Michelle Young Is Set To Become One Of ABC's Next Bachelorettes And We Are Here For It
The Bachelor has aired its finale and we are shooketh, y'all!
Matt James, the first black "Bachelor" of the series, has officially selected Rachael Kirkconnell, leaving Michelle Young at the altar wondering what's next. And although the history-making James may have selected the lone racist girl on the show (allegedly), her disappointment didn't last long. Because our girl Michelle Young is slated to become one of the future bachelorettes, ABC officially announced.
If you're lost about what happened on 'The Bachelor' season finale, here's a brief rundown:
Matt narrowed his choices down to the final two ladies who could win his heart. Eventually, he selected Kirkconnell, who he didn't propose to, but instead said he didn't want to live without, thus making her his selected gal. This all took place prior to the surfacing controversy that surrounded her previous questionable behavior, which includes posing at a college plantation-themed party (yes, you read that right) and liking numerous pics of the confederate flag (a flag that historically has white supremecist undertones).
On the finale after show, a beard-ganged Matt told Kirkconnell he could no longer be with her due to her problematic past, and they broke up. Womp womp.
Soon after, it was announced that Michelle would be an upcoming 'Bachelorette', which we stannnnn because we loved her!
Michelle is a teacher and former basketball star from Minnesota, who is lowkey and beautiful inside and out. She is passionate about giving back to the community—and she's looking for a beau who feels the same way. Of Michelle, her ABC bio reads,
"Michelle has big dreams for the future and says she wants a man by her side that is supportive and driven to make the world a better place. She is looking for the superman to her superwoman and says that, together, she hopes that she and Matt can fall in love and change the world."
She may be new to social media and the fame that comes along with the show, but she isn't fazed. She truly is looking for love with her perfect guy. She writes on Instagram:
"And that's a wrap! My family and I have appreciated the overwhelming support that has been shown throughout the season. Thank you for accepting us with open arms. Time to relax, recharge, and trade in these gowns for sweatpants...! At least for a little while anyway [wink emoji]"
Young was a college athlete (like James, who played football for Wake Forest University) before starting her career as a teacher. She played Division 1 basketball at Bradley University. Currently, she works as an elementary school teacher and according to her ABC bio, the Bachelor contestant "focuses on preparing her students to be the next generation of community leaders." She even had her students video-call James on The Bachelor to grill him about his intentions, which is the absolute cutest.
During the "After the Final Rose" special, it was revealed that both Young, and Katie Thurston, a 30-year-old bank marketing manager from Washington state, will be looking for love on separate seasons of the dating competition show. Thurston's Season 17 of the show is set to air on ABC this summer while Young's Season 18 will air this fall.
We can't wait to watch her season, and see where this journey leads her! Congrats, Michelle!
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Featured image via Michelle Young/Instagram
- Michelle Young (@michelle.young.1) • Instagram photos and videos ›
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Charmin Michelle is a southern native and creative spirit who works as a content marketer and events manager in Chicago. She enjoys traveling, #SummertimeChi, and the journey of mastering womanhood. Connect with her on Instagram @charminmichelle.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
