In a pretty epic twist, Rachel Lindsay, a fan favorite on this 21st season of The Bachelor, has been chosen to be the next Bachelorette. The 31-year-old attorney (who reminds us of a young Robin Givens) will be the first Black woman chosen to lead the spinoff show to find love.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lindsay said that while she’s enthusiastic about her opportunity, she doesn’t want people to think her journey to find love will be much different from any other woman picked as the Bachelorette just because she’s Black.
“I’m happy to represent myself as a black woman in front of America and I’m happy for America to rally behind me and see what it’s like for me to be on this journey to find love,” she said. “Honestly, it’s not going to be that different from any other season of The Bachelorette.”
She continued, “I’m obviously nervous and excited to take on this opportunity but I don’t feel added pressure being the first black Bachelorette, because to me I’m just a black woman trying to find love. Yes, I’m doing [sic] on this huge stage, but again my journey of love isn’t any different just because my skin color is.”
The news was announced last night during Jimmy Kimmel Live, and it was the first time the Bachelorette was announced while The Bachelor was still going, and specifically, while the pick is still on the show. However, she told Kimmel that they’re a few weeks shy of the finale and producers felt it was a fine time to announce the news. Lindsay is a fan favorite and initially had a pretty good connection with current Bachelor Nick Viall.
When asked what it is she’s looking for in her perfect match, Lindsay told Kimmel, “I’m looking for someone who’s ready for what I’m ready for. At this point in my life, 31, I’m ready to find a husband, someone who’s ready to start a family.”
She added, “I’m ready to find love, ready to find a husband. So if you know anybody out there who needs to apply, sign up and get started.”
This pick comes after the ABC Entertainment president stated last year that they were ready to make some big changes to the show. It will be interesting to see what type of love interests are brought in for the Texas native and if she’s really able to find the love she’s looking for. Whether or not she does, you know millions of people will be watching. The Bachelorette premieres Monday, May 22 on ABC.
