The Bachelorette (American TV series) season 18 explained

Season Number:18
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  1. 62142A
Starring:Michelle Young
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Num Contestants:30
Winner:Nayte Olukoya
Runner Up:Brandon Jones
Network:ABC
Num Episodes:11
Episode List:List of The Bachelorette episodes

The eighteenth season of The Bachelorette premiered on October 19, 2021.[1] This season features 28-year-old Michelle Young, an elementary school teacher from Woodbury, Minnesota.

Young was the runner-up on the 25th season of The Bachelor featuring Matt James.

The season concluded on December 21, 2021, with Young accepting a proposal from 27-year-old sales executive Nayte Olukoya.[2] They announced their breakup on June 17, 2022.[3]

Production

Casting and contestants

Young was announced as the Bachelorette by Emmanuel Acho during the After the Final Rose special of the 25th season of The Bachelor on March 15, 2021.[4]

The cast includes offensive guard Bryan Witzmann; undrafted tight end Clayton Echard; 2011 Minnesota Mr. Basketball award winner Joe Coleman; and LT Murray IV, grandson of actor Clint Eastwood.[5] [6] [7] [8]

Filming and development

On August 2, 2021, it was reported that former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe were set to return as co-hosts for the eighteenth season.[9]

As with the last three American Bachelor Nation editions, which were filmed in a bio-secure bubble due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this season started production on July 30, 2021 at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa at the Coachella Valley in Indian Wells, California. Some quarantine restrictions were lifted halfway through the season, the cast and crew were allowed to leave the bubble with limited amount of travel from one location to another including Young's home state of Minnesota.[10] [11] The cast and crew were valid proof of requirement of vaccination status. For the first time since the fifteenth season, the season was able to leave the United States, as both overnight dates and last chance dates returned to its standard format and took place in Mexico with COVID safety precautions in place.[12]

Country music singer Caroline Jones, WNBA players Dearica Hamby and Diamond DeShields, actors Glen Powell and Jay Ellis, spoken word poet Rudy Francisco, professional wrestlers Nikki and Brie Bella, and musician Andy Grammer made guest appearances this season.[13] [14] [15]

On December 21, 2021, the day of the season finale, Adams revealed she had been exposed to COVID-19 and was not able to host the live finale and After the Final Rose special. This left Bristowe to be the sole host. Due to the potential COVID-19 resurgence, audiences must present a negative PCR test and wear masks for the duration of the show.[16]

Contestants

35 potential contestants were revealed on July 26, 2021.[17]

The final cast of 30 men was announced on September 27, 2021.[18]

NameAgeHometownOccupationOutcomePlaceRef
Nayte Olukoya[19] 27Winnipeg, ManitobaSales ExecutiveWinner1[20]
Brandon Jones[21] 26Portland, OregonTraveling Nurse RecruiterRunner-Up2
Joe Coleman[22] 28Minneapolis, MinnesotaReal Estate DeveloperWeek 83[23]
Rodney Mathews[24] 29Rancho Cucamonga, CaliforniaSales RepresentativeWeek 74[25]
Olumide "Olu" Onajide[26] 27Woodland Park, New JerseyIT AnalystWeek 65–6[27]
Rick Leach[28] 32Munroe Falls, OhioMedical Sales Representative
Martin Gelbspan[29] 29Córdoba, ArgentinaPersonal Trainer7
Clayton Echard28Eureka, MissouriMedical Sales Representative8
Casey Woods[30] 36Parkland, FloridaAdvertising Creative DirectorWeek 59–10[31]
Leroy Arthur27Durham, North CarolinaBiomedical PhD Student
Chris Sutton[32] [33] 28New Orleans, LouisianaCommodities Broker11
Chris Gallant[34] 28Halifax, Nova ScotiaMotivational SpeakerWeek 412–14
Romeo Alexander[35] 32Tribeca, New YorkMathematician
Will Urena[36] 28Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicAcademic Interventionist
Lowell "LT" Murray IV38Bellevue, WashingtonYoga GuruWeek 315–18
Mollique Johnson[37] 36James Hill, JamaicaAcademic Administrator
Peter Izzo[38] 26Bellmore, New YorkPizzapreneur
Spencer Williams25Cleveland, OhioFinancial Crimes Analyst
Jamie Skaar[39] 32Tacoma, WashingtonBiotech CEO19
Alec Thompson[40] 29Forest, VirginiaEngineerWeek 220–23
Daniel Tully[41] 26Austin, TexasFirefighter
Pardeep Singh30Brooklyn, New YorkNeuroscientist
PJ Henderson[42] 30Houston, TexasFirefighter
Brandon Kieffer29Sulphur, LouisianaBrand ManagerWeek 124–29[43]
Bryan Witzmann31Houlton, WisconsinNFL Player
Edward Naranjo27Brownsville, TexasWellness Coach
Garrett Aida[44] 33Salt Lake City, UtahTech CEO
Jack Russell30Greensboro, North CarolinaFormer Army Officer
JoMarri Gable26Fresno, CaliforniaPersonal Trainer
Ryan Fox[45] 30Sanger, CaliforniaEnvironmental Consultant 30

