June 26, 2019
'Bachelor in Paradise' Cast's Most Unforgettable Moments
Summer has finally kicked in, which can only mean one thing: “Bachelor in Paradise” is here!
Former “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette” stars descend upon Sayulita, Mexico, for a few weeks of romance, drama, drinking, drama, and, well, more drama. For some “Paradise” relationships, what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico. But for others, engagements, marriages, and babies can also result from the show.
These 19 stars are back for redemption, whether it’s their first time or third time in “Paradise.” If the show’s super tease showed us anything, it’s that we’re in for a season filed with love triangles and decagons.
For now, get prepared for Season 6 of “Bachelor in Paradise” with a look at these 19 cast members and their defining moments.
Annaliese Puccini
Where we’ve seen her: Arie Luyendyk. Jr’s season of “The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise” Season 5.
How we know her: Annaliese went home Week 3 on Arie’s season (never forget the fear of bumper cars), but she left a lasting impression in “Paradise.” She put her heart on the line a number of times with her love interests, but nothing panned out until she met Kamil. She and Kamil left “Paradise” as a dating couple, but not engaged. Bachelor Nation rallied around the 34-year-old after Kamil broke up with her onstage at the “After Bachelor in Paradise” taping. She’s back for redemption Season 6.
Her most unforgettable moment: Annaliese spoke her mind after Kamil caught her off guard and dumped her. She walked offstage momentarily and then came back on and told Kamil, “I’ve been doing 90 and you’ve been doing 10. You said you would step it up. I bought your mom flowers, I booked your flight back to New York, and you’re sitting here breaking up with me in front of everyone… You’re not trying.”
Chris Harrison then had one of his most epic Hot Seat moments and told Kamil, “I’m going to say goodbye to you. We’re going to let you go.” He wanted to make sure Annaliese “had the last word.”
Bibiana Julian
Where we’ve seen her: Arie’s season of “The Bachelor,” “Bachelor Winter Games,” and “Paradise” season 5
How we know her: The Bachelor Nation veteran made it clear on all of her seasons that she doesn’t take BS from anybody. Her side-eye knows no bounds, and that’s exactly what we love about her.
Most unforgettable moment: Bibs had a slew of great moments on the show. Back on Arie’s season, she got frustrated with Krystal Nielson for interrupting her one-on-one time before a rose ceremony, so Bibiana called Krystal out on it and walked away with her unforgettable “mic drop.”
While in Paradise, Bibiana took a risk and gave her rose to Colton during the rose ceremony ceremony, which confused contestants and viewers alike. She sweetly told him, “I hope this rose gives you the chance to let people to get to know you for you.” The move upset Tia, but it also sent Wills packing Week 1. Both Wills and Bibs are back for love this season, so let’s hope there’s no bad blood.
Blake Hortsmann
Where we’ve seen him: Runner-up on Becca Kufrin’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: Blake presented himself as the quintessential nice, genuine, down to earth guy all throughout Becca’s season. He met her on “After the Final Rose” and arrived on a horse all ready with an analogy about getting back up again after heartbreak. He then came to Bachelor Mansion with an ox on Night 1.
From the looks of it, he’s going to be front and center with the majority of the drama this season. Who would’ve thought?!
Most unforgettable moment: Other than his truly original entrances, Blake won Bachelor Nation fans over by his big smile and pretty great dance moves, which he showed off during a Baha Men concert in the Bahamas.
He got down on one knee and proposed to Becca in a heartfelt speech, but she turned him down and ended up engaged to Garrett Yrigoyen. Most people believed (and hoped) that Blake would be the next leading man as the Bachelor the following season. He now has his own chance to hand out roses in “Paradise,” so here’s to hoping he finds The One.
Caelynn Miller-Keyes
Where we’ve seen her: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: The former Miss North Carolina is still good friends with Colton and his girlfriend Cassie Randolph. They even live in the same apartment complex! Caelynn made it to hometown dates, but got sent home afterwards. She and current Bachelorette Hannah Brown also put all bad blood behind them and formed a truce in the middle of the season.
Most unforgettable moment: Caelynn’s most unforgettable moment also happens to be one of the biggest of the season. She revealed that during her sophomore year of college, she and a few other friends went to a friend’s house where she was drugged and sexually assaulted.
“It screwed me up for months,” she told Colton.
Caelynn has since become a big advocate for sexual assault survivors, using her platform as the former Miss North Carolina.
