The twenty-first season of The Bachelor premiered on January 2, 2017. This season features 36-year-old Nick Viall, a software sales executive from Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Viall graduated from the University of WisconsinâÂÂMilwaukee with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He previously appeared as the runner-up on both the 10th and 11th seasons of The Bachelorette, featuring Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe, respectively. Viall also participated in the 3rd season of Bachelor in Paradise, where he formed a connection with alumna Jennifer Saviano but did not pursue a long-term relationship.
The season concluded on March 13, 2017, with Viall proposing to 29-year-old special education teacher Vanessa Grimaldi. The couple ended their engagement on August 25, 2017.
On August 30, 2016, during season 2, episode 4 of 'âÂÂand while the 3rd season of Bachelor in Paradise was still airingâÂÂNick Viall was announced as the next Bachelor.
Before Viall's selection as the lead for the 21st season of The Bachelor, fan favorites Luke Pell and Chase McNaryâÂÂboth from season 12 of The BacheloretteâÂÂwere strongly considered for the role, as revealed by host Chris Harrison.
Pell and McNary ultimately went on to participate in other installments of the Bachelor franchise. Pell competed in The Bachelor Winter Games, while McNary appeared in season six of Bachelor in Paradise.
Filming for this season began on September 24, 2016, with the show traveling to various locations, including Nick Viall's home state of Wisconsin, New Orleans, Louisiana, Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands, Bimini in the Bahamas, and Lapland in Finland.
Numerous media outlets reported that the Backstreet Boys performed on September 30, 2016, at the Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater in Downtown Los Angeles during the season. Besides the Backstreet Boys, other notable appearances included Olympians Michelle Carter, Allyson Felix, and Carl Lewis, country singer Chris Lane, and singer Lolo.
The production was initially scheduled to travel from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina, with host Chris Harrison indicating a stop at Kiawah Island. However, due to the impact of Hurricane Matthew on South Carolina, the location was changed to Viall's home state of Wisconsin. South Carolina was later visited during the thirteenth season of The Bachelorette.
The season began with 30 contestants.
Rachel Lindsay was announced as the lead for the thirteenth season of The Bachelorette while this season of The Bachelor was still airing. She made history as the first African American lead in the franchise.
Additionally, several contestants from Nick Viall's season, including Raven Gates, Alexis Waters, Kristina Schulman, Astrid Loch, Whitney Fransway, Jasmine Goode, and Corinne Olympios, made notable appearances throughout the season.
Several contestants from Nick Viall's season returned for season 4 of Bachelor in Paradise. These included Raven, Corinne, Taylor Nolan, Alexis, Lacey Mark, Kristina, Danielle Maltby, Danielle Lombard, Christen Whitney, Sarah Vendal, Dominique Alexis, Jaimi King, and Jasmine.
At the end of the season, Raven, Taylor, and Lacey left Paradise in relationships with Adam Gottschalk, Derek Peth, and Daniel Maguire, respectively. However, it was revealed during the reunion show that Lacey and Daniel had ended their relationship. Adam and Raven were still together, while Derek and Taylor became engaged.
Christen, Astrid, and Angela Amezcua returned for season 5 of Bachelor in Paradise.
During the reunion show, it was announced that Astrid and Kevin had rekindled their relationship after leaving Paradise.
Angela and Kristina returned for season 6, along with Whitney.
Danielle M. returned for season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise. She left in a relationship with Michael Allio in week 6.
Angela participated in the inaugural season of Bachelor in Paradise Canada. She left the show in a relationship with Brendan Morgan.
Nick Viall competed in the 24th season of Dancing with the Stars. He was partnered with professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd and finished in sixth place.
Jasmine appeared on the first season of the U.S. version of Ex on the Beach.
Corinne appeared on the first season of House of Villains.
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Nick and Vanessa announced their breakup on August 25, 2017.
Vanessa married Josh Wolfe on August 20, 2021. They have one son together, Winston Franco, who was born on September 29, 2022.
Nick made a cameo on the season 18 Family Guy episode, "Yacht Rocky". Peter talks to Nick and inquires about him and Vanessa, to which says that they broke up. Peter then says that he would "murder his family for one hour with Corinne".