Â
The Bachelor franchise and ABC network have had much critic over the years for its lack of diversity both in cast and in suitors.
But that is all about to change. Rachel Lindsey, a contestant from season 21 of The Bachelor, is the first African American in history to have the lead in a Bachelor franchise show.
Rachel Lindsey & Jimmy Kimmel
Â
The news broke on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and fans took to the internet to spread the long awaited news. It is not rare for the news to be leaked before an official announcement is made. But this year, Chris Harrison himself, the host of The Bachelor and all other bachelor franchise spin offs, made the surprise announcement live on television with Jimmy Kimmel.
Season 13 Bachelorette with Host Chris Harrison & Jimmy Kimmel
Â
It was a bit strange for ABC to make the announcement before Rachel has even been eliminated from Nick Viall’s season of The Bachelor, which is still airing, but fans are more than elated to see a change to the beloved franchise.
Nick Viall & Rachel Lindsey
Image from People.com
Â
Rachel has proved that she is more than just her skin color and pretty face. She is a successful and independent young woman who has built a career as an attorney in the city of Dallas, Texas. Â She is a candidate that very much deserves the spot as the next bachelorette. After the announcement was made, Nick Viall himself took to social media to offer his congrats via Twitter.
Image courtesy of Nick Viall’s Twitter
Â
This season of The Bachelor, which features suitor Nick Viall, is close to its finale. This week we watched as Nick traveled to four different places to meet the families of the four women who are still in the run to win over his heart. The Hometown dates featured Vanessa Grimaldi, Corinne Olympios, Raven Gates, and Rachel Lindsey herself.
Follow Rachel on her journey to find love when Season 13 of The Bachelorette premieres Monday, May 22 on ABC.
Image courtesy of ABC.com
Â
HCXOXO,
Vanessa Rivera
Â