Cam Ayala
Where we’ve seen him: He rapped and repeated his ABC motto a lot on Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: Cam started off on the right foot when he appeared on “After the Final Rose” and wooed Hannah with an original rap. He received Hannah’s first-ever rose that night and then wrote her yet another tune on the first night. He quickly put a target on his back, however, when he showed up to a date unannounced, repeated “ABC: Always Be Cam” on the reg, and pulled some stunts that the other men in the house weren’t too happy about (i.e. ABC: Always Bring Chicken nuggets).
Most unforgettable moment: The nail in Cam’s proverbial “Bachelorette” coffin happened at the tailgate cocktail party. He asked the other guys in the house if he could steal Hannah away first to talk about a “very personal and very serious” matter.
When Cam ultimately had his time with Hannah, he told her a series of stories about an especially hard time in his life. After describing himself as “an onion with a lot of layers,” Cam revealed that in 2014 he was diagnosed with lymphedema and almost needed to have his leg amputated. His grandmother died not long after that and then, in 2017 after another surgery, he had to give his dog away.
Hannah confronted him about the situation and deemed it “manipulative.” She did not give him a rose that evening and made a very pointed statement about pity roses at the end.
Chris Bukowski
Where we’ve seen him: Emily Maynard’s season of “The Bachelorette” and briefly on Andi’s season, “Bachelor Pad” and “Paradise” seasons 1 and 2.
How we know him: He made it to the final four on Emily Maynard’s season of “The Bachelorette.” Chris even tried his luck yet again with Andi Dorfman two seasons later, but that didn’t pan out either. He became a runner-up on “Bachelor Pad,” however his luck didn’t exactly transfer to “Paradise.”
Most unforgettable moment: Chris took a page right out of former NFL star Brett Favre’s playbook. In 2015, Chris announced on “After Paradise” that he was “formally retiring from reality TV.” He said in a statement on the show that he became “addicted” to being on TV, which ultimately led him down a “long, dark jungle path to embarrassment.” Chris Harrison even retired a jersey in his name.
Alas, now he’s back and more ready than ever to find his soulmate. Let’s hope this season doesn’t turn out to be a fumble for him.
Clay Harbor
Where we’ve seen him: Becca Kufrin’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: This was the ultimate Bachelor Nation crossover love story if we ever saw one. In September 2018, Clay and Angela Amezcua became Instagram official with their relationship. Angela appeared on Nick Viall’s season of “The Bachelor” and “Paradise” Season 5. Angela was eliminated Week 1 of “The Bachelor” and midway through “Paradise.”
Fellow “Paradise” contestant and success story Chris Randone apparently set them up together.
Most unforgettable moment: Clay lasted only a few weeks on Becca’s season. He left the show on his own volition after injuring his wrist during a football game. The pro football player learned he needed to have surgery on his wrist, so he ultimately quit to take care of himself.
Demi Burnett
Where we’ve seen her: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor” and cameos on Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know her: Demi made quite the splash on Colton’s season. She told him the first night that she “hasn’t dated a virgin since I was 12” and then proceeded to have some tiffs with other women in the house. The Texas native appeared twice on Hannah’s season of “The Bachelorette” and did some behind-the-scenes sleuthing, including revealing on Night 1 that contestant Scott had a girlfriend back home.
Most unforgettable moment: It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one when it comes to Demi. She got into a contentious back-and-forth with Courtney during “Women Tell All” that even involved Courtney shoving a pacifier in Demi’s mouth.
Pacifier aside, Demi made a big announcement on July 22, the same day the extended “Paradise” trailer came out. The clips showed Demi kissing a woman, whose identity remains a mystery at this point. Demi tweeted that day, “Spoiler alert: I’m a queer queen.”
Derek Peth
Where we’ve seen him: JoJo Fletcher’s season of “The Bachelorette” and “Paradise” Season 4.
How we know him: This John Krasinski lookalike started off strong on JoJo’s season when he went on the first ever one-on-one date. Derek’s fortunes changed a few weeks later when he received the much dreaded two-on-one date with Chase McNary. She ultimately chose Chase, and Derek was left alone in Argentina. He then went on “Paradise” and stayed together with Taylor Nolan for a bit afterwards.
Derek currently co-hosts a podcast called “The Betchelor.” He was previously linked to “The Hills” star Stephanie Pratt.
Most unforgettable moment: We knew something was up when Derek and Taylor took center stage during “After Paradise.” Derek commended his then-girlfriend for being “so intelligent—both emotionally and intellectually” and telling her she has “such a big heart.” He continued to praise her and talked about how much love he felt for her and that she “lit a fire” in his heart. Derek and Taylor’s fellow “Paradise” contestants held onto each other while he spoke and then got down on one knee and proposed.
They ultimately broke up about a year later in June 2018. He opened up about seeking therapy post-split and the importance of mental health, which Bachelor Nation fans were pleased to hear.
