ABC/Edward Herrera
*Drumroll Please!* Clare Crawley Is the Next Bachelorette: Everything You Need to Know About Her Season
Congrats! Clare Crowley has officially been announced as the next Bachelorette, and season 16 just got a whole lot more exciting. Although Peter Weber‘s journey to find love on The Bachelor is still happening, fans can’t wait for the new leading lady to kick off her next chapter. The reality starlet confessed that the decision was “so unexpected” during the reveal on Good Morning America on March 2.
Clare, 38, first appeared in the Bachelor franchise on ‘ season back in 2014. She later went on to appear on season 2 of Bachelor in Paradise but was eliminated during the third week. Most recently, the hairstylist also had a stint on Bachelor Winter Games in 2018. Although she left a single lady, she and contestant got engaged after the season wrapped. Sadly, they .
She has a lot of fans rooting for her, including show alum Ashley Iaconetti . Clare is “such a warm, nurturing soul who knows what she deserves,” the reality babe exclusively told Life & Style. Clare agreed with that sentiment during her appearance on GMA. She noted that her age and experience is a major positive. “A lot of people put it out there as this negative thing,” she said. “But, I know what I want, what I don’t want and what I won’t settle for.” Yes!
Bachelor Nation had been keeping their fingers crossed for a throwback pick as the new Bachelorette. “We are big believers in there is no terrible idea, unless someone’s obviously married or in a relationship,” show host Chris Harrison exclusively told Life & Style about the big decision in February. “But, if they’re not taken, and if they’re single, they’re a viable candidate.”
From Andi Dorfman to Clare Crowley, there were a lot of names floating around for who should lead the new season. Ashley I. agreed that “people [were] really craving an older cast and perhaps lead,” during an exclusive interview with Life & Style. The Bachelor in Paradise alum thought Andi would be great because she’s “witty, whip-smart, stunning and won’t put up with crap.”
Reality Steve reported in late February that the top contenders for the next Bachelorette were , and . The gossip outlet claimed that those three had “met with production for formal interviews,” but the franchise was leaning away from using someone from the pilot’s season. However, Ashley I. thought Kelsey was “100 percent ready” to take the reins of her own season. “That girl is trying to find her husband,” the brunette beauty exclusively dished to LS about the former Miss Iowa. “I don’t even think she cares about all the hoopla that comes with the show.”
As far as Hannah Brown, many people thought she would get a second shot after her quickie engagement to Jed Wyatt. “I would love to see Hannah be the Bachelorette again in a couple of years,” Ashley explained about the Alabama beauty, but added that she doesn’t “want people to get Hannah burnout.”
It’s been a rollercoaster, but we can’t wait for season 16!
