He’s back — again! ABC announced on Tuesday, August 30, that The Bachelor season 21 star is Nick Viall — and needless to say, Bachelor Nation had plenty of feelings about the pick.
Viall, 35, was certainly a surprising choice to lead the long-running dating series. He is a two-time runner-up on The Bachelorette, coming in second to Josh Murray for Andi Dorfman‘s final rose in season 10, and losing to season 11’s Shawn Booth for Kaitlyn Bristowe‘s love.
The Bachelorette season 12’s Luke Pell was widely seen as a likely season 21 front-runner, as were other standouts from JoJo Fletcher‘s crew including Chase McNary, Robby Hayes and Wells Adams.
It’s perhaps no surprise that season 12 villain Chad Johnson was quick to chime in about the news, even making a jab about Viall’s looks.
Johnson tells Us Weekly exclusively, “I think Nick will do and say whatever he thinks will make America like him. He proved that’s what he does by completely changing his behavior from The Bachelorette to his performance on Bachelor in Paradise.”
Plenty of Bachelor Nation folks had favorable reactions, including Jade Roper, Tanner Tolbert and J.P. Rosenbaum. McNary posted a terse “congrats,” while Jen Saviano — who dated Viall on Bachelor in Paradise season 3 — shared a gif of Amy Schumer swigging a giant glass of wine.
The Bachelor season 20 alum Izzy Goodkind tells Us exclusively, “Nick is the next Bachelor? Perfect — Chase and Luke are single for the rest of us!”
However, Bachelor Nation mainstay Ashley Iaconetti praises the choice in her exclusive statement to Us: “I’ve never been so excited and happy for a friend in my life. Not that it’s any surprise, but I was crying — happy tears —when he came out on stage.”
“Nick and I are so close,” Iaconetti continues. “He’s like my older, supportive brother. I think people can see that on Paradise. I’m so thankful to have him in my life. I’m going to miss him so much over the next three months. No one could be better for this role than him. The girl he ends up with is going to be a lucky one! Kind of tearing up just typing this.”
Check out the best reactions below. Bachelor in Paradise airs on ABC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. The Bachelor returns to ABC on Mondays in early 2017.
Well I guess the new bachelor doesn’t have to pretend he doesn’t know he’s good looking since you know.. He isn’t. #TheBachelor
— Chad Johnson (@realChadJohnson) August 31, 2016
Imma storm over the wall of the Bachelor Mansion and bang all the chicks while Nicks asleep. #TheBachelor
— Chad Johnson (@realChadJohnson) August 31, 2016
If half of #TheBachelor girl contestants don’t leave the first day, we’ll know they’re just on the show to pawn teeth whitener on Instagram.
— Chad Johnson (@realChadJohnson) August 31, 2016
We took my mom out to dinner and missed the announcement, but I’m so thrilled for @viallnicholas28 being the next Bachelor! Congrats, Nick!!
— Jade Tolbert (@jadelizroper) August 31, 2016
With @viallnicholas28 as #TheBachelor, I can guarantee that Fantasy Suite gets a lot of use!
— JJ Lane (@jjhlane) August 31, 2016
If anyone ever deserved to be #TheBachelor, it’s @viallnicholas28.
— J.P. Rosenbaum (@JP_Rosenbaum) August 31, 2016
Like him or not… Having @viallnicholas28 as #TheBachelor will be great TV. Great choice @ABC
— Tanner Tolbert (@ttolbert05) August 31, 2016
Congrats @viallnicholas28
— Chase Brody McNary (@cbmcnary) August 31, 2016
So happy Nick can’t be the runner up as #TheBachelor
— Evan Bass (@ebassclinics) August 31, 2016
I actually think @viallnicholas28 is the best choice they could have made for #bachelor – I’m pretty excited!
— Ashley Spivey (@AshleySpivey) August 31, 2016
Congrats @viallnicholas28!
— CatherineGiudiciLowe (@clmgiudici) August 31, 2016
When ABC announced @viallnicholas28 as #Bachelor we were like… pic.twitter.com/tKcZ6VWZxT
— Brooks Forester (@brooksforester) August 31, 2016
About that. #AfterParadise pic.twitter.com/kcVr0EFo5x
— Jennifer Saviano (@jennifersaviano) August 31, 2016
