LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Waylon Jennings, a country music singer, famously sang, "Mammas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys," yet he never sang about being immortalized in song by one. This is great news for Bach fans, because it turns out country music is enamored with the franchise.
There is no indication that a Bachelorette or Bachelor fan enjoys the random musical artists presented in the episodes. Nonetheless, each season of these programs includes a private performance that the lead and his or her companion pretend to be thrilled to witness in a room full of flowers and dazzling lights. With all the crossover—both musical and personal—fans must wonder: Why is country music so enthralled with 'The Bachelorette'?
Bachelor Nation on the Country music hangover
Geography is one of the most plausible causes for this seeming mutual devotion. Because, for whatever reason, Nashville, Tennessee, is the place to be. Perhaps it's the public's preoccupation with the yeehaw agenda, the continuous popularity of country icon and all-around badass Dolly Parton, or the prominence of wide-brimmed hats in vogue, but there appears to be a direct line from the Bachelorette House to the Grand Ole Opry.
Several Bach alums have relocated to the southern state after their stint on the show. Not only are Bach alumni relocating there, but they are also regular visitors. All of this is to imply that it's no surprise that Bach nation and country music are so inextricably linked; everyone presumably lives within 5 miles of each other. It stands to reason that the Los Angeles of country music would use its star power for both music video appearances and possible romantic partners.
Also Read: 'The Bachelorette' fans slam ABC for confusion after mid-show trailer airs as 'stupid' commercial
Another reason country music and its artists may be so obsessed with reality-TV stars turned B-list celebrities? Perhaps because the idea of 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' is basically the foundation for every single country music song. In the case of country music, a woman lusts after one guy who is the target of everyone's desire, and she does everything she can to attract his attention only to be ignored and devastated, left longing after her man and that notorious Neil Lane engagement ring.
At its core, the 'Bachelor' franchise is about doing everything for true love or finding love in the most unexpected of places, so it seems natural that country singers would go to Bach alums who have lived through similar situations in real life when casting for their songs on the same topic.
Aaron B gets the first date on 'The Bachelorette'
Aaron Bryant was given the first date on the 20th season of 'The Bachelorette'! "I'm definitely going into this thinking that she sees me as a potential husband," Aaron remarked. He was frightened, but he was also "feeling good."
Charity and Aaron went up to the Hollywood sign in a red vehicle. In the car, the two chuckle, and Aaron compares them to Bonnie and Clyde. "It's just like we've known each other for a long time," Aaron added.
It's the 100th anniversary of the Hollywood sign, and the two became acquainted through their parents' long and happy marriages. Aaron stated, "I haven't felt this spark in a minute."
Charity was overjoyed to learn that Aaron's affection for her had "grown overnight." She stated that their wonderful first date gives her "hopeful" for the future.
Charity informed Aaron that she had the "best surprise ever" for him: the two would be able to go up to the Hollywood sign together. Charity and Aaron both stated that they are content and that the spark is present. "I'd like to take this thing further," Aaron stated.
Aaron revealed to Charity that he had been in a four-year relationship while in college. He admitted to struggling with communication and active listening and finally seeking counseling, which Charity is relieved to hear. "I know, at this point, that you're someone I can see as a safe space," he explained. Charity said, "This is real vulnerability."
Aaron and Charity's first date culminated in a private performance by country artist Lauren Alaina. Charity and Aaron kissed and slow danced while she sang 'Just Wanna Know That You Love Me'.
'So yall couldn't get a black R&B artist for this black couple dance scene?'
Having to sit through another Country song affair, fans took to Twitter to call out the makers. One wrote, "We can we PLEASE PLEASE stop with the country music. Can yall do something different?. Did Bruno Mars not pick up the phone." While one asked, "So yall couldn't get a black R&B artist for this black couple dance scene huh? Love Lauren but geez." Another person noted, "If we gon have a Black bachelorette we gotta get some R&B for these private concerts. Don’t nobody wanna hear this tired a*s country music." A fourth user sighed, "So like, are country music singers contractually obligated to appear on #thebachelor #TheBachelorette."
One furious viewer asked, "Are no other music genres allowed on this show??" Another person chimed in, "A semi famous country singer AND the rights to the Wilhelm scream. #TheBachelorette producers are just burning through the $$$."
'The Bachelorette' Season 20 airs new episodes every Monday on ABC at 9 PM ET.
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