Revealed: The Secret Behind Your Favorite Reality Shows Like 'Love is Blind' Using Familiar Songs

As reality TV evolves, connections between viewers and contestants grow stronger, primarily through the music chosen for key moments. This trend is highlighting familiar songs from popular artists, marking a shift in shows like “Love Is Blind.”

During the recent season, a significant relationship moment was underscored by Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather.” The music selection throughout the season has prominently featured popular hits from Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez, a noticeable departure from the lesser-known tracks previously utilized.

Chris Coelen, the creator of the show and CEO of Kinetic Content, explains that this change coincided with the show’s fifth anniversary. “This Season 8, we decided to embrace popular music in a big way, using music cues throughout every episode,” he states, emphasizing a fresh approach to auditory storytelling in reality television.

The integration of widely recognized songs is not confined to “Love Is Blind.” Other reality shows are also navigating the space between original tracks and established hits. “The Bachelor” music supervisor, Jody Friedman, clarifies that while some music is sourced from artificial intelligence, the risks of copyright issues discourage its use. Instead, music supervisors leverage various techniques to select tracks.

Music featured on shows often comes from multiple avenues: original compositions, licensed music from artists, production music libraries, or even covers. Friedman noted that using a cover version, such as a reinterpretation of Phil Phillips’ “Sea of Love,” often proves more cost-effective while maintaining creative appeal.

Similarly, “Love Island USA” music supervisor Sara Torres employs covers, believing it expands the listener base. She mentions that a song in a different genre may pique interest, leading audiences back to the original track.

Affordability varies significantly when licensing tracks. Licensing popular songs may cost between $20,000 and $100,000, whereas tracks from indie music libraries can be licensed for approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per use, making them a budget-friendly option.

The usage of commercial music tends to differ even among similar programs. Coelen recalls sparing use of recognizable songs in past seasons of “Love Is Blind,” highlighting the increased presence of popular music in the latest installment. The emotional impact of these songs has been recognized as a tool for enhancing viewers’ experiences.

“Love Island USA” has typically integrated commercial music, particularly emphasizing it at the season’s beginning and finale to maximize emotional resonance. Executive producer James Barker articulates that the show’s format aims to evoke a sense of togetherness and shared experience, akin to enjoying music with close friends on vacation.

The pace of production also necessitates a proactive approach to song selection. “Love Island USA” prepares by pre-clearing over a thousand songs to ensure timely integration in the narrative. In contrast, “The Bachelor,” which has a longer lead time, has used a range of commercial songs over its 29 seasons, including well-known artists and contemporary hits.

Looking ahead, Coelen confirms that “Love Is Blind” will continue to embrace popular music in future seasons. Likewise, Barker expresses optimism for the future of song drops on “Love Island USA,” acknowledging the powerful connection music fosters between audiences and the characters on screen.