What Happens If the Bachelorette Forgets the Contestants' Names? It Has Happened Before
Updated July 18 2023, 1:54 p.m. ET
There’s nothing more exciting than night one of The Bachelorette — hearts flutter, gimmicks abound, and roses await. But there’s one question that haunts us every time there’s a new Bachelor or Bachelorette season: How does the Bachelorette remember everyone's names?
There are typically 30 contestants (that we know of) vying for love. And on night one, are they somehow expected to remember all of the names after what looks like only a few minutes with each person? Apparently, there are some tricks to how the Bachelorette remembers the names, so here’s what we’ve learned.
No, the Bachelorette doesn’t really remember all the names.
Every season, during the first episode, we’re all sitting on the couch thinking, “I could never be the Bachelorette because I can’t remember all their names!” Not to worry, our Bachelorette dreams aren’t dead. The producers have some tricks so that all the Bachelors and Bachelorettes can remember the contestants’ names.
Of course, the season lead probably does remember a few favorites. And that’s probably why the contestants work so hard to make a flashy first impression. But how will the Bachelorette remember them if they don’t?
The producers have tricks to help the Bachelorette remember the contestants’ names.
We’ve been asking this question of how the Bachelorette remembers the names for years, so we have a few answers already. Former Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise contestant Chris Randone actually told Eric Bigger in a Cosmopolitan interview how Becca Kufrin remembered their names.
During the first rose ceremony, Becca would say three names and then leave the room, and come back and say another three names. It’s just edited to look like one, long, uncut ceremony.
Former Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky also revealed an additional secret. Throughout the first cocktail party in the first episode, the producers are never too far away. They actually have flashcards with pictures of the many guys and their names so that if the season lead wants to talk to anyone, the producer is there to help figure out who that is.
Fans of 'The Bachelorette' also find it difficult to remember the contestants' names.
Each time a new season of The Bachelorette premieres, many fans find themselves stuck on the fact that they can't remember the contestants' names. And it seems they aren't alone. Shortly after Season 20 aired, one Twitter user took to the platform to express the need for name tags (honestly, it's not a bad idea!).
While that might help the Bachelorette, another shared a screenshot of the method her mom uses in order to keep tabs on the attractive bunch. With the help of the note app on her iPhone, this fan jots down the contestants names along with their occupation.
One Bachelor notoriously didn’t remember a contestant’s name, and it caused a bit of a problem.
Of course, the Bachelorette or Bachelor doesn’t always remember everyone's name. That actually famously happened in Jesse Palmer’s season of The Bachelor in 2006.
During the very cringe rose ceremony, Chris Harrison steps up to say his classic line, “Ladies, this is the final rose tonight.” And then Jesse nervously calls out, “Katie!” and a very excited Katie comes forward to hug him.
But then, Jesse steps out and pulls Chris Harrison aside to tell him he actually meant to call someone else forward and asks to do it. Eventually, both women end up getting roses, but it’s super awkward (albeit a little funny) to watch.
It’s possible that back in 2006, the producers didn’t have as many tricks up their sleeves to help the bachelor remember all the names.
Shout out to Jesse Palmer for setting the bar oh so high!
Let's keep the faith and have hope for every upcoming lead's future success in remembering names.
New episodes of The Bachelorette Season 20 air Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
