Bachelor Nation has never been more ready for a new season of “The Bachelorette.” After months of hints, leaks, and rumors, las tonight was finally the premiere of Clare Crawley’s highly-anticipated season – and despite not finding love on “The Bachelor” or “Bachelor in Paradise,” she’s certain she’ll end up with a ring on her finger this time around.
Clare and the guys vying for her heart are kicking off season 16 living a “COVID-free” life at La Quinta resort in California. Despite much of the season being filmed amid coronavirus, you could hardly tell from the smile on Clare’s face… and Bachelor Nation soon learned what she’s so happy about. Here’s what happened:
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Things kicked off with a teaser that addressed all the rumors Bachelor Nation has been hearing about Clare’s “journey” on the show.
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For one, it confirmed that she falls hard and fast for one of the men competing for her heart, and reveals just who that is: Dale Moss, a former pro football receiver from South Dakota who has played for the Green Bay Packers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Chicago Bears.
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Producers were more coy about the rumor that Clare quits as Bachelorette in the middle of the season and being replaced by Tayshia Adams. Instead, we see Chris Harrison tell the guys that he’s “never dealt with anything like this” in Bachelor history, and then one of the guys, Riley, saying he “didn’t expect the process to be cut short.” Tayshia was nowhere to be found in the teaser…
Then it was time to meet the 31 eligible bachelors vying for Clare’s heart. Here’s the highlights from their introductions:
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Jason, a 31-year-old former pro football lineman, wore a fake pregnant belly to prove he’s “willing to hold the weight of the relationship and the labor of love.”
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Tyler C, a 27-year-old lawyer, rolled up in a station wagon packed with his “entire life” to spend it with Clare. And Bennett, a 36-year-old Harvard alumnus, arrived in a Rolls Royce he “drove” all the way from New York City.
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Joe, 36, played on his job as an anesthesiologist by wearing a stethoscope to “heal” Clare’s love life.
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Eazy, another former pro athlete, jumped out of a sign that read “Your Future Husband.”
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Jay, a 29-year-old fitness director, introduced himself in a straightjacket because he “went a little crazy” waiting to meet Clare.
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Zach did a fake proposal gag, getting down on one knee and opening a ring box that made fart noises.
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Chasen, a 31-year-old former competitive swimmer, arrived wearing a full suit of armor over his suit. A knight in shining armor, how creative.
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Demar introduced himself while wearing a parachute, because he “fell for Clare already.”
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Ed arrived wearing a bubble… because, you know, coronavirus.
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But it was clear that Clare was tuned out of every man that followed her not-so-rumored pick Dale.
Then it was time for the season’s first cocktail party…
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The award for the first guy to claim he’s “here for the right reasons” goes to Tyler C. He also played the first “looking out for Clare” card by confronting Yosef over allegations he’s been “reckless” and “flirting with girls” on the Gram. Clare sat both guys down for a scolding before going back to chatting up the guys not causing drama.
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The first kiss of the season? Not Dale, Clare gave Blake Moynes a smooch, who she said was “the only man who reached out” to her pre-production,” which is against the rules… but it “mean everything” to Clare.
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But Dale did end up getting a kiss, and the First Impression Rose, of course.
