Fresh from the heartbreak of being dumped by Jenn Tran in the previous season of The Bachelorette, Grant Ellis is now at the helm of his own romantic journey. He finds himself in a whirlwind of emotions as he navigates the diverse personalities of 25 eager contestants. Each woman brings something unique to the table, leading to moments of heartfelt connection and awkward hilarity that leave Grant both enchanted and bewildered.

As is typical with any franchise premiere, the entrances of the contestants are always a highlight, and this season’s women truly went above and beyond. From extravagant wedding cakes to whimsical genie lamps, and even a pizza-themed entrance complete with a ?no drama llama,? each contestant made a bold effort to ensure they would be unforgettable in Grant’s eyes.

As the evening unfolded, the contestants were not shy in the romance department either. Kisses were exchanged as Grant soaked in the beauty surrounding him, making it clear that physical attraction was a significant factor for him. He eagerly expressed admiration for each woman, highlighting their captivating beauty as the first component he noticed, setting the stage for the evolving connections.

However, it quickly became apparent that Grant is equally drawn to women who possess a good sense of humor and demonstrate a strong connection to family. Bonus points are awarded for those who have a nurturing side or a passion for children. With this revelation, it?s clear that Grant is ready to settle down and perhaps even start a family of his own!

Initially, we were somewhat skeptical about Grant being the chosen Bachelor, but following this premiere, his charm is evident. He has always been incredibly handsome, suave, and engaging, yet his personality truly began to shine through, showcasing his growth since his fifth-place finish in the last season.

Glimpses of Grant’s character were further illuminated during the premiere as we revisited his family, including his father, who is a recently recovering addict. The challenges stemming from his parents’ tumultuous marriage have undeniably shaped Grant?s perspective on relationships, influencing what he seeks in his future partner.

It was heartwarming to witness the rekindled relationship between Grant and his father, showcasing recovery on a public platform. The stigma surrounding addiction often leads to misunderstandings, yet Robert illustrates that life after addiction is possible and deserving of a chance to flourish.

Without the guidance of his father during a challenging upbringing, Grant emerged as a ?lone wolf,? driven to succeed against the odds. His mother’s daily strength inspired him, especially as she fought to keep the family afloat, alongside the support from his older sister.

While not a conventional family by any means, Grant has made conscious choices to rise above his past and create a better future. The evident bond he shares with his grandmother, mother, and sister speaks volumes about his values and the importance he places on family.

With such strong family ties, any woman fortunate enough to journey alongside Grant will surely find herself welcomed into a supportive and loving environment.

The entrance sequences during the premiere are not only about making a splash; they are crucial in the quest to leave a lasting impression on Grant. Contestants must balance creativity with authenticity to stand out from the crowd. With the first eliminations looming, it?s a race against time!

As always, the entrances ranged from sweet and genuine to overtly theatrical, leaving us both entertained and bewildered. Among the most memorable was the ?no drama llama,? who, despite her eccentricity, captured the hearts of many viewers.

We were particularly delighted by Alexe’s decision to bring along Linda, her charming no-drama llama. Linda quickly became the star of the evening, completely stealing the spotlight from her owner. If host Jesse Palmer isn?t careful, Linda might just take over his job!

Top Contestant Entrances That Stole the Show

• Allyshia: ?We?re gonna rub this lamp and make a wish for our journey here. And if we?re really lucky, our wish may be Grant.? Allyshia?s clever wordplay showcased her personality, making her entrance both memorable and fun.
• Alexe: ?I grew up in a small town on a farm,? stated Alexe. ?Why not introduce you to my no-drama llama? So, her name is Linda. Wait, hold on a second. What?s that, Linda? Yeah, he?s cute.? Alexe’s playful interaction with Linda highlighted her confidence and charm, making her stand out in a memorable way.
• Juliana: ?I brought you something Italian and I just have one question, Mr. Ellis. Would you do the honor and share this cannoli with me?? said Juliana, bringing out the delicious treat. ?We?ll Lady and the Tramp it.? Her intimate approach not only caught Grant?s attention but also showcased her boldness, as demonstrated by his reaction to her entrance.
• Savannah: ?I?m a wedding planner, so I thought we?d get a jumpstart on ours,? said Savannah, carrying a wedding cake. ?Look at us on here!? The prop was a clever representation of her profession and aspirations, although it seemed a bit heavy for her!
• Zoe: ?Every power couple needs some merch, and I actually think that we can throw some to a few of our followers,? said Zoe, launching t-shirts with her and Grant?s faces into the mansion, where the other women found them. Kudos to Chloie for her confidence in wearing one and having fun with it!

Contestant Entrances That Missed the Mark

• J?Nae: ?Just like you, my first love was basketball. So I?m hoping by the end of this, we can be each other?s last love.? While the sentiment behind her chalk dust shower was sweet, it was impractical and left us questioning its significance.
• Alli Jo: ?Grant, will you accept this piece of my heart?? The heart-shaped pizza and jeep entrance felt lazy and disconnected from Alli Jo’s identity as a boxing coach, lacking the uniqueness needed to make a lasting impression.
• Radhika: ?I want you to know that every moment together will be as fun as, like, a Bollywood dance.? Radhika seemed nervous as she danced in, leaving us feeling empathetic. Her energy didn?t quite resonate with Grant, making her entrance feel awkward.
• Bailey: ?Do you mind if we take some pictures? Well, I actually mean of me. I feel like my lifelong partner will know all my angles, so give it your best shot.? Although Bailey finally got a selfie with Grant, her overly performative nature left us feeling disconnected from her as a person.
• Sarafiena: ?I promise to be your biggest cheerleader, to tell you how handsome, how tall, and how funny you are,? said Sarafiena, hiding behind a giant cut-out of Grant?s head. While her humorous approach was memorable, it overshadowed her as an individual.

As the evening progressed, Grant was not shy about exchanging kisses with the ladies, who were equally eager to make their mark. The competition intensified as they each vied for his attention and affection, leading to some memorable romantic moments.

However, we weren?t quite convinced by Bailey?s choice to dress Grant in an itchy bob wig to match her hairstyle. It came across as overly theatrical and did little to connect with Grant on a personal level, feeling more performative than genuine.

Parisa brought a humorous approach with her PowerPoint presentation about their potential future together, complete with what appeared to be AI-generated images of their wedding and family. While entertaining, it at least tied back to Grant, showcasing their compatibility.

Allyshia captured the first kiss of the night while sharing her love for rom-coms. The connection they formed through discussing romantic quotes set the stage for their kiss, highlighting the chemistry that can spark from shared interests.