It was revealed on Monday, Feb. 13, that Rachel Lindsay has been cast as the next star of The Bachelorette, making her the first black lead of the franchise.

“I’m happy to represent myself as a black woman in front of America and I’m happy for America to rally behind me and see what it’s like for me to be on this journey to find love,” the 31-year-old told People magazine after the announcement was made on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “Honestly, it’s not going to be that different from any other season of The Bachelorette.”

rachel lindsay nick viall getty images

Rachel and Nick during the season premiere.

Rachel, who is still appearing on Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor, added, “I’m obviously nervous and excited to take on this opportunity but I don’t feel added pressure being the first black Bachelorette, because to me I’m just a black woman trying to find love. Yes, I’m doing so on this huge stage, but again my journey of love isn’t any different just because my skin color is.”

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The brunette beauty also joked with Jimmy Kimmel about the fact that she’s still technically competing after making it to the final four on Monday night’s episode. “I take it your hometown date with Nick did not go as planned?” the host teased. “This is a bit of a spoiler, because you’re still on the show.”

Rachel admitted, “Yes, it is. But we’re a couple weeks out from filming. We’re ready to get this started, I’m ready to find love, find a husband, so if you know anybody out there who needs to apply, sign up, go ahead and get started.”

As for Nick, who clearly didn’t put a ring on the attorney’s finger, the 36-year-old couldn’t help but gush over his ex. “Rachel and I had an amazing amount of chemistry from the very first night,” he shares on Tuesday’s episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “She got the first impression rose. I’m very excited for her. I think she’s going to be an amazing Bachelorette.”