Dylan Barbour
Where we’ve seen him: Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: He was one of the original wearers of the unforgettable salmon blazer on “The Bachelorette.” He told Bachelor Nation, “It’s my jacket. I had the OG salmon blazer.”
Most unforgettable moment: Although Dylan didn’t have as many breakout moments during “The Bachelorette,” he stood out a lot during “Men Tell All.” He told Luke, who was still sitting in the Hot Seat, “It’s 2019. You gotta wake up and mature. You can’t talk to a woman like that.” We’re team Dylan.
Aside from that great line, he also became a meme thanks to some of his facial expressions and reactions to certain moments, such as Hannah taking a big bite out of a pickle in Latvia.
Hannah Godwin
Bachelor Nation appearances: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: Bachelor Nation fell in love with this blonde beauty who quickly became a frontrunner on Colton’s season. Soft-spoken Hannah was open about her feelings for the Bachelor, but her time on the show ultimately ended with heartbreak. Colton sent her home before their Fantasy Suite date because he wanted to pursue his relationship with Cassie.
Most unforgettable moment: Hannah put it all on the table on “After the Final Rose” when she spoke to Chris Harrison about her split. She firmly believed that she would leave the show with an engagement ring on her finger and Colton by her side.
“I know what love is and it has to be a two-way street,” she said on the show. “I deserve someone who loves me just as much as I love them.”
She’s hoping for a happier ending in “Paradise” this year.
Jane Averbukh
Bachelor Nation appearances: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: According to her “Bachelor” bio, Jane’s real name is actually Adrienne. She’s described as a “free spirit with infectious energy,” so we’ll just have to wait and see how that plays out in Mexico.
Most unforgettable moment: Jane could end up being a dark horse in “Paradise.” She got eliminated Night 1 on Colton’s season, so her time in the Bachelorverse was relatively short lived — for now. May “Paradise” be her oyster.
John Paul Jones
Bachelor Nation appearances: Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: His name. His hair. His name and his hair. His scream and facial expressions during the “labor pains” date. The unicycle. All of it.
Most unforgettable moment: Where does one even start when it comes to JPJ? There was the moment during the rugby date when he looked like something out of a Renaissance painting with his hair flowing behind him as he ran with the ball. He also made everyone double over in laughter during the labor pains date because he screamed so loud.
Although this is not exactly one specific moment, John Paul Jones perfected the hair flip and showed off his skills on a few occasions. He shared his haircare secrets with Bachelor Nation, and they’re a lot simpler than one would expect.
Katie Morton
Bachelor Nation appearances: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor” and a cameo on Night 1 of Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know her: Katie sparked some drama and unease before Colton sent her home. She insinuated that some women weren’t there for the right reasons and he needed to be careful. Katie then moved to the other side of the drama when she appeared on Hannah’s season premiere. She and Demi arrived at Bachelor Mansion in their makeshift spy van and told Hannah about Scott’s girlfriend. Friends who sleuth together stay together!
Most unforgettable moment: As mentioned above, Katie rocked the Bachelor boat when she told Colton that some unnamed people were mostly on the show for fame. There were hints that she was referring to Caelynn and Cassie, which Tayshia confirmed. Two other women (Demi and Sydney) heeded the same warning, which prompted Colton to do some sleuthing of his own. Katie’s message set the stage for a fiery and dramatic reunion at “Women Tell All.”
Kevin Fortenberry
Where we’ve seen him: Hannah Brown’s season of “The Bachelorette.”
How we know him: Kevin seemed ever the kindhearted suitor on “The Bachelorette.” He mostly stayed out of the Luke P. drama and kept to himself when yelling ensued.
But he wasn’t always neutral. Kevin picked his battles inside Bachelor Mansion. He took issue with Cam after Cam interrupted his time with Hannah and dragged him to that circle of rose petals with chicken nuggets. Kevin later threw a chicken nugget at Cam, which definitely ranks as one of his major moments on the show.
Bring on the chicken nuggets in Mexico!
Most unforgettable moment: While the Cam/chicken nugget incident is memorable, Kevin stuck out after the rugby date in Newport — literally.
The behavioral health specialist unfortunately dislocated his shoulder during the game. He left via ambulance and missed the rest of the daytime date. Kevin attended the evening portion and arrived clad in a huge bandage wrapped around his shoulder and arm. The sling made him look like he got transported to the date straight out of a time machine from the Civil War, and it instantly became a viral moment on the internet. Fortunately for Kevin, the sling had a short shelf life.
Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Where we’ve seen her: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: She was that one contestant who cried a lot, which ultimately became her downfall. On the bright side, Chris Harrison gifted her with a lot of Halo Top ice cream at “Women Tell All” to help soak the tears.
