Michelle Young is a woman who knows what she wants — and who she doesn’t.
As part of her search for love as the Season 18 “Bachelorette,” the schoolteacher from Edina, Minn., must figure out which of her 30 suitors is worthy of her final rose.
During a March appearance on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast, Young, 28, revealed what she was looking for in a man following a painful split from Season 25 “Bachelor” Matt James.
“The biggest thing I look for in someone is if they have that intrinsic motivation,” she said at the time. “I’m a very motivated person. I have a lot of goals. I want to make an impact.”
The former Division 1 basketball player — who is the third woman of color to lead ABC’s dating reality series after Season 13’s Rachel Lindsay and Season 16’s Tayshia Adams — added, “It’s super important for me to have that in my partner.”
A source told Page Six in September that the guys who competed for Young’s heart were an exceptional bunch.
“The caliber of men who came on to Michelle’s season was incredible,” the insider said. “Each guy was hotter than the next and so many of them treated her like a queen. There was so much excitement about a lot of them.”
But, of course, not every contestant could pass Young’s test. See who she has sent home below.
Season 18, Episode 10
Brandon J.
Although Young fell hard for Brandon J., she ultimately handed her final rose to Nayte — leaving the runner-up heartbroken.
Season 18, Episode 9
Joe
Despite their shared Minnesota upbringings and passion for basketball, Joe and Young ultimately didn’t work out. The “Bachelorette” sent the former athlete and real estate developer home after Fantasy Suites, though it wasn’t easy for her to say goodbye.
“I’m sorry. I’m still falling in love with you. I know how much you pushed yourself to open up. I care about you so much,” she said through tears.
“You have a piece of my heart and I think you always will. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to break your heart.”
Every the gentleman, Joe replied, “I want to thank you for pushing me to be more open and more vulnerable and the best person that I can possibly be.”
Now, Young must choose between her final two men: Nayte and Brandon J.
Season 18, Episode 7
Rodney
Though Young enjoyed a relatively pleasant Hometown Date with Rodney, she sent the California native packing before Fantasy Suites week.
“I know that we’ve had conversations about you being an underdog and feeling like you’re an underdog. And I need you to know that who you are is enough. I don’t want you thinking that you weren’t enough because that’s not true,” the “Bachelorette” told Rodney in a tearful farewell.
“It’s just feelings are moving quicker in other relationships. You’re this amazing person and everything that makes up Rodney is so special.”
He then revealed that he was still “falling in love” with Young despite her decision to call it quits.
“I need you to know that that’s something that doesn’t change easily, you know? I’m always going to care about you Michelle, like forever,” a visibly emotional Rodney told Young.
“I just want to do anything to make you laugh and smile, always. You’re amazing Michelle, so thank you.”
Season 18, Episode 6
Clayton
ABC
Although Young had a pleasant one-on-one date (planned by her adorable students) with Clayton at a Minnesota museum, she ended up sending him home before Hometown Dates.
“You completely check every single box. You have all the qualities that I’m looking for in somebody. But I know that giving out this rose means I’m ready to meet your family and I don’t feel that I’m able to get there with you in time,” Young told him.
”And this is incredibly difficult for me because not being able to give you this rose doesn’t mean that you’re not enough. It’s, for me, about following my heart.”
Clayton replied, “I really am thankful for this opportunity and for meeting you and I know you’ll find what you’re looking for. I’m sorry I couldn’t be that.”
Away from Young, the athlete broke down in tears, telling the camera that he wants a wife and family “more than anything else.” He added, “I’ll do whatever it takes to get that.”
Luckily for Clayton, he will get a second shot at finding love on reality TV as she was chosen to lead “The Bachelor” Season 26, set to air next year.
Martin
After Olu claimed to Young that he heard Martin call the Season 18 lead “immature” and “insecure” behind her back, she told the latter contestant to beat it.
“You haven’t been honest. You have not listened to why I’m hurting and my red flags are up, my walls are up and I have to follow the fact that I don’t trust you right now,” she told him. “And so I have to walk you out.”
While processing his feelings in a departing SUV, Martin scoffed, “A woman like that does not deserve my time.”
Boy, bye.
Olu
Though Young found Olu to be trustworthy, she didn’t feel their connection was strong enough to keep him around for Hometown Dates.
Rick
Young thought Rick was a great guy, just not the guy for her.
Season 18, Episode 5
Chris S.
Young no longer felt Chris S. was a commodity.
Casey
Casey was among the men let go by Young during Week 5.
Leroy
This future doctor couldn’t resuscitate his relationship with Young.
Season 18, Episode 4
Chris G.
Young had no more motivation to keep Chris G. around.
Romeo
Young’s relationship with Romeo was one equation she didn’t care to solve.
Will
There was no intervention to save Will from being sent home by Young.
Season 18, Episode 3
Jamie
Jamie previously told Young that his castmates questioned her integrity while discussing her pre-show relationship with standout contestant Joe. When Jamie was outed for perpetuating the rumors himself, the “Bachelorette” sent him packing.
“I’m very hurt by you right now,” she told him. “I don’t trust you at this moment and I have to be done with it.”
LT
Young couldn’t stretch her feelings for LT any further.
Mollique
Young decided that school’s out for Mollique.
Peter
Young couldn’t stomach one more slice of Peter.
Spencer
Young couldn’t afford to keep Spencer around for another week.
Season 18, Episode 2
Alec
Young couldn’t find a reason to keep Alec around.
Daniel
Daniel’s time on the show was extinguished by Young.
Pardeep
Pardeep hardly made a peep and was sent home by Young.
PJ
Young felt no more flames for PJ.
Season 18, Episode 1
Ryan
Young wasted no time putting Ryan in his place after it was revealed that he joined the show with sordid intentions.
Though the environmental consultant, 30, initially wooed Young — and her infamous sweet tooth — by arriving in an ice cream truck, he lost out on a rose because he was outed for producing documents with detailed notes on how to get screen time, “not be the villain,” what phrases to use while speaking with the “Bachelorette” and which franchise alums he should emulate to impress her.
“This night really started off on a great note and I fully get that there’s going to be bumps in a relationship but I am not OK with starting a relationship on red flags,” Young told Ryan, who asked for “one chance to make it up” to her.
“You’re going to respect that I’m going to choose to listen to my red flags,” she replied. “And so unfortunately I will be walking you out.”
When he asked if he could “change [her] mind,” Young — who, like any good teacher, reviewed the documents herself — asserted, “Again, my decision is made and so I’m going to have to walk you out.”
Later, in a confessional, Young offered a stern warning after sending Ryan home early in the night: “If somebody’s not here for the right reasons, I’ll be sending them home.”
Brandon K
Sadly, Brandon K. wasn’t on “brand” for Young.
Bryan
Bryan didn’t score a touchdown with Young.
Edward
Though he meant “well,” Edward didn’t earn a rose from Young.
Garrett
There was a glitch in Garrett’s connection with Young.
Jack
Young sent Jack back to boot camp.
JoMarri
JoMarri’s exercise in romance was cut short by Young.
“The Bachelorette” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
