From Cheerleader to Conservative Star: The Rise of Emily Compagno and Her Journey to Fox News

Emily Compagno is a familiar face to Fox News viewers, known for her sharp commentary on Outnumbered and The Five, but her journey to media stardom is far from typical. With a background as diverse as it is impressive, Compagno has successfully transitioned from an NFL cheerleader to a criminal defense attorney and, most recently, a rising conservative voice on cable news.

As of 2025, the 42-year-old TV personality has built a career that combines legal expertise, media savvy, and a dash of glamour—a combination that has made her one of Fox News’ most beloved and intriguing personalities. Here’s a closer look at Emily Compagno’s journey to becoming a household name, her personal life, and what might be next for the woman described by many as “the total package.”

Early Life: A Military Legacy and Academic Excellence Born on November 9, 1979, at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in East Oakland, California, Emily Rose Compagno’s life began with a clear connection to service. Her birthplace, a military hospital, foreshadowed the sense of duty and commitment that would define much of her career. Growing up in a family with military roots, Compagno’s life was grounded in discipline, hard work, and service.

She went on to attend the University of Washington, where she earned a degree in Political Science. While at university, Compagno distinguished herself by winning the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps’ Cadet of the Quarter Award—an early sign that her ambition and drive were leading her toward bigger things. This accomplishment was just the start of her impressive academic journey, which culminated in a Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2006.

From Law School to NFL Sidelines: The Unlikely Path Despite her academic achievements, Emily Compagno’s career took an unexpected turn when she chose to pursue a career as an NFL cheerleader while working as a criminal defense attorney. During her time in San Francisco, Compagno joined the Oakland Raiders’ cheerleading team, the Raiderettes, balancing her demanding legal career with the high-energy world of NFL cheerleading.

Her passion for the role and her leadership skills soon earned her the position of captain, and she was selected as one of just four NFL cheerleaders to represent the league on international tours. Her travels took her to U.S. military bases in Iraq and Kuwait, where she performed for the troops, offering a mix of glamour and grit that is rarely seen in the world of conservative media.

Breaking Into Media: From Legal Analyst to Fox News Co-Host In 2018, Emily Compagno made her entry into the world of cable news, starting out as a legal analyst and contributor for Fox News. With her legal background and ability to hold her own in debates, she quickly became a standout presence. She appeared regularly on The Five and Gutfeld!, where her commentary on political issues and legal matters was well-received by audiences.

Her talents didn’t stop at legal analysis. In 2020, Compagno was tapped to host Crimes That Changed America, a true-crime series that ran for two seasons. Her captivating storytelling, paired with her legal expertise, made her an excellent fit for the show, further cementing her position as one of Fox News’ versatile stars.

The following year, Compagno was officially named a permanent co-host of Outnumbered, a move that allowed her to join fellow conservatives like Kayleigh McEnany and Harris Faulkner in discussing the day’s hot-button issues. Her bold commentary and fearless approach to confronting liberal views earned her the admiration of Fox News viewers and solidified her place on the network.

Personal Life: Romance, Marriage, and Privacy While Emily Compagno has become a familiar face on Fox News, her personal life has largely been kept out of the public eye. In 2017, she married Pete Riley, a real estate agent she had known since their teenage years. The couple tied the knot in an ultra-private ceremony in Ravello, Italy, at the stunning Hotel Villa Cimbrone overlooking the Amalfi Coast.

However, after a few years of marriage, reports confirmed that Compagno and Riley had divorced. Though the details of their split remain private, it was clear that their separation did not affect her professional success. In fact, Compagno seemed to emerge from the divorce stronger and more determined in her career.

As of 2024, Compagno reportedly became engaged to a new partner, though she has kept his identity private. True to her reputation for blending on-air candor with off-air privacy, Compagno has not shared many details about her personal life, and fans respect her decision to keep her romantic relationships out of the spotlight.

A Rising Star: What’s Next for Emily Compagno? Emily Compagno’s career trajectory continues to rise, and it’s clear that she’s not slowing down anytime soon. Her blend of legal expertise, television presence, and unflinching conservative views has made her one of Fox News’ most versatile personalities. Whether she’s debating political topics, breaking down legal issues, or hosting her own shows, Compagno’s unique voice has made her a standout figure in the conservative media world.

With her growing popularity and undeniable talent, Compagno’s future in television seems limitless. As more fans become drawn to her dynamic personality and sharp insights, it’s likely that she will continue to take on even bigger roles within the network and beyond.

A Role Model for Women in Media Compagno’s rise in the media world is not only a testament to her work ethic and intellect but also to her ability to break barriers in a male-dominated industry. From NFL cheerleader to attorney to media personality, she has constantly reinvented herself while maintaining her sense of authenticity. Her journey serves as an inspiration for women in the media and beyond, showing that it’s possible to be both smart and glamorous, tough and compassionate, all while achieving success on your own terms.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that Emily Compagno is just getting started. With her sharp legal mind, bold opinions, and magnetic presence, she’s carving a unique path in the world of cable news—and her journey is far from over.

As fans continue to follow her career, the question on everyone’s mind remains: What’s next for Emily Compagno? With so much potential and promise ahead, the possibilities are endless for this multi-talented star.