[Spoiler alert: The Bachelorette Season 16.] The Bachelor Nation producers know exactly what they’re doing with the new Bachelorette promo for Clare Crawley’s season. While the ABC reality series filmed the 16th cycle in Palm Springs, the fandom caught wind of a few potential spoilers. Tayshia Adams reportedly replaced Crawley as The Bachelorette lead after the hairdresser allegedly fell in love with a contestant early on. Now, it seems the network is leaning in on all the rumors. So here’s what happened in the trailer.
A season 16 cast member asks about a ‘new bachelorette’
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The Bachelorette Season 16 promo trailer published on Oct. 7 started off like any other. Fun shots of the first night flash by, from limo entrances by contestant Dale Moss to a shining knight in armor. And of course, there’s the ceremonial toast.
“Quarantine is a small price to pay to fall in love,” Crawley says in a confessional.
Meanwhile, the narrator teases the Sacramento native has “everyone guessing.” This is when the promo shifts. Suddenly, it’s all about the drama. Crawley faces off with a contestant. Then the preview jumps to a clip of Kenny Braasch. “Can we get a new bachelorette in here?” he asks.
This is quickly followed by a shot of Ed Waisbrot. “I’m wasting my breath on you,” he says. “You’re not worth my time.” Then the trailer splices to a clip of Crawley, who wears a face of disbelief. But honestly, it seems more likely Ed is engaged in an argument with another cast member.
Regardless, The Bachelorette promo highlights brief shots of shocked contestants, leading up to the moment Chris Harrison tells Crawley she “blew up” the reality series. “If we continue down this path, it doesn’t end well,” the host says. The preview ends with Crawley in tears.
Tayshia Adams reportedly replaced Clare Crawley in ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 16
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In early August 2020, multiple outlets reported Crawley had been replaced by Adams as the new Bachelorette lead. Crawley allegedly fell in love with one of her contestants two weeks into filming. That said, both women will still be part of the 16th cycle.
According to E! News, The Bachelorette Season 16 will start off with Crawley as the lead. And while her journey is “short-lived,” her time on the show will tell her love story. Then Adams will be introduced as the new lead.
Meanwhile, Life & Style Magazine reported Crawley’s remaining cast members felt like “they’ve been whipped around.” But even so, it seems most were still willing to continue with Adams.
“The guys that are now left are just happy to get another chance at love,” a source told the publication. “The show is going to go on with a new bachelorette and they are excited.”
Chris Harrison and Clare Crawley tease ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 16
RELATED: ‘The Bachelorette’: Chris Harrison Says Clare Crawley’s Ending Is ‘Turbulent’
Now, ABC has yet to confirm the switch-up between Adams and Crawley. In fact, all the previews gave no indication The Bachelorette Season 16 will have a second lead — until now. Meanwhile, Harrison told Entertainment Tonight Adams is “not not the bachelorette.”
Then in an interview with Refinery29 published in October 2020, the Bachelor Nation host suggested the franchise will continue promoting Crawley as the sole lead until her journey ends.
“Clare is our bachelorette,” Harrison said. “This whole thing was about her journey. She has waited, and we were excited to give her this moment. She’s earned it. So it’s all about Clare. Up until the time… it doesn’t need to be.”
He added, “People will have to watch and see if that happens.”
But no matter what happens when The Bachelorette Season 16 premieres, it appears Crawley is happy with her ending.
“I know that people watching, people seeing this, will judge or question a lot of things I do,” she told People in October. “But I had to follow my heart, and I’m definitely happy.”
The Bachelorette Season 16 premieres Tuesday, Oct. 13 if there is no NBA Finals Game 7.
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