In the climactic conclusion of Season 28 of “The Bachelor,” lead Joey Graziadei made his ultimate decision, presenting his final rose and dropping to one knee in a picturesque scene.
The 28-year-old, known as a “teaching tennis pro,” expressed his heartfelt commitment to Kelsey Anderson, a 25-year-old junior project manager hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. Against the stunning backdrop of Tulum’s turquoise-blue waters crashing in waves behind them, Joey poured out his emotions, declaring, “Kelsey Alexandra Anderson, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” With anticipation hanging in the air, he sealed the momentous occasion with the age-old question, “Will you marry me?”
This pivotal moment not only marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple but also put an end to months-long speculation surrounding Joey’s emotional outburst on a solitary Tulum beach, finally offering closure to viewers who had been eagerly awaiting the resolution of this romantic journey.
The joyous culmination of the engaged couple’s journey left Daisy Kent, a 25-year-old account executive from Becker, Minnesota, grappling with heartbreak yet resolute in her choices. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed a bittersweet sentiment, remarking, “The thing is if I can love the wrong person that much, imagine how much I can love the right person?”
Now, let’s delve into the unfolding events that shaped this season’s narrative.
As the highly anticipated finale of “The Bachelor” 2024 unfolded, viewers were gripped by the emotional journey of the remaining contestants, Daisy and Kelsey, who emerged as the final two among a pool of 32 eligible women.
In poignant scenes, both Daisy and Kelsey participate in tearful meetings with Joey’s parents and sisters, seizing the opportunity to express their deep affection for him. However, Carly and Ellie, Joey’s sisters, voiced their reservations regarding Kelsey’s readiness for an engagement, casting a shadow of doubt over the proceedings.
Undeterred by the familial concerns, Joey pressed forward, engaging in his last romantic rendezvous with the two finalists, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion of this captivating season.
Despite harboring doubts about Joey’s eventual choice, Daisy took a courageous step forward by expressing her love for him for the first time during the night portion of their final date. However, despite her heartfelt declaration, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Exiting the encounter, she confided in producers, admitting, “If I’m being completely honest, I don’t believe I’m the one he’ll choose.”
Kelsey’s date appeared to unfold smoothly, marked by moments of lightheartedness as the pair indulged in playful antics, exchanging spa treatments and sharing intimate massages.
Meanwhile, grappling with the weight of her emotions and plagued by uncertainty about her standing with Joey, Daisy found herself in a state of inner turmoil. Recognizing the necessity of confronting her feelings head-on, despite the pain she was experiencing, Daisy mustered the courage to seek closure. Driven by a desire to address her lingering doubts and fears, she made a pivotal decision to approach Kelsey, knocking on her hotel room door just moments before the anticipated proposal.
Daisy initiated a candid conversation with Kelsey, inquiring about her experiences during the meet-the-family session and their final date with Joey. Opening up about her own encounter, Daisy confided in Kelsey, expressing her unease with the dynamics between herself and Joey. “There was something missing between me and Joey,” Daisy admitted, revealing her inner turmoil and uncertainty.
In a separate but related development, “Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei made headlines as he disclosed the presence of Gilbert syndrome, a condition that causes his eyes to appear yellow.
Joey wasn’t Daisy’s type, she realized.
Daisy reached a pivotal realization as she came to terms with the fact that Joey was not the right match for her. In an unprecedented move for the show, the women chose to travel together to the proposal platform, their hands intertwined as they rode in the back of an SUV toward Joey, resplendent in a gray suit. With resolve in her heart, Daisy emerged first, bravely confronting her fate head-on.
Through tearful yet resolute words, Daisy poured out her emotions to Joey. “I do love you. But the truth is, you’re not going to choose me,” she confessed, her voice quivering with emotion. “Over the past few days, I’ve come to realize that you’re not the one for me. And deep down, I believe you know it too. Despite the pain, I understand that you want what’s best for me. So, I’m choosing to do what’s best for myself—I’m going to walk away.”
In response, Joey, overcome with emotion, attempted to convey his feelings through tearful words. “You don’t realize how truly special you are,” he expressed, his voice breaking with sorrow. “It pains me to know that I have something extraordinary with someone else, and I’m following where my heart leads me.”
With her head held high, Daisy bid farewell, sharing a heartfelt embrace with Kelsey as she departed, embodying strength and grace in the face of heartbreak.
In the ‘Bachelor’ finale, who did Joey Graziadei choose?
In a scene reminiscent of a fairy tale, Kelsey, adorned in a stunning feathery white strapless gown, made her way down the beach to rendezvous with her potential future partner.
With Daisy’s departure having already unveiled the outcome, Joey opted against any pretense, sparing Kelsey from unnecessary suspense as he proceeded directly to the pivotal moment of proposing without any elaborate buildup.
There’s no hesitation in my decision to choose you. I’ve been eagerly waiting to say these words—I love you,” he declared before dropping to one knee.
Overjoyed, she accepted his proposal, affirming her willingness to embark on this journey of love and commitment. And as fate would have it, Kelsey also received the coveted final rose, sealing their love story with a promise of forever.
Do Joey and Kelsey continue to date?
Joey openly acknowledged the challenges that arose in their relationship following the conclusion of filming. However, he offered reassurance to fans, affirming that despite these obstacles, their bond has grown stronger than ever.
In a testament to their commitment, Kelsey disclosed plans for Joey to visit her in New Orleans in the interim, with the couple setting their sights on relocating to New York City come summer.
In a landmark moment for the franchise, the announcement of the first Asian American lead in the 22-year history of “The Bachelorette” marks a significant step forward in promoting diversity and representation on reality television.
In 2024, who will be the next “Bachelorette”?
To reveal the next “Bachelorette” lead, Jesse Palmer teamed up with former bachelorette, Charity Lawson. Together, they announced Jenn Tran as the upcoming star of the show. Jenn’s selection marks a groundbreaking moment as she becomes the first Asian lead in the franchise’s 22-year history.