Future appearances

The Bachelor

Clayton Echard was chosen as the lead for the 26th season of The Bachelor shortly after the completion of filming of The Bachelorette.[6]

Bachelor in Paradise

Season 8

Brandon Jones, Casey Woods, Olu Onajide, Peter Izzo, Rick Leach, Rodney Mathews, and Romeo Alexander returned for season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise.[46] Alexander left in a relationship with Kira Mengistu in week 2. Woods and Izzo quit in week 2. Leach and Onajide were eliminated in week 3. Mathews split from Eliza Isichei in week 5. Jones got engaged to Serene Russell in week 6.

Season 9

Will Urena returned for season 9 of Bachelor in Paradise.[47] He was eliminated in week 2.

Bachelor in Paradise Canada

Season 2

Garrett Aida and Edward Naranjo returned for season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise Canada. Naranjo was eliminated in week 4. Aida left in a relationship with Meagan Morris in week 6.

Call-out order

Order! rowspan="2"
BachelorsWeek
123456789
1NayteNayteBrandon J.MartinMartinJoeNayteBrandon J.NayteNayte
2RomeoJamieJamieRodneyOluClaytonBrandon J.NayteBrandon J.Brandon J.
3JackLeroyJoeBrandon J.RickNayteJoeJoeJoe
4ClaytonMartinNayteJoeBrandon J.RickRodneyRodney
5JamieSpencerRodneyRickLeroyOluOlu
Rick
6Chris G.RickMartinLeroyJoeBrandon J.
7MolliqueClaytonRickNayteRodneyMartinMartin
8AlecPeterLeroyCaseyClaytonRodneyClayton
9WillPJSpencerChris G.CaseyCasey
Leroy
10PardeepMolliqueCaseyChris S.Nayte
11OluRomeoChris G.ClaytonChris S.Chris S.
12Chris S.DanielMolliqueOluChris G.
Romeo
Will
13GarrettBrandon J.OluRomeo
14CaseyWillChris S.Will
15Brandon K.Chris S.WillLT
Mollique
Peter
Spencer
16LTRodneyRomeo
17RickAlecLT
18RyanPardeepClayton
19RodneyChris G.PeterJamie
20PeterCaseyAlec
Daniel
Pardeep
PJ
21DanielOlu
22PJLT
23Brandon J.Joe
24SpencerBrandon K.
Bryan
Edward
Garrett
Jack
JoMarri
25Bryan
26JoMarri
27Edward
28Leroy
29Martin
30JoeRyan

