rachel lindsay has been named the bachelorette for Season 13 of the popular ABC show "The Bachelorette." For the first time in the history of the show, a black woman has been selected as the bachelorette. "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" have had a combined total of 33 seasons, but neither show has ever had a black star. ABC has come under fire for the lack of diversity on the series.
That's changing with the next season of "The Bachelorette."
While on "The Bachelor," Lindsay was the one to get the first impression rose, and she was able to have a one-on-one date with Nick Viall in New Orleans. Viewers loved her, and now Lindsay is getting her chance to give out roses herself. ABC confirmed that Lindsay will be the next bachelorette on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Monday, February 13, 2017.
About Rachel Lindsay
Fans of "The Bachelor" already know who Rachel Lindsay is because she was one of Nick Viall's cast offs on Season 21 of "The Bachelor." The first black lead is a 31-year-old attorney from Dallas, Texas.
Creator Mike Fleiss listened to those that have been calling for diversity on the series. He has been tweeting about a "history-making announcement." So, Rachel Lindsay is what he has been teasing fans about. It is traditional for the announcement to be made after the finale. Perhaps the news was so exciting that producers couldn't wait because "The Bachelor" hasn't ended yet, and Rachel is still on that show.
Reactions to the first black bachelorette
ABC entertainment president Channing Dungey, the first African-American woman to run a broadcast entertainment division, told reporters back in August that she would like the series to have more diversity. Wells Adams, a former contestant from Season 12, doesn't think America will embrace having a woman of color as the bachelorette.
Host Chris Harrison told Us Weekly that the ABC show is looking forward to having Lindsay as the bachelorette. He described her as smart, sweet, caring, strong, and independent. He concluded that she would be a welcome asset in the next season.
What do you think about Rachel Lindsay being named the next bachelorette? Do you think the dynamic of the show will change?