Who Went Home on 'The Bachelor'? Matt James' Eliminations

It’s on! Matt James’ journey on The Bachelor has been a wild ride. The leading man formed strong connections and made tough decisions from the get-go of season 25, and each week got even harder.

Matt, 29, was named as the first Black Bachelor in franchise history back in June. Surprisingly, he had previously never appeared on any Bachelor Nation show.

The real estate analyst was connected to the Bachelor world through BFF and NYC roommate Tyler Cameron, and he was cast as a contestant for Clare Crawley’s season in March. However, he was bumped up to leading man prior to The Bachelorette being filmed in July after it was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Matt admitted he had apprehensions about going on the show since he never went through the process personally. “Well, I’ve seen it work out for people in the past, and I reached out to those people. Because as someone who has never been a part of that, there’s gotta be some skepticism,” he told Good Morning America before the premiere on January 4. “They reassured me to just be myself and trust the process and to be open and vulnerable, and that’s what I did.”

His season promised to deliver drama right off the bat, considering the Wake Forest grad confessed he had “never been in love” before. To make his journey even more interesting, nearly 40 contestants were initially announced for season 25. Like season 16 of The Bachelorette, Matt’s season was filmed entirely at one location — the Nemacolin Resort in Pennsylvania.

ABC executive Rob Mills told Variety the surplus of contestants was due to health concerns with COVID-19. “We brought all these women out just in case any of them tested positive,” the reality exec said. “You just never know, so we always have alternates. Maybe next time, we don’t have to bring in as many people.” Five new contestants arrived at the resort during week 4’s episode.

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Matt told Good Morning America in June he’s “looking for qualities” his “mom embodies,” such as being “selfless, honest, caring [and] compassionate.”

“Those are qualities found in women all shape, sizes and races, and it’s not a Black or white thing,” he continued. “So, I’m hoping that when that limo pulls up there is a lot of diversity, and I see every type of woman coming out of that limo.”

We hope Matt finds love! Until then, see who got eliminated during season 25 so far.

Week 9: Bri

Bri Springs quit her high-powered job to explore her relationship with Matt on the reality dating show. Although they had an amazing fantasy suite date, his connections with finalists Michelle Young and Rachael Kirkconnell were stronger. Bri was eliminated during the rose ceremony on the March 8 episode.

Week 7: Abigail

Our hearts broke for Abigail Heringer when she confronted Matt about never receiving a one-on-one date. He admitted that their connection was so strong off the bat — she even received the first impression rose — that he ended up neglecting it to pursue other relationships. In the end, his feelings weren’t strong enough, and she was sent home during the group date.

Week 6: Katie

Matt did not give Katie Thurston a rose on their one-on-one date during the February 8 episode. The leading man explained that his feelings were just not strong enough to warrant keeping her another week. Luckily, this isn’t the last of Katie. The brunette beauty is rumored to be the next Bachelorette.