The Bachelor A Game-Changer Finale: Bachelor Nation fans held their breath as Joey Graziadei’s quest for love reached its climax on March 25. In the culminating moments of Season 28’s finale, Graziadei knelt down before Kelsey Anderson, a 25-year-old junior project manager from New Orleans, and asked for her hand in marriage—an offer she joyfully accepted.
The Bachelor A Game-Changer Finale
Finally, Graziadei confessed his love to Anderson, who tearfully reciprocated. Their embrace and kiss seemed like the typical conclusion to a Bachelor finale—until it wasn’t.
The catalyst for the unexpected turn of events was runner-up Daisy Kent.
Kent, also 25, left an impression throughout Graziadei’s journey, from her memorable entrance with a truckload of Christmas trees—a nod to her upbringing on a tree farm—to her presence in the final showdown for Graziadei’s affections. Despite her desire to be Graziadei’s ultimate choice, Kent harbored doubts, especially after a disconcerting final date.
and i think THIS is the moment we all knew… #TheBachelor pic.twitter.com/dg988jyIai
— dub (@bbSLOPTOP) March 26, 2024
In a groundbreaking move for the franchise, Kent visits Anderson’s hotel room just before the proposal. Their heartfelt conversation about their respective experiences with Graziadei reveals Anderson’s reassurance and Kent’s lingering doubts.
Breaking ‘Bachelor’ protocol
What follows is unprecedented: Kent and Anderson share a limo ride to the proposal location, holding hands—a stark departure from the franchise’s tradition of keeping finalists isolated. Kent exits the limo first to confront Graziadei, expressing her love for him before gracefully bowing out. As she returns to the limo, Anderson awaits outside—a first for the franchise. The women share a poignant embrace, with Kent comforting Anderson about her late mother.
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This departure from protocol resonated with viewers, signaling a shift from competition to genuine connection. As Kay Brown, co-host of the Betchelor podcast, notes, it underscores the essence of finding a perfect match rather than winning a contest.
Kent and Anderson’s actions. Danielle Lindemann
Experts weigh in on the significance of Kent and Anderson’s actions. Danielle Lindemann, a sociology professor, acknowledges the show’s reliance on conflict for ratings and how the women’s camaraderie challenges this narrative. Maria Pramaggiore, a specialist in reality TV, highlights the double standard women face on the show and interprets Kent and Anderson’s defiance as a rejection of this competitive nature.
Kent’s decision to prioritize her well-being garners praise from fans. Pramaggiore suggests that by choosing herself over the competition, Kent asserts her worth and breaks free from the role of the “loser.”
Joey and Kelsey’s first Instagram statements after the show
In the end, Kent and Anderson demonstrate that self-love and friendship are invaluable, transcending the quest for romance on reality TV.
