Spoiler alert: Grant Ellis will not be proposing to the Season 21 Bachelorette, Jenn Tran. That’s because he’s already been chosen to be the Season 29 Bachelor.
Many fans were disappointed when he was eliminated from The Bachelorette on Monday, August 12. Jenn’s attraction to him was obvious from the beginning. He seemed so compatible with her. They shared the same values. It was a huge surprise when Grant didn’t get the rose that guaranteed him a hometown visit.
His selection as the next Bachelor is sure to take the sting out of the situation. But normally, the next Bachelor or Bachelorette is announced during the After the Final Rose episode. What’s the rush?
It’s all about business for ABC
There was a reason ABC executives rushed the announcement before the end of the season.
“We are announcing Grant so quickly so people can still apply to be on his season,” an ABC executive wrote via X. “If you think Grant is potentially the man of your dreams or you know someone who is, apply ASAP!!!”
“A self-proclaimed mama’s boy, Grant’s infectious smile and unwavering positivity instantly brightens every room he enters,” ABC proclaimed in a press release on Monday. “The former pro basketball player is passionate about his career as a day trader, but when he’s not immersed in the fast-paced world of finance, you can find him cheering on the Lakers, hitting strikes at the bowling alley, or belting out tunes at karaoke nights.”
The release added that Grant is “eager to embark on a journey filled with romance, adventure, and genuine connections. He hopes to find a partner who shares his values of loyalty, humor, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.”
The second Black Bachelor, Grant Ellis
Only the second Black Bachelor in the series’ history, Grant follows in Matt James’ footsteps.
“My sole focus [of accepting the role] was finding someone that I could spend the rest of my life with,” Matt said in 2022. “It wasn’t until after I accepted it that I really felt the weight of … everyone’s expectations on my journey.”
Earlier this year, Executive Producer Bennett Graebner discussed the multiple controversies that have surrounded past Black cast members.
“I was there for Matt James’ season, … for Rachel Lindsay’s season, … and for Michelle Young’s, Tayshia Adams’, and Charity Lawson’s seasons,” Graebner said. “I think as stewards of this franchise … there’s a tremendous responsibility to have conversations on camera that are difficult and challenging — conversations about race, conversations about class, conversations about gender.”
ABC execs remain committed to confronting issues of race when it comes to its shows, adding, “We have done that. Have we always done it perfectly? No. We’ve certainly made some mistakes along the way. But moving forward, we’re going to do everything in our power to correct this.”
The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF GRANT AS THE NEXT BACHELOR?
