The First Asian American ‘Bachelorette’ Makes History is revealed at the Bachelor finale
The audience was already enthusiastic at the end of Joey Graziadei’s amazing Bachelor finale, and their excitement only grew when host Jesse Palmer and former Bachelorette Charity Lawson revealed that the upcoming season of The Bachelorette would be groundbreaking for ABC.
Jennifer Tran, a beloved 25-year-old physician assistant student from Miami who was a fan favorite on Joey’s season, will make history as the first Asian American lead in the franchise.
Next to Palmer on stage, Charity excited the audience. She described the next Bachelorette as intelligent, witty, fun, and kind. Charity expressed her hope that the Bachelorette would find true love during her journey, just like she did with Dotun Olubeko.
Jenn appeared very excited as she stepped onto the stage. She has been one of the top contenders from Joey’s season to possibly become the Bachelorette, along with Maria Georgas and Daisy Kent.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Jenn said. “It’s crazy. It feels so surreal to be sitting here. Honestly, just yesterday, I was in an ER. I was working, and now I’m here. I’m in stilettos and this gown or whatever.” Looking toward Charity, she acknowledged, “I know I have some really big shoes to fill.”
When asked how she feels about becoming the first Asian American Bachelorette, Jenn told Palmer, “That is an absolutely insane thing to come out of your mouth. It’s honestly incredible, and I feel so so grateful and so honored to be the first Asian Bachelorette. Growing up, I’ve always wanted to see Asian representation on TV, and I feel like it was really sparse. Any time asians were in the media, it was to fill a supporting character role, to fill a stereotype.”
In becoming the lead of her own season, Jenn said, “I just can’t help but think of how many people I’m inspiring.”
During the show’s “Women Tell All” reunion last week, Jenn acknowledged that Joey had set the bar high for her future relationships. When asked on Monday night what she’s looking for in a relationship now, she said she’s on the hunt for someone with a big personality.
“I want someone who has that kind of banter,” Jenn said. “I’m all about having fun, and I want someone who can take it as much as they can dish it.” Later on, in an ABC-friendly line, she added that she hopes to find her “person.”
Perhaps the most surprising moment came when Palmer asked Jenn what we don’t know about her yet. To find out, she said, we’ll have to watch and see. That said, she did offer us one fun fact. In her house, she has a saying: “It’s shot o’clock.”
This caused excitement among all the Bachelor alum in the studio audience, including Maria and Gerry Turner. They all raised their glasses in celebration and headed to the stage as the credits rolled. It seems like this season will be one to remember.
