Nick Viall Slams ABC’s Choice For Next ‘Bachelor’
Add Nick Viall’s voice to the Bachelor Nation fans who hate ABC’s choice for next Bachelor lead. What’s his issue with Clayton Echard?
Bachelor Nation alum found love outside the franchise
Nick Viall is well-known in Bachelor Nation. The Wisconsin native was originally cast as a suitor for Andi Dorfman’s season of The Bachelorette. He made it as far as the final two before getting sent home when she chose Josh Murray.
Viall then went on to pursue Kaitlyn Bristowe on the next season of The Bachelorette. But that proposal was a bust, as well.
However, Dorfman and Murray’s relationship was a bust, too. Rivals Nick Viall and Josh Murray found themselves looking for love again on Season 3 of Bachelor in Paradise. Viall left the beach single.
He was then chosen as the lead for Season 21 of The Bachelor. His engagement to Vanessa Grimaldi didn’t last long, however.
In February of 2021, he revealed on his The Viall Files podcast that he was dating surgical technologist Natalie Joy. He met her on social media when she slid into his DMs. The couple is coming up on their one-year anniversary.
It doesn’t appear that Nick Viall was ever in the running as the leading man for Season 26 of The Bachelor. So, if it’s not bitterness, why doesn’t he think Clayton Echard is the right choice?
Nick Viall slams ABC’s choice for next Bachelor
Nick Viall is one of the most outspoken Bachelor Nation alums. He didn’t hold back his feelings recently when calling Colton Underwood out for his alleged lies. Bachelorette Tayshia Adams also spoke out with allegations of dishonesty against Coming Out Colton star.
The Season 21 lead recently spoke to People magazine about ABC’s choice to cast Clayton Echard over any of Michelle Young’s final four. In Nick’s opinion, the four suitors “out-shined Clayton in every possible way.”
He also points out – as many viewers have – that Echard was given hardly any screen time on Season 18. For that reason, Viall implies that Season 26 could be boring.
“My fear for this season is that we’re going to get a lot of platitudes and a lot of very high level ‘nice.’ It’ll all sound nice, but none of it will sound real.” – Nick Viall, People magazine.
Season 26 will also see a new host. Former Bachelor Jesse Palmer takes over the reins from Chris Harrison, who last hosted Season 25.
Bachelorette alums Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe co-hosted Seasons 17 and 18 of The Bachelorette.
However, Nick Viall feels that Jesse Palmer will be the new permanent host for the franchise. “I don’t think you bring in someone like Jesse Palmer for one season,” he told the outlet.
But he’s willing to give Clayton Echard a chance – are viewers?
Right now, Nick Viall isn’t enthusiastic about Clayton Echard as the next Bachelor. But the Season 26 lead still has a chance to impress the Bachelor Nation alum. In fact, Viall is “rooting for” Echard to prove him wrong.
Nick Viall isn’t alone in not getting ABC’s choice for Season 26. Many Bachelor Nation viewers have questioned the network’s choice of reverting to the formulaic white lead after promising more diversity.
The official Bachelor twitter account shared a promo for Season 26.
It's official! 🍾 Clayton is ready to find the one when #TheBachelor premieres Monday, Jan 3! 🥰 pic.twitter.com/2BzOn00991
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) December 1, 2021
One follower replied, “Hes [sic] Vanilla.. With a capital V ABC didn’t want to choose from last 4 guys who happened to be POC. ABC even leaked Clayton well before last 4 guys were chosen.. We all know why..”
The post received similar comments and complaints.
Do you think Nick Viall is right that Clayton Echard is a bad choice for the next Bachelor? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Season 26 of The Bachelor kicks off on Monday, January 3, 2022.
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