The Bachelorette - The Hollywood Gossip

Joe Gendreau on The Bachelorette Elimination: Just Too Different From Emily

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:58:39 EST

Joe Gendreau's time to impress Emily Maynard expired this week.

Reflecting on the non-love connection that earned him a rare one-on-one date boot on The Bachelorette Monday, he said it just didn't work out.

Nothing scandalous or incendiary about it. Just didn't click.

"I tried to keep the rose out of mind. I didn't want to look at it as a challenge and be like, 'I really want that rose,'" Gendreau said. "I wanted to see how my time was with her and entertain the idea of being able to hit it off with her."

"I thought it was going well, but ultimately didn't work out. We really didn't hit it off with each other. We are in different places in our lives."

"I'm a single, free-spirited individual. Emily, she is looking for someone more settled and committed to family and work."

To that effect, Joe's "five-year-plan" seemed to be his undoing.

"I said, 'I want to be happy with no regrets' in five years ... I think she was more looking for more detail like, 'I want to be here with these many kids.'"

"I didn't take offense. She's determined in what she wants and she didn't see that in me. I answered truthfully. That's me being myself."

"I was not closed-minded about it. I want to have kids and marriage in my life one day, [but] I'll cross that bridge when I get there."

"Whether she made the right decision is on her. After she made her mind up, I was content to move on. I was really happy with everything."

"We just didn't click. She was very sweet, and I wish her the best."

As for who he thinks Emily Maynard's ends up with in the end?

"My money's on Jef. He seems like a great guy, a caring individual, and he's got some money. I'm sure that's going to put me in a doghouse," he said.

"Arie and Sean will stick around too. And maybe Doug, the guy who got the first impression rose. They're solid good guys, good character."

Sounds like someone's been reading The Bachelorette spoilers ... or watching the first two episodes on TV. That's all we'll say for now.

Emily Maynard Hurt By Brad Womack Jab

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:01:27 EST

Emily Maynard is usually one to take the high road.

The 26-year-old single mom appeared on Access Hollywood Wednesday, where she was asked, not surprisingly, about Brad Womack's recent diss of her.

Brad remarked, allegedly, that he "dodged a bullet" when their engagement ended. We'd argue that she did, but either way, that's a harsh comment.

"I haven't heard from him since filming started ... but I don't know," Emily Maynard told host Billy Bush. "At first, my feelings were really hurt."

"We left everything very civil and I've never said a bad work about him. But knowing Brad, he didn't mean it that way. That's what I'm going to say."

Earlier this month, Texas bar owner Womack aid he had "zero interest" in watching his ex-fiancee court 25 suitors on ABC's The Bachelorette.

"All I'll say is she is a helluva woman and I hope it works out," Brad said.

Will it? Not for Randy Lee Woyak, Lerone Anu, Jean-Paul LaCount, David Hornyk, Brent Richter, Joe Gendreau, Kyle Dillon, Aaron Martell or Jackson Longnecker.

Em has already sent home nine of 25 men after two episodes. For a look at a few (we think) will make it to the end, read our Bachelorette spoilers page!

[Photos: WENN.com]

The Bachelorette Recap: Rainbow Connections

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Tattle Taylor) — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:02:56 EST

The Bachelorette is back in full swing, and with it, all the scripted drama, misleading promos and man tears we've come to expect over the years.

It doesn't get any better than this ... for us. Emily might beg to differ.

After a season premiere that featured memorable first impressions - some good, some not so good - the remaining men took another shot tonight.

Follow this link for a rundown of The Bachelorette spoilers we know so far, including the (alleged) final three. Then read on for THG's +/- Bachelorette recap!

In case we weren't aware or forgot, this is being filmed in Charlotte so Emily can be near her daughter. The news and locals hope this will remind people that Charlotte exists.

Mr. Hostman (ha, get it? Hostman? Postman? Should I minus 5 myself for that?) Chris has letters for some guys to let them know they'll be going on dates with Emily.

