After 15 years and plenty of public pressure for greater diversity, ABC has named the first African-American to headline one of its hit dating series.
Rachel Lindsay, 31, a Texas lawyer and popular contestant on the current season of The Bachelor, was announced as the next Bachelorette Monday on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live. The 13th season will premiere May 22, ABC announced.
Lindsay, who appeared on Kimmel with Bachelor/Bachelorette host Chris Harrison, will be the the first black lead on either dating show when she takes center stage on Season 13 of The Bachelorette, handing out roses and choosing and dismissing suitors. Lindsay has been one of the women seeking to win the affection of Nick Viall on The Bachelor, which launched in 2002 and is now in its 21st season.
The upcoming Bachelorette, generally a runner-up or other popular contestant from the previous season of The Bachelor (and vice versa), is usually named after The Bachelor finishes its season. The announcement is a pretty good indication that Lindsay, who received Viall's first-impression rose and made the final four during Monday's Bachelor episode, doesn't end up as his true love.
Robert Mills, who oversees ABC's alternative series, praised Lindsay in a statement accompanying Monday's announcement.
?We?re thrilled to have Rachel Lindsay as our next Bachelorette,? he said. ?This coveted role is always reserved for a fan-favorite from the previous season, and Rachel is no exception and has been the fans? choice since she exited the limo. She is an accomplished, confident and beautiful woman who knows what she wants in life. We all look forward to joining her on the joyous journey as she looks for that one special man.?
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2017/02/14/abc-names-first-black-bachelorette-rachel-lindsay/97879058/
