July 30, 2021 • bachelor insider
Katie Thurston Shares the Advice She Gave Michelle Young Before Her 'Bachelorette' Journey
Before Michelle Young begins her journey as the Season 18 Bachelorette, Season 17 star Katie Thurston is offering her some advice.
“I’ve spoken to her as much as I can because I know it’s any day now they’re gonna take her phone away,” the reigning franchise lead told “Entertainment Tonight” on Tuesday. “I think the biggest advice I’ve given her is to just be open. Don’t close yourself off too early. I think guys can surprise you… weeks later when you don’t expect it.”
Michelle — who earlier this year placed second in the competition for Season 25 Bachelor Matt James’ final rose — was announced as an incoming Bachelorette during March’s “After the Final Rose” special.
Katie — whose final three men include Justin Glaze, Greg Grippo, and Blake Moynes — told “ET” that she believes one of her exes might have what it takes to win Michelle’s heart.
“I actually think Josh [Tylerbest] would be a good match for Michelle for sure,” she said of the handsome Week 5 castoff. “They just have very similar personalities. He is such a sweetheart and I think that’s what she’s looking for, someone who’s just so kindhearted. That’s something that Josh really offers.”
Michelle expressed her excitement at becoming the Bachelorette during a March interview with “Good Morning America.”
“My first response was, ‘Wait a second, we’re dating the same men and there’s two of us?’ And I was like, ‘I have a lot of questions,’” Michelle said with a laugh, noting that she was relieved to discover she and Katie were given individual cycles.
Elsewhere, Michelle explained how she hopes to be a conduit for progress within Bachelor Nation as the third woman of color to lead “The Bachelorette” — following Season 13’s Rachel Lindsay and Season 16’s Tayshia Adams.
“They know that I’m going to push forward to make an impact in a positive way,” the stunning schoolteacher said. “And I think they’re kind of jumping on my train to do that with me.”
“The Bachelorette” Season 18 premieres Tuesday, October 19, on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.
