See All The 'Bachelor' Contestants Joey Smooched On Night One
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Joey Graziadei's season of The Bachelor aired on Monday January 22, and everyone in Bachelor Nation got to watch the leading man meet the 32 ladies competing for his heart. It was a strong start, and a few definitely made some memorable first impressions.
Joey, the super sweet runner-up on Charity Lawson's season of The Bachelorette, seems to already have some chemistry with some of the gals, (I'm lookin' at you Daisy, Lea, and Kelsey), but he also had to send 10 contestants (Chandler, Kayla, Kyra, Lanie, Nat, Sam, Samantha, Sandra, Talyah, and Zoe) home.
On December 20, 2023, The Bachelor posted this super fun reel introducing all 32 women who Joey met in the first episode. The caption read, "It’s time! Meet the women vying for @joeygraziadei’s heart this season on #TheBachelor, premiering January 22 on ABC 🌹."
As far as these bachelorettes go, Joey's got a very solid group of contestants on this list. I'm talking everyone from lab technicians, to child actors—and even a pair of sisters! Below, see every contestant for Season 28 of The Bachelor, along with their Instagrams.
Daisy Kent
Daisy, 25, actually went viral a few years ago for her social media presence, particularly her videos discussing her hearing loss and use of a cochlear implant. The Bachelor contestant has about 40,000 followers on TikTok for her videos about profound hearing loss, but she's since gone private on that platform.
At 15, Daisy woke up and realized she couldn't hear her dad as he was trying to wake her up. "He was shaking me, and I was like, 'This is weird,'” she shared with CBS 8. "I looked at him, I couldn't hear him, then sat up and realized something was wrong with my left ear.”
She told the publication that she experienced "high-pitched ringing" which only got worse. Daisy also "couldn't understand speech very well." At age 17, she received the diagnosis of Meniere's disease (a disorder of the inner ear) and Lyme disease, per CBS 8.
When Daisy received a cochlear implant, she documented every step of the process on TikTok and accumulated over 40 thousand followers. "My parents said, 'You have this opportunity to turn it into something special,' and so I thought, 'I'm going to start posting, mainly for myself,” she told CBS 8.
In August 2023, Daisy published a children's book, "Daisy Do: All The Sounds She Knew." The story follows a girl, Daisy Doo, after she receives a cochlear implant and has to relearn all her favorite sounds.
“When I got the surgery, I realized there were a lot of emotions I went through. I was so scared; there was a lot of unknowns," she told CBS 8 when discussing writing the book.
When it comes to love, Daisy is more than ready to find her person. Her parents have been married for over 30 years, and she is craving the type of love she's grown up seeing, per ABC.
On night one, Joey and Daisy seem to have made an instant connection and shared a sweet kiss.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Age: 25
IG: @daisyykent
Lea Cayanan
Account manager Lea is also from Hawaii, according to her IG bio. She's one of the few who met Joey during the exciting "After the Final Rose" episode. She enjoys hiking, painting, and being by the ocean (she wishes she could be a fish for the day), per her Bachelorette bio.
In 2022, Lea moved to LA for her job at PepsiCo, per her IG. While she may be a career girl, in her free time, Lea loves to sing. She posted this series of pics in 2018 with the caption, "when you’re this far from home, you gotta find a home in the things you do and people you love. I’m lucky because I’ve found both at once:) <3 🎤💫💙🎶✨🦋 📸: @shoots.arliegh."
Lea has never been much of a casual dater. This girl is ready to become a wife and loves a good romantic gesture, according to ABC.
So, did her second first impression win Joey over? It seems like it did, and she even got the first impression rose on night one after turning down the chance to steal a one-on-one date at some point during the season.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 23
IG: @lea.cayanan
Kelsey Anderson
Kelsey, 25, is a junior project manager from New Orleans, Louisiana, although she grew up in Germany on a U.S. military base. She spends her free time around New Orleans, exploring new restaurants, browsing around the French market, and enjoying picnics with her friends, per ABC.