Most unforgettable moment: Nicole and Onyeka’s feud became one of the most combative moments of the season. Their fractious relationship is a very tangled web of narratives that also involves Elyse, who sent herself home about halfway through the season. Onyeka questioned if Nicole was “emotionally stable” but that inquiry apparently started with Elyse. This all devolved into a dramatic yelling match in the middle of a cocktail party. Colton heard the women arguing and ultimately sent both of them home.
Onyeka will also be in Paradise this season, so only time will tell if that feud will be reignited.
Onyeka Ehie
Where we’ve seen her: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: She and Nicole had an explosive fight that escalated even more on “Women Tell All.” Onyeka questioned if Nicole was “emotionally stable” and if she was even on the show for the “right reasons.”
Lest we forget Onyeka also won the “Bachelor’s Strongest Woman” competition.
Will Onyeka let bygones be bygones when it comes to her past with Nicole?
Most unforgettable moment: Onyeka made it clear from the get-go that she’s a no holds barred type of person. Early in the season, Onyeka had a penchant for interrupting Colton’s one-on-one time with other women during cocktail parties. At one point, Colton and Sydney (also in Paradise) chatted outside the steps of Bachelor Mansion when Onyeka came storming out with an airhorn. She then blew it in Sydney and Colton’s face and told the main man she was feeling “horny.”
Sydney Lotuaco
Bachelor Nation appearances: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: Sydney flew under the radar on “The Bachelor” most of the time. She seemed to grow frustrated as the weeks went on that she didn’t have as much time with Colton as the other women. Sydney ultimately confronted Colton about his decisions and told him that some of the women weren’t ready to get married. She sent herself home after that.
Most unforgettable moment: Onyeka interrupted Sydney’s one-on-one time with Colton with an airhorn, so Sydney clapped back in her own style. She went back into the house and then emerged with pots and pans and banged on them with wooden spoons.
What instruments will come out of hiding in “Paradise” this year?
Tayshia Adams
Bachelor Nation appearances: Colton Underwood’s season of “The Bachelor.”
How we know her: The beauty from Corona Del Mar, California was a frontrunner from the get-go. She exuded patience and kindness throughout the season and wasn’t afraid of a little risk along the way, either. Tayshia and Colton’s first one-on-one date involved bungee jumping in Singapore and a few weeks later, they went skydiving.
Tayshia made it to the final three, but Colton sent her home in Portugal.
Most unforgettable moment: Her hometown date felt like one of the realest and most relatable situations, especially when it came to her dad. During a personal conversation with Tayshia, her dad said, “You can’t microwave relationships.” Tayshia’s father questioned Colton’s intentions, but ultimately gave the Bachelor his blessing.
Dad aside, Tayshia showed her true gentle self during her breakup with Colton. He arrived at her hotel room the day after the fence jump and told her that he had to break up with her because he loved Cassie. He broke down in tears and Tayshia comforted him. They had an amicable reunion at “After the Final Rose” and Tayshia wished him only the best in his relationship with Cassie. If that’s not true diplomacy, then we don’t know what is.
Wells Adams
The Bachelor Nation star returns to “Paradise” as the show’s bartender for the third season running. Wells has been a mainstay in Bachelor Nation ever since his first appearance on JoJo Fletcher’s season of “The Bachelorette.” With his short stint on “Paradise” Season 3 and his subsequent role as bartender, Wells very well may be in the running for the ultimate Bachelor Nation veteran, second only to Chris Harrison.
Wells recently got engaged to his girlfriend Sarah Hyland. Cheers to you two!
Wills Reid
Where we’ve seen him: Becca Kufrin’s season of “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise” Season 5.
How we know him: Wills immediately became known as the guy with the cool shirts. His impeccable style and great sense of humor helped him stand out on Becca’s season. Heck, he even has an “Expecto Patronus” tattoo on his arm.
The L.A. native tried his hand at love on “Paradise” last season, but he got sent home that first week. Here’s to hoping Wills and his new blonde hair will fare better this second time around in Mexico.
Most unforgettable moment: Wills didn’t receive a rose on those dreaded two-on-one dates that ultimately leave one person extremely heartbroken. He and Becca had a very amicable goodbye, but he showed just how much he was hurting when he got out of the limo and took a few moments to cry by himself.
Nevertheless, Wills is better known for his exquisite sartorial decisions that never cease to amaze us. We can’t wait to see what he brings to Mexico this year!
“Bachelor in Paradise” premieres Monday, August 5 at 8 p.m. on ABC. Stay tuned for a “Paradise”-themed episode of “Bachelor Happy Hour with Rachel & Ali” with special guests from this season.