In a controversial move from ABC, Grant Ellis was named the next Bachelor for the upcoming season 29 mere minutes after being eliminated from The Bachelorette this week. Later that night, an exec at the network said they announced the news early, instead of after the Bachelorette finale as is usual, so that hopeful single women would have ample time to apply for the show, because they’re apparently expecting hoards.
We are announcing Grant so quickly so people can still apply to be on his season. If you think Grant is potentially the man of your dreams or you know someone who is apply ASAP!!! #TheBachelor
— Robert Mills (@Millsy11374) August 13, 2024
This is a welcome change, as Ellis is only the second Black Bachelor, after Matt James in 2021, and James’s season was mishandled and mired by controversy. So, they’re eager to do it right this time, and I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt for now.
Ellis, for his part, is predictably grateful for the opportunity and sincere about his aspirations. When asked by former franchise contestants and newlyweds Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt of the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast about his initial reaction to getting the call, he said he “was super excited” and had “Absolutely zero hesitations.”
“When people can handpick, you know, your potential partner for you based on certain things and then you get to sift through and see which woman is for you, which woman is not, who wouldn’t love to do that? So, I’m blessed and I’m in a great situation,” he said. Well, I think he’s putting a little too much faith in the Bachelor casting process. This isn’t Married At First Sight.
But he’s putting the work in, and I think that’s great. He says he’s watching and studying previous seasons, something I sincerely doubt any other previous Bachelor has done, and taking notes. “His takeaways include committing when he’s ready, asking the right questions, being emotionally aware and not being insensitive to his contestants.” It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask! (The Hollywood Reporter)
“I’m just grateful,” Ellis insisted. “All of this is coming at once, and I’m just living in the moment. When I was called, I just expressed gratitude and I said, ‘Of course. Of course I’ll take the role. If you guys are going to help me find my wife, I’m excited about that.’”
They always talk like that before the shit inevitably hits the fan. Maybe it’ll be different this time? For his sake, I want it to be. I really do.