The contestant received the first impression rose

The contestant received a rose during a date

The contestant was eliminated

The contestant was eliminated during a date

The contestant was eliminated outside the rose ceremony

The contestant won the competition

Episodes

See also: List of The Bachelorette (American TV series) episodes.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: ABC Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Wonder Years' & 'Queens' Join 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Good Doctor', 'Bachelorette', 'Goldbergs' & More. Deadline Hollywood. Pederson. Erik. July 15, 2021. July 26, 2021. July 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210715231138/https://deadline.com/2021/07/abc-2021-fall-premiere-dates-greys-anatomy-good-doctor-bachelorette-goldbergs-wonder-years-1234793381/. live.
  2. Web site: 'The Bachelorette' Reveals Season 18 Winner: Was It Nayte or Brandon?. Deadline Hollywood. Complex. Valerie. December 21, 2021. December 22, 2021. December 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211222035615/https://deadline.com/2021/12/the-bachelorette-season-18-winner-1234900548/. live.
  3. Web site: The Bachelorette's Michelle Young and Nayte Olukoya Break Up 6 Months After Finale Airs. June 17, 2022. June 17, 2022. Weinberg. Lindsay. E!. June 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220618024550/http://www.eonline.com/news/1335024/the-bachelorettes-michelle-young-and-nayte-olukoya-break-up-6-months-after-finale-airs. live.
  4. Web site: 'The Bachelorette' To Air 2 Seasons In 2021 Starring Katie Thurston & Michelle Young. Deadline Hollywood. Nellie. Andreeva. March 15, 2021. July 26, 2021. July 26, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210726095423/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-bachelorette-renewed-season-17-18-2021-katie-thurston-michelle-young-1234715310/. live.
  5. Web site: An NFL Player Is Hoping to Win Over Michelle Young's Heart on 'The Bachelorette'. Distractify. Honore. Pretty. October 20, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141728/https://www.distractify.com/p/who-is-the-nfl-player-on-the-bachelorette. live.
  6. Web site: Ryan . Monica . September 21, 2021 . Everything we know about Eureka native and 'Bachelor' Clayton Echard . . October 20, 2021 . October 20, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211020065934/https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/everything-we-know-about-eureka-native-and-bachelor-clayton-echard/ . live .
  7. Web site: Hanley. Cecelia. October 27, 2021. What to know about Joe Coleman, the Minnesota Mr. Basketball contestant on 'The Bachelorette'. St. Cloud Times. July 14, 2023. August 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230809031521/https://www.sctimes.com/story/entertainment/2021/10/27/joe-coleman-former-university-minnesota-mr-basketball-bachelorette-michelle-young/8566381002/. live.
  8. Web site: Bachelorette: What To Know About LT Murray, Clint Eastwood's Grandson. October 20, 2021. February 17, 2024. Sim. Bernardo. Screen Rant.
  9. Web site: 'The Bachelorette': Tayshia Adams & Kaitlyn Bristowe To Return As Hosts For Season 18 Of ABC Reality Series. Deadline Hollywood. Denise. Petski. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. August 2, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210802220317/https://deadline.com/2021/08/the-bachelorette-tayshia-adams-kaitlyn-bristowe-confirmed-hosts-season-18-abc-1234807806/. live.
  10. Web site: Inside the Coachella Valley resort seen on ABC's 'The Bachelorette'. KESQ-TV. October 20, 2021. October 22, 2021. October 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211022060557/https://kesq.com/news/2021/10/20/inside-the-coachella-valley-resort-seen-on-abcs-hit-show-the-bachelorette/. live.
  11. Web site: WATCH: The Bachelorette Caught Filming At Twins Game. KKCB. August 15, 2021. October 22, 2021. October 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211022060557/https://b105country.com/video-the-bachelorette-caught-filming-at-twins-game/. live.
  12. Web site: Is The Bachelorette new tonight on ABC? New overnight dates sneak peek!. Carter Matt. December 13, 2021. December 14, 2021. December 14, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211214145130/https://cartermatt.com/460793/is-the-bachelorette-new-tonight-on-abc-new-overnight-dates-sneak-peek/. live.
  13. The Bachelorette recap: No, they're not smarter than a 5th grader. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. October 26, 2021. October 27, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211027020317/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-2/. October 27, 2021. live.
  14. The Bachelorette recap: Poetry slammed. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. November 2, 2021. November 3, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211103053558/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-3/. November 3, 2021. live.
  15. The Bachelorette recap: Attention deficit disorder. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. November 9, 2021. November 10, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211110031248/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-4/. November 10, 2021. live.
