After a long, kind of worrisome journey to discover who this season's Bachelorette would be (I begged the producers via ESP not to choose anyone from Weber's season), we finally got our definitive answer via Good Morning America. That's right: Clare Crawley is our new Bachelorette. The 39 year old is a longtime franchise participant, and she has a lot of fans (and critics!) alike. Nowhere was this more obvious than when Reality Steve spoiled the show pick over the weekend, with the official announcement coming out early Monday on Good Morning America. People had so many thoughts, and the below are just a few.
Former Bachelor contestant Ashley Spivey was all in, and I love that energy and support:
I am HERE for a 39 year old Bachelorette! Knew the pick was going to be unconventional since she is getting the early “Rachel release” but mostly just excited for @Clare_Crawley!!!! https://t.co/4kmMfIuJZJFebruary 29, 2020
So were other members of the franchise. Ben Higgins said to ET: "I love that she is mature and she does know what she is looking for and she really wants to find a partner. We've been shocked with Colton when he was the Bachelor, we were shocked with Hannah when she was announced as the Bachelorette, and it turned out great for the franchise."
Becca Kufrin also told ET: "I don't know her, but I am ready to kind of go back to the basics, to bump up the maturity level a little bit and to finally have hopefully deep real connections and conversations."
Nick Viall also weighed in:
Picking @Clare_Crawley for the next #bachelorette is an excellent choice!1) More believable with the times we are in. People are getting married later in life than ever before. 2) she as deserving as anyone3) she doesn’t know how to be inauthentic or hold back 4) bold/beautyMarch 2, 2020
Some people had worries, especially considering her long and fraught Bachelorette history:
Clare Crawley showed up to the mansion with a fake baby bump, had sex in the ocean with Juan Pablo, talked to raccoons on BIP, and got engaged to a french man on Winter Games. An absolute Bachelor legend, but if they make her bachelorette I s2g............ pic.twitter.com/eCoM4MN28sFebruary 27, 2020
But in that same thread, Wainschel changes her mind. "Ok I’ve thought about it and maybe I love the idea," she writes, lol.
And frankly, people thought that her time on the franchise made her a perfect pick and the potential perfect ending to her story:
Clare Crawley is a bachelor legend and easily one of the most memorable contestants of all time. The fact that she’s finally getting her own season after all these years is AMAZING. Perfect casting choice.February 29, 2020
Here's Crawley walking out during her announcement:
It’s really happening! @Clare_Crawley is #thebachelorette and I love it pic.twitter.com/c04mDAMIkaMarch 2, 2020
And here's how people reacted to her GMA appearance.
Please let them cast some solid guys for Clare. No 24 year old bros just looking to get instafamous. #TheBacheloretteMarch 2, 2020
I’m so excited about @Clare_Crawley being the next #bachelorette!! Finally someone older again!! Only thing that would be concerning is if they cast older gents for her, they won’t mesh well with #thebachelor castoffs in #BIP. Great choice @BacheloretteABC!! 🌹March 2, 2020
I don’t know Clare Crawley. BUT I read up on her, and I am all for her being the next #bachelorette 🙌🏼 tired of people coming straight out of school and signing up to “find love” aka get famous.March 2, 2020
Bachelor nation have been asking for older contestants for so long and with Clare Crawley as the Bachelorette we might finally get it. Also we all know that she will tell the men off when they are wrong and I’m so ready to see her journey next seasonMarch 2, 2020
I’m stoked for Clare Crawley. I think it’s gonna be a GREAT bachelorette season. I hardly saw any comments when Nick was the bachelor after he was on the show like 3 times. PLUS both Tia and Taysia have been on shows in the franchise more than once too. So y’all can take a seat.March 2, 2020
The only bad thing about Clare becoming #Bachelorette is remembering Juan Pablo existsMarch 2, 2020
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
-
Prince William and Princess Kate Literally Face the Same Woe as Every Other ParentThey may be royalty, but kids are kids.
-
Expert Says of Princess Kate’s Recent Transformation That “We Are Seeing the Real Kate Now”
Her revved up charisma matches that of a beloved royal family member that was anything but self-conscious.
-
It’ll Be Usher—and Kim Kardashian?—Headlining the Super Bowl Halftime Show Next Year
“It’s an honor of a lifetime,” he said.
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
The cast and crew are pausing the hit show in support of the writers' strike.
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
-
The 50 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
