The new Bachelor has arrived as newcomer Matt James makes his debut. He began his journey to find love in the season 25 premiere episode.
There are a total of 32 women who want to be a part of Matt’s life. The Bachelor opened up about his childhood as he shares his perspective on love being affected. He shared that he grew up in a single-parent home. According to him, because of this, he missed out on a lot of what it takes for a good relationship.
The Bachelor also talked to his mother on camera as he concluded, “There’s no perfect family.” With that in mind, Matt feels ready to start searching for someone. He shared that he knows what he wants and what he is looking for. The new Bachelor said, “It’s a partnership. I’ve got so much hope in this process because I’ve seen it work. When I meet these women, I’m going to be 10 toes on the ground and ready to give them everything. I’m ready to start that next chapter in my life.”
He also told host Chris Harrison about what to expect from the show. Matt admitted his struggle with the pressure he put on himself for being the first Black Bachelor. He shared about his heritage as he said his mom is white and his dad is Black.
Matt also added his experience on being the by-product of interracial marriage. He expressed that it is tough because there are people with certain views, old-school views on what relationship and love looks like.
“Off to a great start”- Matt
The new Bachelor shared, “And you’ve got people who are cheering for you to find love. And then you’ve got people who are cheering for you to end up with a specific person, a specific person of a specific race.” He talked about how that has kept him up at night.
Matt said he does not want to piss off Black people, white people because he is both of those. He expressed his concern on how he could please everybody. However, the host assured him that the most important thing is he comes out of this with joy, peace, love and have an amazing woman who shares those things.
The first group of women arrived after The Bachelor was a bit calm. Matt met Bri first as she told him she is here for an opportunity to get to know him. “Off to a great start,” Matt said after meeting her. Few women also included their professions in their introductions. Attorney Kristin told Matt that he has been found guilty of being incredibly fine. Meanwhile, professional ballerina Alicia danced her way out.
Other women had gimmicks up their sleeves as Anna brought a survival kit. It included a stress ball and a red flag. IT consultant Saneh, 25, tried out a pun. “I think you’re the greatest of all time, and I hope you’ll also think that I’m the G.O.A.T.,” she said before revealing fuzzy hoof slippers under her gown.
“I can only go and speak on things that I’ve experienced and live out my truths”
Further in the episode, as the Bachelor talked to Kristin he revealed the load of responsibility he feels. He expressed that his experience is not everybody’s experience. The Bachelor said, “But in that, I feel like my experience isn’t everyone’s experience. I can only go and speak on things that I’ve experienced and live out my truths and do the best I can in representing who I am and how I was raised.”
However, among the women, Abigail was someone that caught Matt’s eye. She had opened up about being born deaf. Matt expressed how gorgeous she was as it was hard to focus and they leaned in for a kiss. Matt elicited the first impression rose and offered it to Abigail. “One of the things that I challenged the women with was being vulnerable and I felt like you were everything that I am asking of these women tonight,” he said. “And knowing that you’re a fighter, I thought that it was only appropriate that I ask you something. Abigail, will you accept this rose?”
Abigail was excited about the possibility of a future with Matt as others worried about not getting the time with the Bachelor. They went on for the rose ceremony as Matt confessed he is shaking because he knows tough decisions are part of what happens. He shared his promise to himself that he was going to follow his heart.
The new Bachelor proceeded to send home eight of the 32 women. Sticking around: Bri, Rachael, Chelsea, Sarah, MJ, Serena P., Khaylah, Kristin, Kit, Maggie, Pieper, Mari, Illeana, Jessenia, Kaili, Marylynn, Serena C., Lauren, Sydney, Alana, Katie, Anna, and last but especially not least, Victoria.
The Bachelor airs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.