  16. Web site: Tayshia Adams Will Not Co-Host After the Final Rose Special: 'I Was Recently Exposed' to COVID. People. Mizoguchi. Karen. December 21, 2021. December 24, 2021. December 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211224110939/https://people.com/tv/bachelorette-tayshia-adams-will-not-co-host-after-the-final-rose-special/. live.
  17. Web site: Michelle Young's Potential 'Bachelorette' Contestants Revealed: Meet the Season 18 Suitors. Us Weekly. Hearon. Sarah. July 26, 2021. July 26, 2021. July 26, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210726230710/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/michelle-youngs-potential-bachelorette-contestants-revealed-pics/. live.
  18. The Bachelorette season 18: Meet Michelle's men. September 27, 2021. September 27, 2021. Entertainment Weekly. Baldwin. Kirsten.
  19. Web site: Get to Know The Bachelorette's Nayte Olukoya, Michelle Young's First Impression Rose Pick. E! News. Dupre. Elise. October 20, 2021. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133910/https://www.eonline.com/news/1306469/get-to-know-the-bachelorettes-nayte-olukoya-michelle-youngs-first-impression-rose-pick. live.
  20. The Bachelorette season finale recap: 'Today, tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives'. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. December 21, 2021. December 22, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211222045050/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-11/. December 22, 2021. live.
  21. Web site: Another Portlander to appear on 'The Bachelorette' when Season 18 premieres. Turnquist, Kristi. September 30, 2021. The Oregonian. November 18, 2021. November 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211118192502/https://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/2021/09/another-portlander-to-appear-on-the-bachelorette-when-season-18-premieres.html. live.
  22. Web site: Who Is Joe Coleman? 5 Things to Know About 'Bachelorette' Contestant From Minnesota. October 19, 2021. Carlin. Shannon. Us Weekly. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133910/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/bachelorettes-joe-coleman-5-things-to-know-about-michelles-contestant/. live.
  23. The Bachelorette recap: From bros to foes. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. December 14, 2021. December 15, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211215081840/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-9/. December 15, 2021. live.
  24. Web site: We Need To Talk About Michelle's Heartbreaking Hometowns Elimination. December 1, 2021. Sarah Halle Corey. Elite Daily. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133911/https://www.elitedaily.com/entertainment/why-did-michelle-eliminate-rodney-bachelorette-hometowns. live.
  25. The Bachelorette recap: Stay-at-hometown dates. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. November 30, 2021. December 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211201032905/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-7/. December 1, 2021. live.
  26. Web site: Who Made It to the Hometown Dates on Michelle Young's Season of 'The Bachelorette'?. Distractify. Degrushe. Allison. November 24, 2021. March 19, 2022. January 11, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220111191327/https://www.distractify.com/p/michelle-young-final-four. live.
  27. The Bachelorette recap: Out of the mouths of baes. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. November 23, 2021. November 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211124074423/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-6/. November 24, 2021. live.
  28. Web site: Meet the two Northeast Ohio natives, Rick Leach and Spencer Williams, vying for Michelle Young's love on 'The Bachelorette. WKYC. Haney. Stephanie. October 20, 2021. March 19, 2022. August 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230809031524/https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/who-is-rick-leach-who-is-spencer-williams-the-bachelorette-michelle-young-what-we-know-about-rick-leach-what-we-know-about-spencer-williams/95-3d0b430d-5762-4d5b-92d9-47ee1cab583f. live.
  29. Web site: The Masculine Urge to Self-Destruct on National Television. November 17, 2021. Cheung. Kylie. Jezebel. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133910/https://jezebel.com/the-masculine-urge-to-self-destruct-on-national-televis-1848075654. live.
  30. Web site: Who Michelle Young Sent Home in 'The Bachelorette' Week 5 — And Who is Left. Newsweek. Spencer. Samuel. November 17, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141727/https://www.newsweek.com/bachelorette-season-18-episode-5-who-went-home-chris-leroy-casey-1650212. live.
  31. The Bachelorette recap: Guess who's crashing your dinner?. Entertainment Weekly. Kristen. Baldwin. November 16, 2021. November 17, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211117031958/https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-season-18-episode-5/. November 17, 2021. live.