Some of the other guys will have to stay behind. Hostman reminds them that if they get alone time with Emily, they have to take advantage of it.

Kalon says he's upset to see the other guys, particularly Ryan, get to spend time with Emily, the girl he wants to be with. Minus 5. Jealousy's not flattering on anyone. And your jealousy is faked for the camera, Kalon, so that makes it even more unflattering.

Kalon does, however, speak the truth when he says this is like the frat house from Hell. To show us just how frat house this is, we're treated to gratuitous shirtless guys! Plus 10!

Emily takes Ryan on the first date. Instead of something romantic or daredevil-ish, Emily's idea of a date is to rake Ryan home with her. So that he can bring in the groceries. Plus 5. This is manpower at its finest, Emily!

Because Emily's a single mom, her life is normal. Ricki's at soccer practice and Emily's snack mom so she and Ryan bake cookies. He dons Emily's apron and busts out his inner Betty Crocker. Plus 5. Another Plus 5 to Emily for leaving Ryan in the car while she drops off the snacks. Ricki's young and Emily doesn't want her meeting all the guys yet. She brings back a juice box and some cookies and he's kind of adorable drinking his little apple juice snack.

Emily changes out of her mom clothes and lets Ryan iron shirtless--I mean--get dressed up and they head to dinner. Along with the rest of the town who has shown up to the restaurant like Emily's walking the red carpet at a blockbuster premiere. She's decided to ask any questions she has, no matter what they are. Her first question for Ryan is how many girlfriends he's had. Ryan's answer: 2. Her next question what do you do when the chase is over and you've got the girl? He wonders why the chase has to be over. Good answers, Ryan. Plus 5.

Emily doesn't want to be the prize at the end of someone's competition. Uh, honey, I hate to break it to you, but this is a freaking competition. And you're the prize. Minus 15.

Ryan turns the questions around and asks if she's going to be comfortable enough to let a man come in and treat Ricki like his own. Emily says she's tired of being in charge. But everyone knows she'd still be in charge. Atta girl, Emily.

Back at the house, the guys get a notice of a group date and their hint is "Let's set the stage for love." Kalon thinks he'll be in his element on the stage and says he was Pinocchio in first grade. I think I see his nose growing every time he's on the screen.

Emily worries that Ryan's too perfect and compares him to Brad, but she gives him a rose anyway. These two are cute together, all Southern and sweet.

It's a new day and the group date is here. Emily's taking them to the theater. Her and 13 guys. They'll all be performing a variety show to benefit the Levine Children's Hospital. Their back-up actors?

The Muppets.

Five men will be dancing. Five men will be singing. Three men will be doing stand-up. All of them promise to be awkward. Plus 5.

Charlie's in the stand-up group and he's really nervous. He feels a little insecure about speaking in front of strangers. He goes to see Emily about his fears. Emily praises him for his confidence and says she never would've known he had any lingering issues. He switches to another group.

This Muppets thing is weird. Beyond weird. Emily asks Kermit to help zip her dress and the Miss Piggy throws a tantrum. Mr. Hostman has a conversation with one half of the cranky old man duo. They're all pretending the Muppets are real people. Really, producers? REALLY? Minus 20.

At least Ricki likes it.

Miss Piggy has Joe write a poem on the spot. Charlie starts sweating bullets. Jef has to propose to Miss Piggy. And finally it's back to Charlie. Miss Piggy asks "What do you tell a woman when you want to impress her?" Charlie's answer is that he'd remind her every day how beautiful she is, how special she makes him feel, and how lucky he is to have her in his life. Plus 10. Good answer, Charlie.

Emily says she was like a proud mama about their performances. Proud mama's not quite the feeling you should be going for there, lady. After another ridiculous skit with Kermit and Miss Piggy about kissing frogs to get to a prince, Ricki goes up on stage to help Emily sing with Kermit. This is the first time the guys have seen her.

