention on Love Island USA Season 7. Since then, she has built an audience of more than four million followers, where she shares content about relationships, identity and resilience.

What is ‘Love, Songs’ about?

Each episode of Love, Songs centers on a guest selecting a music video that reflects their current “love era.” Bissainthe uses that selection to guide a conversation about personal experiences and perspectives on love.

The series is part of Uproxx’s programming focused on music and culture.

Bissainthe said her interest in media and entertainment has been longstanding.

“This is actually something that I’ve wanted to do,” she told Blavity’s Shadow and Act “One thing I’ve always known about myself is that I wanted to be in the media and entertainment space, or in a space where I’m able to be creative and express that creativity — whether it’s conversations with other people, being in front of the camera, acting, modeling or hosting. I knew I wanted something that allowed me to interact with people, build community and just be in that space.”

She said Love, Songs provides an opportunity to have conversations centered on storytelling and shared experiences.

How involved is Bissainthe creatively?

Bissainthe said she is involved in shaping the show’s creative direction and structure, working alongside the Uproxx team.

“When I say they put my hands in it, my hands are in there,” she said. “What I love about Uproxx is they really are visionaries. It’s not, ‘Let’s just slap your name on it and throw it out there.’ It’s, ‘What does this mean to you? What story do you want to tell? How do you want things to look? Who do you want to have on?’”

“They really said, ‘We trust your vision. Whatever you want, let us know. We’re going to back you and support you the best way possible.’”

She also connected the concept of the show to her personal interests.

“I’m a lover girl through and through,” she said. “It’s so crazy — yesterday, videos I submitted to Love Island popped up on my phone. In one of them, I said, ‘Y’all, I’m a lover girl through and through. R&B music is literally me.’”

“I just thought, ‘Wow, here I am with a show called Love, Songs.’ It really speaks to who I am. R&B defines how I love, how I show up and my personality.”

Who will appear on the show?

Bissainthe said the show will feature a range of guests beyond musicians.

“Some people might think, ‘Oh, she’s only bringing on artists.’ No — we’re bringing on everyone, because love is for everyone,” she said. “We want conversations with actors, stars and people across different spaces.”

She said the format focuses on connecting through music to guide the discussion.

“Instead of just sitting there like, ‘Tell me this, tell me that,’ we’re connecting through a song,” she said. “We’re listening and asking, ‘Where were you emotionally when this song connected to you?’”

At the end of each conversation, Bissainthe shares her interpretation based on what was discussed.

“I get to look at you and say, ‘Based on our conversation, this song resonates with your love life right now,’” she said. “I think I’m going to be right.”

She also said viewers will be able to engage with the show and share input on future guests.

How does the show expand the idea of love?

Bissainthe said the show will include conversations about different forms of love, including friendships and family.

“My friends have carried me. My family has carried me,” she said. “The love I have for romance is 10 times stronger for my friends and family because they’ve been with me through every season.”

How has life changed since ‘Love Island USA’?

Bissainthe said adjusting to public life has come with both positive and challenging moments.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling,” she said. “I have so many people who feel inspired by me and support me, and that’s beautiful.”

She said she has become more mindful about how she uses social media.

“Sometimes it’s like, ‘OK, I need to be careful, because something I post could be misconstrued,’” she said. “I’ve realized stan culture is part of being in the limelight.”

“I just encourage people to pour that energy into the people they love,” she added. “Don’t attack others. Let it be love and support.”

She also noted that even small interactions online can draw attention.

“I’m the type to double-tap a video in the first few seconds,” she said. “Next thing you know, people are like, ‘What does this mean?’ I’m like, ‘It doesn’t mean anything, I promise.’”

What’s next for Bissainthe?

Bissainthe said she is interested in expanding into acting while continuing her work in entertainment.

“Absolutely getting into the acting world — 1000%,” she said. “That’s something I’ve always wanted, and it’s a skill you have to keep developing and mastering.”

She also mentioned an interest in scripted television and film.

In addition to her entertainment work, Bissainthe has been involved in philanthropy. She recently partnered with Whata Peach smoothie in Los Angeles to support the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles.

“I used to teach kids how to read, including non-English-speaking children, in a women’s shelter,” she said. “I saw firsthand the lack of resources families deal with.”

The initiative focuses on funding scholarships for after-school and summer programs.

“We’re rolling into summer, and kids need spaces where they can continue learning while their parents work,” she said. “Every single penny is going to the charity.”