The Louisiana native works as a project assistant in New Orleans, and went to school at Saint Leo University, according to her LinkedIn account, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in project management as well as her Associate of Arts degree.
In her IG bio, Kelsey has a link to HandsOn New Orleans, perhaps suggesting she has some sort of affiliation to it. According to their website, they aim to "create and manage projects relating to school revitalization, youth recreation, neighborhood beautification, urban gardening and environmental restoration, blight reduction, and disaster management" in New Orleans.
Her way of showing affection is with homemade gifts, and she is looking to meet a man who loves to laugh, is understanding, and is ready to give back as much as she does. In fact, it's her goal to start her own nonprofit, according to ABC. Will Joey be down for this journey with Kelsey?
Before seeing Kelsey meet Joey, she shared that a few years ago she lost her mother, and grew closer to her dad, who fully supports her decision to go on the show. She even thinks that her mom would approve of Joey.
The New Orleans girl met her potential fiancé in a stunning sparkling green dress, and brought Joey an interesting gift...a Voodoo doll of himself. However, after getting to know her a little bit better, he seemed to appreciate the mini Joey.
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Age: 25
IG: @_kelsey_welsey
Rachel Nance
Rachel, 26, is "made in Hawaii," according to her IG bio. She's also an ICU nurse who is proud of her Hawaiian roots, per ABC.
When she's not working, she loves watching Friends and reading Jane Austen. Rachel also values spending time with her loved ones and hopes to have a big family one day, her ABC bio says.
Her family is big and very close, and she wants to share her love of Hawaiian food and culture with Joey. She wants to build a life with a man who is gentle, supportive, and honest, according to ABC. Will Joey be that guy for her?
Rachel seems to charm her fellow Hawaiian. She exited the limo in a gorgeous black dress and a Kukui Nut lei for Joey.
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 26
IG: @rachelmariean
Allison Hollinger
This is Lauren's sister! Allison, 26, is two years younger than her sister, so they are not twins (although they do look alike!). The real estate agent is ready to experience a love like you see in a rom-com, per ABC.
Fun fact: Lauren and Allison have dated the same guy before, but at different times, so how will this whole experience play out for them?? So far, in just the first episode, it seems like Lauren and Joey are growing a stronger bond. Big sis, Lauren doesn't seem to be taking it too well!
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 26
Lauren Hollinger
Double trouble! Lauren is competing with her sister, Allison, for Joey's heart this season. The 28-year-old is a registered nurse is described as "the total package of brains, beauty, and a hilarious personality," on her ABC bio.
She's the life of the party who loves fitness and music festivals. Lauren, a true romantic with high standards, is looking for the man of her dreams, per ABC. Will Joey be her one true love?? Or will her sister steal his heart?
On the first night, Lauren made it clear that since she's the big sister, she gets all the "firsts" with Joey. Unfortunately, it seems like her little sis was the one in that position.
Oh, the drama!
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 28
Maria Georgas
Maria is another actress in this crew. She had a small role in The Pacifier (2005), according to IMDb. It seems she may have created YouTube videos prior to getting cast in the Bachelor, as she has about 9,000 subscribers on her channel.
With her acting days in the past, she's now an executive assistant and is "so done" with dealing with "situationships" and meaningless flings. Maria might be going into this process feeling very confident, as she told ABC that a psychic recently insinuated that Joey could be the one for her.
Maria is ready to settle down with a man who embraces everything about her, per ABC.
Maria and Joey seemed to hit it off in the first episode. She exited the limo with a Canadian flag, and told him that she'd be willing to move away from Ontario if the two would leave the show together.
Hometown: Kleinburg, Ontario
Age: 29
IG: @maria.georgas
Erika Cardenas
Erika, 25, is a model based in New York City, according to her IG bio. The biggest thing missing from Erika's life is her future husband, and it's her "ultimate goal" to find love and meet her dream man, per ABC.