After the show, Emily meets up with the guys to decide which of them will get a rose. Chris takes her for some one-on-one time and says he's been really nervous for the past couple of days. Emily says he's really good looking but not full of himself and that's what she likes about him. There are better looking men in this competition, but Chris seems nice.

She hangs out with Jef next and says she feels really awkward when she hangs out with him. He says he feels awkward too. He's so much younger than 27. Ditch him, Emily. He's just not ready.

Back at the house, another date card appears. Joe's got a one-on-one date with Emily. Sean thought it would be him.

Stevie got Emily to slow-dance in the cheesiest way possible by asking her how she danced at her prom. Cheese. CHEESE. Minus 10.

Kalon cuts in. Minus 15. He's just such a douche. Aaron rescues her. Plus 5.

Around the fireplace, Kalon and Stevie are setting up the competition that Emily said she didn't want. Stevie says "I don't like you." Kalon responds with "I wouldn't like me either if I were you. But I'm me." Kalon says they all want to be the guy who talks to her and gets the rose. Minus 20, ten points for each of them. Emily joins them all and Jef gets the date rose. He's safe for the next elimination.

Emily and Joe are going on a date. She says it's going to just be an over-the-top date. Joe's limo pulls up to the airport and a private jet on the runway. Emily's ready to take him home. (What is with her and taking these guys home?) They're going to West Virginia, her home state. Emily says she's kept him around because he has a fun spirit.

They go to The Greenbrier, a place she's been coming ever since she was a little girl. The plan is to just have fun. So they go swimming. Emily better be careful jumping into the water in a tube top or Joe's going to get a show.

Back at the house, the question comes up: Is anyone really scared of jumping into the role of father?

Kalon says he always expected this would come a different way, that his first child would be his own. Doug says he and Tony can tell them that this is a big thing to think about. Emily's first priority is Ricki. Then Kalon says Doug has put being a dad on hold and Doug puts Kalon in his place. Minus 30 to Kalon for being himself, but Plus 10 to Doug for telling Kalon to check it.

Joe and Emily are ready to go to dinner. Emily says there are so many sides to Joe she likes, but the spark is missing. She hopes the spark will come tonight. She starts in with the questions just like she did with Ryan. She asks him where he sees himself in 5 years. His answer? Happy. With no regrets. And then tells her that if it's the two of them at the end of this, he'll go wherever she wants him to go. I feel like maybe he jumped a little too far into that deep end on that question and killed the date. Minus 20.

There's something called the Love Clock at The Greenbrier. Joe and Emily write their love wishes and put them into the clock. Joe's wish is to come back to The Greenbrier with Emily and Ricki and meeting her parents. Emily cries. Emily's wish is that this time will be forever because she's learned what will stand the test of time.

Those butterflies she was looking for? They didn't come. And she cries on their date and says she doesn't know where she and Ricki fit into Joe's life. He says he gets it and they can part ways now. He heads back to Charlotte and as he drives away, The Greenbrier shoots off fireworks.

Back at the house, the guys see Joe's suitcase disappear. They didn't just send him back to Charlotte. They sent him HOME home.

It's time for the cocktail party and Rose Ceremony. Before the party gets started, Emily addresses the fact that Joe went home and says she's taking this really seriously. Arie gets her first and they talk about life in Scottsdale. He asks her what she does for fun and she says she doesn't really know. He tells her that he's dated a single mother before and he loves kids. Then she tells him he makes her nervous. They're cute together, too. Plus 5. I like Arie.

Ryan's talking to Emily and he has a rose, so the other guys get aggravated. Tony's taking his chance, but first, Ryan's written her a letter and she has to read it. Tony has to listen.

I think Emily is not amused with Ryan's shenanigans. Minus 10.

After a commercial break she's still not finished reading that letter. And Tony's still standing there. Still. But he finally gets to go and talk to her and tell her about his son for the first time. Emily says she's there for him since she understands what he's going through in being away from his little boy.

