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Bachelor Nation Gave Colton Underwood Some Words of Encouragement Before ‘The Bachelor’ Season Premiere

Carissa Dunlap

It looks like everyone in Bachelor Nation is ready for the franchises’ next leading man! 

Bachelor franchise alums took to social media on Monday to express their excitement for the new leading man, Colton Underwood, on the day of the season’s premiere. And many had some kind words for the bachelor as he embarks on this new journey to find love. 

Before Underwood was announced as the Bachelor, Blake Horstmann and Jason Tartick were among the top picks to lead the franchise this season. Despite not being picked as the next bachelor, it seems they’re incredibly excited for the season premiere. And in support, both Horstmann and Tartick announced that they’d be going live from Michigan during the premiere.

The two also posted their own personal messages of encouragement to Underwood. 

Tia Booth even sent a message to her ex, and she took to Instagram to post a photo of the two at the gym. “Hey @coltonunderwood remember that time you wore a sleeveless sweatshirt at the beach and we realized we were 0% compatible and solely meant to be supportive friends?…Well here’s my support,” she captioned the image. “Now keep your damn shirt on and go find you a gal.” 

“Hahaha! Thank you friend,” Underwood later replied, including a peace and heart emoji. 

Underwood and Booth first dated before he competed for Becca Kufrin’s heart on season 14 of The Bachelorette. The two later continued an on-again, off-again relationship on season 5 of Bachelor in Paradise, and eventually, called it quits forever. 

During The Bachelorette finale, Kurfin accepted a proposal from Garrett Yrigoyen. She shared a sweet throwback photo of herself and Underwood from the season 14 premiere. 

“Colton, as you once told me ‘let’s get tonight poppin.’ So go get em tiger! Excited to meet your women and have you take us on your lurve journey (drink),” she wrote. “It’s going to be one helluva ride, but hopefully worth every second. All my love and support to you because you deserve it.”

Former Bachelor Ben Higgins said that The Bachelor was “def upgrading their bachelor this season.”

Higgin’s ex, Caila Quinn, couldn’t believe it had been three years since her season and admitted to still “gather[ing] girlfriends to watch the premiere.” 

Another former Bachelor, Sean Lowe, eased Underwood’s nerves by telling him that “it’s all pretend anyway and it will in no way affect your future.” 

Everyone’s favorite bartender Wells Adams recorded a video message, wishing the new lead good luck. “This is a message for Colton, the new, most beautiful Bachelor ever—hope Nick’s not watching this or Ben—anyways…good luck,” Adams said. 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A message from our wise #BachelorInParadise bartender, @wellsadams!

A post shared by Bachelor in Paradise (@bachelorinparadise) on

Former bachelor on JoJo Fletcher’s season of The Bachelorette, Chase McNary, promised to watch “every moment” of the premiere” to see “which direction life will turn for Colton.” 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There I stood, like so many before me and like the 30 contestants tonight will. After stepping out of the limo, or something of the sort, into a whole new world. Most will experience reality TV. Some will feel the effects of public notoriety, and few will have their lives completely overhauled. I am grateful for the highs and the lows that I have been able to experience since my time in that driveway. And I have all of you, Bachelor Nation, to thank! Now, it’s time to witness which direction life will turn for Colton and the 30 women that will walk across that watered down driveway! I’ll be watching every moment at @revelsocial. Where will you be watching? #thebachelor @coltonunderwood #abc #bachelornation #revelsocial

A post shared by Chase McNary (@chase_brody_mcnary) on

And of course, Bachelor franchise host Chris Harrison reassured fans that “it’s not too early to start drinking wine.” He also warned fans that, if they haven’t purchased their choice of wine for the night, they “should almost be panicking.” 

Underwood himself also took to social media on Monday to express excitement about his journey to find love. 

“Today is the day! The premiere of The Bachelor airs tonight and I can’t wait for you all to experience what I did,” he captioned on Instagram. “Love isn’t always pretty, clear or easy…I learned that on The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise and I’m so grateful for those opportunities to grow as a person. Tonight, you will meet 30 incredible women & starting following our crazy ride. You all are in for a great season…one that taught me many things. See you all tonight!”

Well, buckle up everyone. Because The Bachelor season has started, and it seems like we are gearing up for a wild time. 

Carissa Dunlap is a Her Campus News X Social Intern for Summer 2018. She is a current Publishing major and Journalism minor at Emerson College (Class of 2020). When she isn't perusing the YA bookshelf at the bookstore, she can be found watching dog videos on Facebook, at her favorite coffee shops, or relaxing on the beach. Follow her on Instagram @dunlapcarissa or Twitter @Caridunlap.