She wants to travel the world with her partner and try new restaurants with him. She hopes Joey is just as enthusiastic about adventure as she is. Another interest of hers is reading and she hopes to pen a book one day, according to ABC.
Erika exited the limo with confidence — she literally dances over to Joey, holding a portable speaker with music playing. She shares him that growing up, her house was always filled with love and dancing and that she'd be down to teach him how to dance if he teaches her to play tennis.
Hometown: North Bergen, NJ
Age: 25
IG: @erikacardenas_
Jessica Edwards
Jessica, or "Jess," is a 24-year-old San Diego resident and executive assistant. Her lifelong dream? Finding her fairy-tale love story. She hopes Joey can be someone she can "trust my heart with" and who "will respect me" while doing anything to cherish their relationship, per ABC.
Some of her interests are assisting those who've been impacted by natural disasters, listening to Taylor Swift songs, dining at new restaurants, and spending time with her pup, Charli. This hopeless romantic can't wait to meet Joey and see where this journey takes them, according to ABC.
On night one, Jess gave Joey the first kiss of the season! She confessed this to the other ladies which created some drama.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Age: 24
Autumn Waggoner
Autumn, or Auttie (according to her IG handle), is a 26-year-old small-town girl who's more than ready to find her "big love." The account executive is from St. Louis, Missouri and is part of two sets of twins in her family. Some of her hobbies include going to college football games, enjoying live music at her favorite bars, and listening to Coldplay, according to ABC.
While her life is "full and happy," she's missing just one thing, her one true love. Autumn wants to find a family man who is "loyal" and "fun," and hopes Joey could be the guy she's looking for, per ABC.
Autumn immediately showed Joey her fun personality as she stepped out of the limo in a sparkly red dress with two handfuls of leaves before throwing them in the air. She asked him what his favorite season is, and he replied, "Spring...or summer," initially missing what Autumn was insinuating. But she fills him in, letting him know her name.
Fun fact: she loves watching college football
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Age: 26
IG: @auttiewags
Taylor Wiens
Taylor, 23, is a recruiter living in Chicago. She attended University of Kansas for undergrad, according to her LinkedIn profile. She's described as "witty, loyal, generous and ALWAYS up for a good time," and loves reading and hanging with the fam, per ABC.
She's ready for marriage and knows that Joey is exactly her type. She thinks fate is bringing them together for a lifetime of love, her bio says. Will Joey be the one to sweep her off her feet?
Taylor showed her witty side when she first met Joey. She brought a huge bra and told him "I wanted to show you I’m here for the massive support."
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Age: 23
IG: @taylorwiens_
Jenn Tran
Jenn, 25, is in the middle of studying to become a physician's assistant, per ABC.
She's dedicated to helping others and her passion is to have a career working in healthcare. But she's also adding love to her list of priorities. Jenn loves books that have the same vibe as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and enjoys paddle boarding and traveling. While she's had some serious relationships, she's still looking for a man who is reliable and thoughtful, according to her ABC bio.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Age: 25
IG: @jenntranx
Starr Skyler
Starr, 25, is a Florida gal through and through. The Brazilian American lives in Delray Beach and works as a mental health counselor, which she's extremely passionate about. She loves helping others as well as grabbing a bite to eat at new restaurants, and having picnics on the beach, per ABC .
Starr is looking to retire her title of "third wheel" and wants a man who is ambitious, family-oriented, and funny, according to her ABC bio.
Will she be able to confide in Joey? Will he show her the meaning of true love? Will she get that final rose? While we don't know how many roses she'll end up getting from Joey, she gave him a sweet gift upon first meeting him: a box of butterflies.
Hometown: Delray Beach, Florida
Age: 25
IG: @starrskylerr
Katelyn DeBacker
Katelyn is a 25-year-old radiochemist from Santa Fe, New Mexico. She has big plans for her future career in medicine and hopes her husband is supportive and adventurous, as well as a feminist, per her ABC bio.
