Bachelorette star Michelle Young said that she is "excited" for former suitor, Clayton Echard's, upcoming season of The Bachelor. Clayton, 28, a medical sales representative who played football in the NFL, will debut as the Bachelor on January 3, 2022. Although Michelle eliminated him before the hometown dates because she didn't feel as much of a connection with him as she did with the other men, she has nothing but respect and admiration for him. Viewers also appreciated Clayton's kind and genuine nature during the show.
In Clayton's last appearance, he revealed his gentle and soft side as he interacted with Michelle's students on a group date, building pillow forts and having heart-to-heart talks with the kids. They chose him out of all of the other guys on the date to continue to spend time with Michelle at a one-on-one dinner. At this dinner, Michelle decided not to give Clayton the rose, and she walked him out. He was devastated, sharing privately that the only thing he wants in life is a wife and children. He cried about it, showing he is not afraid to express his emotions. Bachelor Nation once again had a glimpse into Clayton's heart, and he proved himself to be a sensitive and authentic man who just wants to find love.
In an interview with People conducted at KIIS FM's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball in California, Michelle said that she is "excited" to watch Clayton search for love on his upcoming season. She explained, "I mean, he was always just so kind." His kindness was evident in his respectful interactions with everyone, including Michelle and his fellow suitors. She added that he was always focused on "self-growth and working on himself" when he appeared on the show with her. This was evident on the show when Clayton really listened to Michelle when she revealed what she needed from the men, and he made a conscious effort to give her that on every date.
Michelle added that Clayton "was in this, like, constant state of reflection. And in our conversations, it was just really cool to see him kind of reflect and open up and then move forward." Michelle noticed Clayton's desire to open up and achieve his relationship goals, and even though they didn't find love with each other, Michelle said that "the fact that he gets this opportunity to find his person [is exciting]." Michelle seems to feel that Clayton deserves his position of the Bachelor and will do a great job with it.
Although Michelle did not find love with Clayton, the fact that she still has so much love and respect for him shows what kind of man he is. It is always nice to see a man of his age have so much self-awareness and such clear goals for his future. Michelle herself is a strong, self-reflective woman, so Bachelor Nation should trust her judgment about Clayton moving forward. The excitement is palpable, and the wait for Clayton's season will be over in less than a month.
The Bachelor premieres Monday, January 3, 2022 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
The Bachelorette airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Source: People