Last night's finale of The Bachelor had no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. Juan Pablo Galavis became the first bachelor since Brad Womack in 2007 to not propose on the final episode — though he didn't go home alone. Instead of getting down on one knee to present his Neil Lane engagement ring at the proposal altar in St. Lucia, Juan Pablo gave the diamond to Nikki, along with the final rose, as a promise to continue their relationship.
But it's what happened on the live After the Final Rose that really earned this season the "most dramatic ever" title. First, runner-up Clare took the stage to describe her anger at Juan Pablo. Unsurprisingly, she chose not to speak with him during the telecast, a first for the program.
Next, it was time for the winner's circle. Nikki, looking gorgeous in a slim-fitting red dress, told host Chris Harrison that she still loves Juan Pablo, and revealed the pair maintained a relationship since filming. Honestly, that alone impressed us: During the four months between the final rose ceremony and After the Final Rose the winning couple cannot be seen together publicly or make any mention of their relationship to friends or family. It's no wonder most Bachelor couples never make it to the altar!
But while Juan Pablo and Nikki are still in fact together, the controversial contestant has yet to say "I love you" to his girlfriend. Harrison pressed the bachelor to explain why he won't utter the three magic words to Nikki, but eventually switched to a less awkward subject: introducing former contestant Andi Dorfman as the new star of The Bachelorette!
Andi, an assistant district attorney, was a huge fan favorite this season before she elected to leave after the fantasy suite dates in St. Lucia. And after a preview of her upcoming season, we can't wait to watch her look for love! Here's why:
1. She's got brains and beauty. Andi is a feisty, articulate lawyer who relentlessly pursues gang-related cases in her hometown of Atlanta. Following a season of language barriers and miscommunication, it will be more than refreshing to get insight on love from an educated woman with an enviable wardrobe and shiny hair.
2. She knows what she wants. She wasted no time deciding to leave The Bachelor after she realized that Juan Pablo wasn't the man for her. A heated and frustrating conversation ensued when she broke the news to him, but she never lost focus. Now, she's ready to redirect her attention to finding a mate. "I'm looking to find that great love. I have a great life. I just don't have anyone to spend it with," Andi said during last night's episode. "I love my job. But at the end of the day, my job is not my priority. I'm ready to find my husband."
3. Her family will keep her in check. It's easy to get caught up in the "journey" that is The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, with its laser-sharp focus on a speedy engagement. During her hometown visit, her family was wise to tell Juan Pablo not to rush into a proposal just because it was the expected thing to do. With people like that on her side, there's no doubt Andi will have a smoother season than this season's bachelor.
We can't wait for her season to start on May 19!