Who is the new Bachelorette? Everything you need to know about Michelle Young

'Who is the new Bachelorette?' Michelle Young is soon to be a Mrs!

The Bahcelorette Michelle Young
(Image credit: ABC/Craig Sjodin)

"Who is the new Bachelorette?" It looks like Michelle Young, the latest face of the franchise, is no longer on the market. 

The 28-year-old teacher and basketball star has found love on reality TV, and fans are anxious to see what comes next for the Minnesota native and her beaux.

Before we shift our attention to Clayton Echard, who is the new Bachelor, let's take a look back at Young's journey that led to her final rose.  



Who is the new 'Bachelorette'? A look at season 18

"I'm a teacher and class is officially in session," Young says in The Bachelorette teaser.

We witness a whirlwind of romance: lip locks aplenty, dates on the beach and plenty of smiling faces.

"I feel super special. How would a girl not feel special," she asks.

But what would the show be without some drama? 

We also witness a fella potentially plotting his moves on the show in hopes of fame, which is obviously a no-go. Then, there's a rumor floating around that one of the contestants had a previous fling with Young. One guy even calls her out on it! 

Who is Michelle Young?

Fans might've recognized Young before season 18. Originally, she appeared in Matt James' season of The Bachelor. Though the relationship didn't play out quite the way she had envisioned—she was James' runner-up—it appears everything worked out perfectly fine in the end. 

Michelle Young: basketball star

The boys had some competition on the court! Young was on her high school basketball team and played for the women's team at Bradley University, where she made some impressive moves.

Education is still a big part of her life, as she is an elementary school teacher in Minnesota, where she had to teach during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"So proud of my fellow teachers who have continued to persevere and provide both academic and emotional stability/support for our students," Young captioned on Instagram alongside a selfie in a mask in her classroom. 

Unlike most stars in the Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises, Young is fairly quiet on social media. She only has a handful of Instagram photos, but they do give us a pretty good indication of what matters most to her: work, family, basketball and sweets! We approve. 

Where to watch 'The Bachelorette'

How did your Bachelorette fantasy league play out? (Who said they were reserved for football?)

Young's shot at romance took place on ABC throughout the fall and winter of 2021. Now that the season has come to a close, fans can relive the whirlwind of steaminess on Hulu or the ABC website

Who does Michelle Young pick?

"I have two incredible men who I am in love with and they are in love with me," Young revealed the morning of her final rose ceremony. 

The pressure was on: would she opt to spend the rest of her life with Nayte Olukoya or Brandon Jones? Jones was a hit with Young's family, and everyone seemed to feel as though they were a suitable match. 

Young was not one of them. Despite her mother's warnings and his initial level of commitment, Olukoya ultimately stole the Bachelorette's heart. 

"I’ve learned our love story doesn’t need to be perceived as perfect, As long as it’s perfect for you and me," Young captioned on Instagram in a lengthy shoutout to her fiancé. 

After receiving a generous financial present, Young informed viewers that she will be giving everyone a sneak peek into her new life—and new home.

"Although this @bacheloretteabc journey has come to an end, we are so excited to bring y’all with us as we start our life together! House warming invites to be sent soon #BachelorNation! 😘"

Can't wait for what the franchise has in store next? Clayton Echard's search for love kicks off on January 3, 2022 on ABC (and the following day on Hulu). 

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.