BACHELOR REFLECTS ON SHOW’S LESSONS
Latest star of hit reality show looks back at the good and dramatic moments from this season, and what led him here
PASADENA, CALIF— Arie Luyendyk Jr. is known as the race car driver who got his heart broken by Emily Maynard in the 2012 season of The Bachelorette.
The 36-year-old Scottsdale, Ariz., man now sells real estate for a living and he’s looking to settle down in a dream home with one of 29 women selected for him by Bachelor producers in what may be the most dramatic season yet. (Well, not so far, but give them time.)
The batting average on TV dating shows such as The Bachelor has been abysmal. But the Star caught up with Luyendyk Jr. to ask him whether he beat the odds and finally found true love. The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on City.
Let’s start with the question you get the most. Are you happy? And feel free to tell me if you’re engaged.
Yes, I’m happy! What a great experience. It was a fun experience watching it back. I can’t elaborate. But it was really amazing for me. I think that the show always comes with some dramatic ending.
At this stage, I finally get to see the women and their interviews and what they were saying; it was really cool to see it from that perspective.
In the premiere you give the first impression rose to Chelsea, who is turning out to be something of a villain this season. Did you end up regretting that?
I think that first impression rose may seem a bit controversial. But for me, being a Bachelor that was cast very late and really not knowing who was there to start a relationship with, she made a great impression. I really felt that because she took such an initiative with me I needed to reward her because I really did feel she was in it for me. And on that very first night I felt it was important to do that. I think you’ll see over time that may- be people’s opinion will change with Chelsea. She is a single mom and taking this very seriously. And that speaks to why maybe she was so aggressive at the beginning.
We last saw you on Emily Maynard’s season back in 2012 when you had a very public breakup. What took so long for you to make the journey here?
The timing of everything. We got really close to doing something during Chris Soule’s season (2015). Before that, we had even shot a package for me to be the Bachelor. But it just didn’t work out for them. But this time, the timing was really right for both parties.
For myself, I had just went to my brother’s wedding when they approached. I was single, I was missing that part of my life. Doing The Bachelorette and being on Emily’s season, that was the last time I was ready to be engaged.
This being The Bachelor, the teasers are showing plenty of tears. Some of them yours.
It’s personal, you know. This show really tests you. It puts you out of your comfort zone. It’s also wonderfully beautiful at times. It’s not always a great experience and, for me, there were some dramatic moments. But those things only build stronger relationships. Everything, bad and good, happened there for a reason.
It’s hard to be introspective when you’re dating a couple dozen women and flying to different countries. But what did you learn about yourself?
I learned a lot. I learned that I’m capable of loving more than one person at the same time. I learned that this wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. But I also really enjoyed the experience. I also met some incredible women. And it was truly hard to say goodbye to them. But I’m glad I went through the process. I’m glad I did it.
TONY WONG TELEVISION CRITIC