SPOILER ALERT: DO NOT read if you have no yet watched the June 7 episode of “The Bachelorette’
Buckle up Bachelor Nation, because we have a new queen among us and she’s ready to find love in a hopeless place.
The name “Katie Thurston” might ring a bell, because she created quite the name for herself within the ABC franchise right off the bat. During season 25 of The Bachelor, Thurston introduced herself to Matt James and America with a vibrator in hand… yes, you heard that correctly! She quickly became known as the “vibrator girl,” but her sex-positive reputation changed when she became the bigger person and stood up against harsh bullying in the house.
That very night on season 25, America saw Thurston’s true colors and fell in love with her authenticity and heart of gold. Thankfully, ABC heard us fans loud and clear and made the out-spoken and influential gal our leading lady for season 17 of The Bachelorette.
It’s no surprise that Katie remained optimistic heading into her very own season. “I’m happy where I’m at now,” says The Bachelorette in an on-camera interview during Monday night’s premiere. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’m not going to settle.”
Dressed in an tangerine and crystal-embellished gown, Katie waited for her 30 suitors to arrive by limo to the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Next Mexico. Before the men could make their first impression, Katie was surprised by former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe. ABC has called in the two experienced ladies to help guide Katie on her journey, as Chris Harrison has recently stepped away from the franchise after defending Rachael Kirkconnell’s racially insensitive photos.
All three raised a glass of bubbly before the limo arrivals. While sipping on champagne, Katie told Tayshia and Kailyn that she doesn’t have a “type” and that she’s heading into this experience with an open mind. “It’s all about the personality,” she said.
Click through the gallery to see our Bachelorette breakdown and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts by leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by tweeting us @celebsecrets.
