Katie Thurston and Michelle Young are both fan favorites from Matt James’ “Bachelor” season earlier this year. They’re each getting their own season of “The Bachelorette,” with Thurston’s airing this summer and Young’s in the fall.
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“We’re the Bachelorettes,” they announced on Monday night’s “After the Final Rose” special, which aired following the finale of James’ season.
Thurston, a 30-year-old bank marketing manager from Renton, Washington, and Michelle Young, a 28-year-old teacher from Edina, Minnesota, both said Monday that they were “ready” to find love.
The upcoming Seasons 17 and 18 of “The Bachelorette” will look quite different than in years past, as longtime host Chris Harrison won’t be at the helm of the show.
ABC announced just days ago that former “Bachelorettes” Kaitlyn Bristowe and Tayshia Adams will take over upcoming hosting duties after Harrison took a leave for admitting he spoke “in a manner that perpetuates racism.”
During her season with James, Katie Thurston became a fan favorite, making herself known from the start by arriving at the Nemacolin Resort with a vibrator in-hand.
Following her elimination in Week 6, much of Bachelor Nation endorsed Thurston as the next “Bachelorette.” Her social media following also shows the strength of her fanbase. Thurston has an Instagram following of 449,000 fans, a Twitter following of 53,000, and a TikTok following of over 274,000 fans.
Young, meanwhile, made it all the way to the finale but was sent home without a rose, leaving her heartbroken. Fellow contestant Rachael Kirkconnell nabbed the stem (sans a marriage proposal) but, as revealed on “After the Final Rose,” is no longer dating James.
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The pair broke up in the wake of the controversy that swirled around Kirkconnell and the franchise after her past racially insensitive photos and social media interactions resurfaced.
