ABC has officially found a new Bachelorette.
Last night, the network confirmed that—drumroll, please—Charity Lawson will lead season 20 of The Bachelorette. Host Jesse Palmer announced the exciting news during the Women Tell All special. (FYI, the 27-year-old was a contestant on Zach Shallcross’s season of The Bachelor.)
To deliver the news, Palmer did something that’s never been done before. After filming the special, the crew pretended to wrap and sent the ladies back to their dressing rooms. Palmer explained that he was going to surprise Lawson and ask her to be the next Bachelorette.
The host tricked her into thinking she was playing a game for social media that requires rapid-fire answers. When Palmer asked her to choose between Bachelor in Paradise and The Bachelorette, Lawson chose the latter.
Just then, Palmer spilled the beans. “I’m glad you said that,” the host added. “Because Charity, I want you to be our next Bachelorette.”
Lawson could hardly contain her excitement. “Stop! Is this for real?” she said. “No way! Oh, my god. I’m gonna cry.”
When Palmer asked for an answer, Lawson agreed to be the next Bachelorette. “Absolutely!” she added. “100 percent!”
Lawson continued, “I’ve waited forever to find the love of my life. It blows my mind that I could meet my person and be engaged and literally have my happily ever after.”
For those who are keeping up on the currently-airing season of The Bachelor, Lawson was sent home this past week following hometown dates. While she was understandably upset at being eliminated by Shallcross, this upgrade to franchise lead probably softens the blow a little bit.
Best. News. Ever.
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