According to ABC, we'll probably get to watch Bachelor in Paradise this summer [1], and I couldn't be more ready. While The Bachelor [2] and The Bachelorette [3] are my guilty pleasures, Bachelor in Paradise [4] has a special place in my heart. I love seeing multiple relationships form, and while I'm watching, I like to daydream I'm living in paradise, too. What makes me even more excited is the fact that so many beautiful, kind people have been contestants in the most recent seasons of The Bachelor [5] and The Bachelorette [6], and having an upcoming season of Bachelor in Paradise means I'll get to see them again! Ahead, relive some of the past seasons' best moments [7] by reading the 15 contestants I hope to see on the show and why.
Michelle Young From Matt's Season
Even though Michelle [8] was one of the women who came on the season late, Matt immediately picked her for a one-on-one date. I believe this speaks highly of Michelle's character and overall good vibes, and she also seemed mature, kind, and genuine to me.
Mykenna Dorn From Peter's Season
Do you know what lives rent-free in my head? Mykenna's empowered, inspiring words [9] in her post-drama discussion with Tammy and in her confessional. I hope we see more of that from Mykenna [10] in the upcoming season!
Mike Johnson From Hannah's Season
If there's anything I can tell about Mike, it's that he's a compassionate man with a beautiful smile who deserves better. Producers, please bring Mike back!
Abigail Heringer From Matt's Season
Abigail [11] seemed like such a sweet woman on the show, and I felt bad she was sent home because Matt didn't get to pursue the confidence he had in their relationship. I think she'd make someone on Bachelor in Paradise quite happy, so I hope to see her this upcoming season.
Tyler Cameron From Hannah's Season
As much as I love Hannah, I still can't comprehend why she didn't originally pick Tyler [12]. With his beautiful, respectful response on the Fantasy Suites episode [13], consider me in love with him.
Bri Springs From Matt's Season
Bri [14] was the definition of an unproblematic queen on the show, so I can't help but stan. Her maturity was much appreciated among so much drama. Plus, she gave up her job to be on The Bachelor [15] ー I want that decision to be worth it!
Katie Thurston From Matt's Season
A sex-positive, anti-bullying feminist, Katie [16] was an admirable contestant. She put up with a good bit of drama on Matt's season, so I hope she finds her person. Plus, I think she'd bring a lot of fun to Bachelor in Paradise!
Ben Smith From Tayshia's Season
I admired and appreciated Ben's honesty about his past mental health challenges [17]; he wore his heart on his sleeve. I hope Ben [18] finds someone to be with on this season of Bachelor in Paradise.
Chelsea Vaughn From Matt's Season
When I think of Chelsea, I think of one word: badass. Chelsea seems to be a woman who knows what she wants and won't put up with less than she deserves. And can we just talk for a second about her incredible fashion sense [19]? Yep, Chelsea *needs* to be on this upcoming season.
Demar Jackson From Tayshia's Season
According to his ABC bio, Demar is family-oriented and enjoys writing poetry [20] ー which gives me major heart eyes. Demar did not get enough screen time on The Bachelorette [21] (though I loved his song to Tayshia [22]), so we better see him soon!
Alicia Holloway From Matt's Season
We unfortunately saw little of Alicia [23], whom I wanted to stay. She seemed really sweet and genuine, and I'd love to see her dance her way onto Bachelor in Paradise.
Ivan Hall From Tayshia's Season
On one of their dates, Tayshia and Ivan [24] had a revolutionary conversation about what it's like to be Black in America [25]. While what they shared was emotional ー and more than I'll ever truly understand, as a white person ー I was thrilled that these crucial conversations were finally happening on a show struggling with diversity [26]. From his authenticity to the love he showed, Ivan is definitely someone I want to see again.
Jason Foster From Tayshia's Season
Since I'm sure going home after sacrificing so much had to be disappointing, I appreciated how Jason respected Tayshia enough to send himself home [27] when he still had feelings for Clare, and how he didn't want to hurt her. Jason [28] seemed like a sensitive, caring man on the show, and I hope, if he's over Clare, he can find someone new to love on Bachelor in Paradise.
Kristin Hopkins From Matt's Season
Kristin was another contestant that had to leave too soon ー probably because so many women were a part of Matt's season! Kristin seemed kind, and I want to see her find love.
Riley Christian From Tayshia's Season
When Tayshia sent Riley home [29], she shared how she felt comfortable and safe with him ー which I believe are two crucial aspects of a healthy relationship. I hope he can bring that to someone else, especially after how heartbroken and blindsided he felt about going home. Riley seems to be an honest, loving man, and I'd love to see him again.