Katelyn hopes that Joey will be just as proud of her Vietnamese heritage as she is, and will be able to fully embrace her culture. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and rock climbing (she loves heights). She enjoys reading Sarah J. Mass fantasy novels and hanging out at a local cocktail bar, according to ABC.
Katelyn's bio says she's a believer of soulmates, could Joey be hers? Well, she put her theory to the test upon meeting him for the first time. She conducted a little science experiment to see if they had any chemistry by having Joey pour a solution into the beaker that she was holding. "It looks like we have chemistry," she said.
Fun fact: she's a vegetarian.
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
Age: 25
IG: @katelyndebacker
Chrissa Perez
Chrissa, 26, is so fly she literally works for a helicopter company. Yup. This potential contestant is a marketing director for Chinook Helicopters. Chrissa has been engaged before and knows that she'd make a good wife, she just needs to find a man who doesn't have any red flags, per ABC.
Colleen Hoover books are her favorite, and she loves visiting breweries and playing a round of golf. Chrissa is a caretaker at heart and loves hard. Will Joey be the man she can settle down with?
Chrissa greeted Joey in the best way possible: saying "bring it in" with her arms wide open and a big smile.
Hometown: Abbotsford, BC
Age: 26
IG: @chrissaperez
Kelsey Toussant
If Kelsey T., 31, looks familiar, it's because you may have seen her on screen before. This contestant is a background actor, and has had roles in How I Met Your Father and Ant Man and The Wasp, per IMDb. However, she's also a realtor and a boutique owner, according to her LinkedIn.
Kelsey has had a few long-term relationships and was even engaged, but she's ready to take this new chapter by storm, and hopes to have the experience of a lifetime with Joey. She's "ready to fall in love again," and hopes to find a man who will appreciate all that she brings into a relationship, per ABC.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 31
IG: @kelseytoussant
Natalie 'Nat' Crepeau
Natalie (who goes by "Nat"), 26, is a registered nurse and professor from Sudbury, Canada. The healthcare hero is hopeful that Joey will be her perfect match, and hopes to laugh, travel, and start building a life with him, according to ABC.
She loves her beauty sleep and tries to get in 12 hours a night, but can sleep for about 17 hours. She's ready to create a fairytale with Joey, per ABC.
Hometown: Sudbury, Ontario
Age: 26
IG: @ncrep_
Sydney Gordon
Sydney, 28, is a thrifted boutique owner and social media manager based in Rhode Island. In fact, you can even shop Sydney's vintage finds online. She's labeled a "boss woman" who is eager to add some romance to her life. "I am so ready to find my forever person," she told ABC.
It seems like Joey checks a lot of her boxes, but will the two hit it off?
Fun fact: She was born on July 28, so she's a Leo! Oh, and in her free time, she likes to run, travel, and do photography, according to her website.
She seems super excited about viewers getting to see her time on the show and posted this cute reel to her IG. "How's my form? 🎾 🌹Don’t miss me on #TheBachelor, premiering January 22 on ABC. ✨," she wrote.
She continued on this tennis theme during her limo exit, informing Joey that she lives in the same city as the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Perhaps they are a doubles team waiting to happen?
Hometown: Newport, RI
Age: 28
IG: @syd_gord
Edwina Dorbor
Edwina, 25, is a CEO of a crochet clothing business—Edripcrochet. She's also a YouTube content creator, posts haul videos from popular fashion companies, and vlogs.
Her Bachelorette bio calls her "a woman of the world," because she was born in Liberia and moved to the US at 11 with her family. It may take a bit of trying to ease Edwina out of her shell, but once that happens, Joey will see her creative, nurturing, and loyal side, according to ABC.
Edwina showed Joey her nurturing side when they first met, bringing him a spicy dish to try. Maybe food is the way to his heart?