  32. Web site: Meet the two Louisiana natives competing on The Bachelorette for Michelle Young's heart. October 19, 2021. Shannon. Chelsea. The New Orleans Advocate. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133909/https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/meet-the-two-louisiana-natives-competing-on-the-bachelorette-for-michelle-youngs-heart/article_01ebc41c-3109-11ec-a528-3fadd5fcf3c6.html. live.
  33. Web site: Who Is Bachelorette's Chris Sutton? 5 Things to Know About the Louisiana Native Accused of Being a 'Snake'. Us Weekly. Macke. Johnni. November 9, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141727/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/bachelorettes-chris-sutton-what-to-know-about-the-louisiana-native/. live.
  34. Web site: The Bachelorette's New Season Has A Canadian Contestant & Here's What We Know About Him. Narcity. Silva. Emily. September 27, 2021. September 28, 2021. September 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210928064845/https://www.narcity.com/the-bachelorettes-new-season-has-a-canadian-contestant-and-heres-what-we-know-about-him. live.
  35. Web site: A Mathematician Walks Out of a Limo. The Harvard Crimson. Faber. Sarah. November 18, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 8, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220308225130/https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2021/11/18/bachelorette-romeo-alexander/. live.
  36. Web site: Will, will you accept this rose? West Michigan man tells all about his time on 'The Bachelorette'. WZZM. Flores. Andrea. November 23, 2021. March 19, 2022. August 9, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230809032029/https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/local/will-will-you-accept-this-rose-west-michigan-man-tells-all-about-his-time-on-the-bachelorette/69-27a2078d-b0df-4f72-8aa0-57adf284a7e3. live.
  37. Web site: Who is Mollique Johnson on 'The Bachelorette'? 5 things to know about academic instructor. Sportskeeda. Sen. Sushmita. October 19, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141759/https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/who-mollique-johnson-the-bachelorette-5-things-know-academic-instructor. live.
  38. Web site: LI Bachelorette contestant survives Week One. Newsday. Lovece. Frank. October 20, 2021. March 19, 2022. December 1, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211201103150/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/tv/reality-tv/bachelorette-peter-izzo-michelle-young-1.50395738. live.
  39. Web site: Bachelorette Michelle Young Calls Out Jamie Skaar During Men Tell All Special: 'Words Do Matter'. People. Jackson. Dory. December 6, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141727/https://people.com/tv/bachelorette-michelle-young-calls-out-jamie-skaar-during-men-tell-all-special/. live.
  40. Web site: Forest native gives insight on being on 'The Bachelorette'. WSET-TV. Doner. Madison. December 7, 2021. March 19, 2022. June 28, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220628225959/https://wset.com/news/local/forest-native-alec-thompson-gives-insight-being-on-the-bachelorette-abc-michelle-young. live.
  41. Web site: Who Left 'The Bachelorette' in Season 18 Episode 2?. Newsweek. Spencer. Samuel. October 27, 2021. March 19, 2022. March 19, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220319141728/https://www.newsweek.com/bachelorette-season-18-episode-2-recap-who-went-home-1643022. live.
  42. Web site: This Season of The Bachelorette Features One of Houston's Very Own. October 12, 2021. Stewart. Shelby. Houstonia. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133910/https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2021/10/the-bachelorette-2021-houston-native-pj-henderson. live.
  43. Web site: 'The Bachelorette' Premiere Recap: Michelle's Cocktail Party Elimination, Hometown Reunion. Variety. Haley. Kluge. October 26, 2021. October 20, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211023103313/https://variety.com/2021/tv/recaps/the-bachelorette-recap-season-18-episode-1-michelle-young-early-elimination-hometown-reunion-1235093043/. October 23, 2021. live.
  44. Web site: Former BYU student gets sent home on 'The Bachelorette'. October 22, 2021. Scribner. Herb. Deseret News. July 14, 2023. July 14, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230714133909/https://www.deseret.com/2021/10/19/22734870/bachelorette-fall-2021-garrett-aida-byu-grad-mormon-lds. live.
  45. Web site: Who Is Ryan Fox? 5 Things to Know About the Season 18 'Bachelorette' Contestant Accused of Pre-Planning His Actions. Us Weekly. Grebenyuk. Yana. October 19, 2021. March 19, 2022. December 7, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211207190619/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/pictures/bachelorettes-ryan-fox-what-to-know-about-michelle-youngs-suitor/. live.
  46. Web site: Bachelor in Paradise Cast Announcement Includes Fan Favorites Andrew Spencer and Michael Allio. August 26, 2022. August 26, 2022. People. August 26, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220826171304/https://people.com/tv/bachelor-in-paradise-season-8-cast-announced/. live.
  47. Meet the cast of Bachelor in Paradise season 9. August 25, 2023. August 25, 2023. Wang. Jessica. Entertainment Weekly.