On Monday, January 7, America will officially welcome Colton Underwood as the new Bachelor. Ahead of the season 23 return of ABC’s smash reality dating competition series lat month, the network released the names and photos of Underwood’s 30 contestants, and as with previous seasons, some of the ladies have rather interesting backgrounds and bios.
Underwood, a self-proclaimed lover of dogs, appears to have support from his pool of contestants with Alex B., a dog rescuer from Vancouver, vying for his attention. Another contestant, Catherine from Ft. Lauderdale, shows up to the Bachelor Mansion with a sweet Pomeranian named Lucy, who’s 70 in dog years. Underwood’s appreciation for animals will also be tested when Alex D. From Boston shows up in a sloth costume, because apparently her occupation is “a sloth.”
In addition to the dozens of ladies vying for his affection, Underwood will also greet two beauty queens, Miss Alabama USA 2018 Hannah Brown and Miss North Carolina USA 2018 Caelynn Miller-Keyes. One shows up in her sash with a complete embrace of the title, while the other chooses a more demure black dress for the cocktail party.
What would the first episode be, though, without some drama? “Colton is swept away by a very assertive woman, and he is surprised at how much chemistry he feels with some of the women … there are even a few kisses,” it says in the press release. “One persistent lady steals him away four times – much to the dismay of the others. Will the aggressive moves impress Colton or turn him off?”
Meet the season 23 contestants below.
Alex B., 29, a dog rescuer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, ALEX B.
Alex D., 23, a sloth from Boston, Massachusetts
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, ALEX D.
Angelique, 28, a marketing salesperson from Hamilton, New Jersey
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ANGELIQUE
Annie, 23, a financial associate from New York, New York
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ANNIE
Bri, 24, a model from Los Angeles, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, BRIANNA
Caelynn, 23, Miss North Carolina 2018 from Charlotte, North Carolina
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
CAELYNN, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Caitlin, 25, a realtor from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
CAITLIN, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Cassie, 23, a speech pathologist from Huntington Beach, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
CASSIE
Catherine, 26, a DJ from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
CATHERINE, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Courtney, 23, a caterer from Atlanta, Georgia
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COURTNEY
Demi, 23, an interior designer from Red Oak, Texas
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
DEMI
Devin, 23, a broadcast journalist from Medford, Oregon
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
DEVIN, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Elyse, 31, a makeup artist from Soldotna, Alaska
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ELYSE
Erika, 25, a recruiter from Encinitas, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ERIKA, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Erin, 28, Cinderella from Plano, Texas
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ERIN, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Hannah B., 23, Miss Alabama 2018 from Tuscaloosa, Alabama
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
HANNAH B., COLTON UNDERWOOD
Hannah G., 23, a content creator from Birmingham, Alabama
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
HANNAH G.
Heather, 22, never been kissed from Carlsbad, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, HEATHER
Adrianne “Jane,” 26, a social worker from West Hollywood, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
JANE, COLTON UNDERWOOD
Katie, 26, a medical sales representative from Sherman Oaks, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, KATIE
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, KATIE
Kirpa, 26, a dental hygienist from Whittier, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
KIRPA
Laura, 26, an accountant from Dallas, Texas
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, LAURA
Nicole, 25, a social media coordinator from Miami, Florida
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
NICOLE
Nina, 30, a sales account manager from Raleigh, North Carolina
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
NINA
Onyeka, 24, an IT risk consultant from Dallas, Texas
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
ONYEKA
Revian, 24, an esthetician from Santa Monica, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, REVIAN
Sydney, 27, an NBA dancer from New York, New York
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, SYDNEY
Tahzjuan, 25, a business development associate from Castle Pines, Colorado
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
TAHZJUAN
Tayshia, 28, a phlebotomist from Corona Del Mar, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, TAYSHIA
Tracy, 31, a wardrobe stylist from Los Angeles, California
THE BACHELOR – “Episode 2301” – What does a pageant star who calls herself the “hot-mess express,” a confident Nigerian beauty with a loud-and-proud personality,; a deceptively bubbly spitfire who is hiding a dark family secret, a California beach blonde who has a secret that ironically may make her the BachelorÕs perfect match, and a lovable phlebotomist all have in common? TheyÕre all on the hunt for love with Colton Underwood when the 23rd edition of ABCÕs hit romance reality series “The Bachelor” premieres with a live, three-hour special on MONDAY, JAN. 7 (8:00-11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Rick Rowell)
COLTON UNDERWOOD, TRACY
Tune in to the live, three-hour special airing Monday, January 7, on ABC.
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