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Age: 25
IG: @edwina.dorbor
Madina Alam
Madina, 31, is a mental health therapist and model, according to her IG bio. In fact, she used to have an entire Instagram account dedicated to her therapy practice, before deleting it recently. She's even appeared on a podcast, All The Hard Things, to provide insight on obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety.
There's no denying she's a great therapist, but she also has a pretty big heart. She told ABC that she has a very full life, and "I have a lot to be thankful for. I just truly feel like that one missing piece is my person."
Madina is looking for a mature man with an empathetic nature who can exercise, dance, and watch The Great British Bake Off with her.
When she first met Joey, a ton of tennis balls flooded out of the limo before she stepped out herself. "It took me a lot of balls to come here," she told him.
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Age: 31
IG: @dinalynee
Alexandra "Lexi" Young
Lexi, 30, is a digital strategist in Atlanta Georgia who has a sweet soul. She's ready to find "the one," according to her Bachelorette bio, and wants someone to share her many successes with.
As a child, Lexi moved more than 15 times, so she's ready for some stability and is hoping that Joey can provide that for her. She shared that when she loves, she loves deeply and is a true "ride or die" for her man, per ABC.
In the premiere episode, Lexi was the first contestant to hop out of the limo and meet Joey. Viewers learned that she aspires to be a mom but "might not be able to have kids," due to an undisclosed "health condition."
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Age: 30
IG: @lexiyoung21
Evalin Clark
Evalin, 29, is a nanny born and raised in San Antonio. She's bold, outgoing, and will speak her mind when needed, according to her ABC bio.
She's ready to see the world with her future husband and grow with him. She's one of eight siblings, and is ready to become a mother herself, per ABC. If Joey can keep up with her big personality and joy of life, the two will be the perfect pairing.
Evalin made a pretty good first impression on the first night by arriving in a tennis umpire's chair.
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Age: 29
IG: @evalin.marie
Marlena Haddad
Marlena, 26, is pretty presidential, as in, she used to work for the White House, according to LinkedIn. Although she's from Florida, she's currently working in New York City as a finance writer. She is ready to commit to Joey and hopes that he wears his heart on his sleeve, as being vulnerable is a value of hers, per ABC.
Her five-year goal looks like: married, two kids (she's excited for her soccer mom era), and fostering rescue dogs. Marlena, a "hopeful romantic," will go above and beyond for her man, and hopes Joey is ready to receive her love, according to ABC.
Upon finally meeting Joey, she told him: "I'm only here because it's you."
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Age: 26
IG: @marlena.alexia
Talyah Jackson
Talyah, 23, is a lash extension specialist in Huntington Beach. In fact, she even runs her own 'biz, according to her LinkedIn. Her motto is "work hard, play hard," so she's sure to be tons of fun this season.
She's entering this season of The Bachelor prepared to say goodbye to her single life. She's hoping Joey is genuine, loyal, and romantic—exactly what she's been searching for, per ABC.
Taylah made a pretty bold move when she first met Joey, she gave him a save-the-date card for their future wedding: August 20th, 2024.
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Age: 23
IG: @talyah.jackson_
Samantha Washington
Sam, 25, is an NFL cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins. Fun fact: Her dad was in the NFL! The performer is genuine and charismatic, and gives everything she has to her relationships. When she's not cheering on the sidelines, she loves spending quality time with her pup, Finley, per ABC.
BTW, she was a literal beauty queen in a past life. She won Miss Nebraska USA Teen in 2017.
On the first episode, Sam tossed Joey a ball of pizza dough and says, "Now that you have the dough, I’m hoping you see that I’m the one that you knead.”
Hometown: Miami, FL
Age: 25
IG: @samstigram1
Kyra Brusch
Kyra, 26, is also a Florida gal. The contestant is a Paralegal and runs her own small business for clothing rentals called Ky Ky's Closet. She's described as a "quirky" and "hilarious" woman who "isn't afraid to speak her mind," in her Bachelorette bio.
Kyra loves a good night out at the bar, but also loves an evening at home playing Sims (relatable). She's ready to find her perfect match and attend comedy shows and spend the day at the beach with them, per ABC.
Kyra made a memorable and loud first impression by literally screaming in his face.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Age: 26
IG: @kyra.brusch
Zoe Antona
Zoe, 24, is a full-time welder, sculptor, and photographer, but mostly creates abstract sculptures, based on her portfolio, and has shown exhibitions all over the world. She's also ready for a man to commit to her and show up for her the way she desires, per ABC.
Zoe is looking for a genuine love that lasts forever, and dreams about date nights at museums and having meaningful conversations with Joey. When she's not in the art studio, she's running along the river or dining at new restaurants with those closest to her, according to ABC.
With a tray of various sized bananas in hand, some of Zoe's first words to Joey were, "Which one would you say you resonate with?"
Hometown: Roswell, GA
Age: 24
IG: @zoe.antona
Lanie Latsios
Lanie, 27, is a real estate specialist based in Philly, per her LinkedIn page. The contestant went to business school at Temple University in Pennsylvania. When she's not working, she loves a good adventure, and what better one to go on than The Bachelor?
Coming from a big Polish/Greek family, she's been around long-lasting marriages (her parents have been married for 30 years!), and she wants to find a love like she's grown up admiring, per ABC.
Lanie showed up in a sparkly black dress and simply asked her fellow Philadelphian, "Will you go on this journey whiz me?"
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Age: 27
IG: @lanie.latsios
Kayla Rodgers
Kayla, 27, is a high school cheerleading coach and a guidance counselor in Hamilton, Ohio. She's trustworthy, unapologetic, and has a big personality. Kayla is serious about her journey to finding love, and wants to settle down with a man who's ready to become a father, per ABC.
Kayla made some questionable noises in the limo before stepping out to meet Joey. She told him she was "just practicing my tennis grunts."
Hometown: Hamilton, OH
Age: 27
IG: @kaylarodgerss
Samantha Hale
Samantha, 31, is a former New Yorker who works as a CPA. She's living her life in Nashville right now, and loves a night out accompanied by pizza, margaritas, and her friends, per ABC.
Sam is looking for a man who will prioritize her and give her the type of love her mom and stepdad have, according to ABC. Will Joey be the one for her?
Oh, and BTW, her birthday is on August 6, so she's a total Leo.
Sam tried to be coy with Joey, saying, "I watched you on Charity’s season and I saw how excited you got after the Fantasy Suites, so I already know you’re the whole package."
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Age: 31
IG: @samhaleee
Chandler Dewgard
Chandler, 24, is a graphic designer based in New York. The bachelorette was born and raised in Brooklyn—and attended Syracuse University for college, per LinkedIn. You can peruse her talent on her graphic design account.
While she is thriving in the city, there's one thing missing—the man of her dreams. Dating apps have failed her, and she's ready for the real deal. "I am ready to love someone who will love me back," she told ABC.
Chandler made a pretty memorable and appropriate "I'll be there for you" joke to Joey, a nod to the Friends character she shares a name with.
Hometown: New York, NY
Age: 24
IG: @chandlerdewgard
Sandra Rabadi
Sandra, 26, is just "happy to be here," as her IG bio states. The Nashville native is actually not originally from Nashville (she attended high school in Ohio, per LinkedIn). The Bachelor contestant currently works as a cybersecurity consultant.
While she has her life all figured out by now, she's ready to meet someone and form this power couple she's always dreamed of. Sandra is truly looking for a best friend, and hoping Joey will be that person, per ABC.
Her fun personality are on full display in this cute IG reel. "Trying to secure more than the internet ❤️🗝️," she captioned the post.
Upon meeting Joey, Sandra told him, "We're going to build this relationship on trust."
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Age: 26
IG: @sandrarabadi
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