Kalon's been sitting by himself all night. He says the other guys have painted him as the outcast and because of that he MUST have time with her. Kalon painted himself as an outcast by being such a douche. Minus 10. He doesn't always relate to girls his age because he's so much older than 26.

Doug swoops in to steal her away. Plus 10.

Mr. Hostman shows up, finally, to get this Rose Ceremony started. Emily's off to make her decision about which two guys will be leaving.

The first guy she saves is KALON. And I want to scream. Minus 40. NO NO NO, Emily. NO.

Going home:

Aaron
Kyle
Joe

EPISODE TOTAL: -125. SEASON TOTAL: -145.

Emily Maynard: Sort of Dissed By Brad Womack!

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:03:04 EST

The Bachelorette star Emily Maynard was apparently just dissed by her former fiance, Brad Womack, in a recent interview he gave. What did the guy say?

Asked about the 26-year-old single mother by his hometown ABC station, Brad allegedly said: “I think I dodged a bullet with that relationship.”

Yeah. If that's true, really not cool Brad.

Good thing Emily Maynard has a whole new group of guys to choose from on the new season of The Bachelorette, since Brad clearly wasn't The One.

Who will she choose now that she's the one doling out the roses for the ABC reality franchise, which airs tonight? That's yet to be determined.

The Bachelorette spoilers we've read and posted so far hint at some of the serious contenders, however, so check out that page if you're curious!

Emily Maynard on The Bachelorette: Protecting Ricki is Priority #1

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:27:14 EST

Emily Maynard wouldn't reveal if she gets engaged on The Bachelorette this season, though she says she "was happy before the show, but really happy now."

She also says the road to the final rose was secondary to protecting her little girl. On a conference call with reporters, she described how that influenced things:

"If I was a single 26-year-old without a daughter, I'd be doing the same things the other Bachelorettes did. But Ricki is always at the forefront of my mind."

"I wouldn't get in a hot tub on a first date in my everyday life so I sure as hell am not going to do it on [TV]. I like to keep Ricki sheltered to a point."

"She's not at an age where she can even begin to understand the reason for the cameras. I told her it was for a very elaborate home video that she could watch way down the road. ... Ricki's life was not really affected at all."

"She was very protected throughout the entire process. She didn't see the guys. I got to spend a lot of time with her, take her to school and do all my mom stuff."

As for how Emily Maynard finally came around to doing the show?

"I had a million reservations and I said no to anybody who would listen. But time went on, we started talking again, and they were so accommodating that it was [too] great an opportunity to pass up," the 26-year-old explained.

"I had a great group of guys. I had the time of my life and learned so much about myself. It was the best experience getting to travel and to give Ricki the opportunity to see things she wouldn't have otherwise."

The guys came in having an image of me in their head but as they got to know me better, they all said, [I was] nothing like they thought. It was a good thing."

"I'm feisty and sassy. It takes a little bit for me to really feel comfortable but I've never been called 'boring' in my normal everyday life."

As for which guys make it to the end? The Bachelorette spoilers we've compiled so far give you a fairly good idea of who the leading candidates are ...

Emily Maynard on The Bachelorette Premiere: Thank Goodness For New Faces!

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:22:47 EST

Emily Maynard is happy to be The Bachelorette, and even happier that the producers didn't pull any major stunts with the casting. That we know of. Yet.

The Bachelorette spoilers for this season are still trickling in, so who knows what surprises await the beautiful single mom from Charlotte, North Carolina.

The season premiere last night was relatively drama-free and went off without a hitch, with the exception of a helicopter that had her fearing the worst.

That being the return of Brad Womack ... or Bentley Williams.

Fortunately for Emily Maynard, the producers weren't cruel enough to subject her to her ex-fiancee, or that jackass from Ashley's season, as a stunt.

Instead, she met 25 great guys, many of whom went all out to impress her. Who made the best first impressions with the former Bachelor winner?

Some excerpts from Emily's blog about the opener below:

"First of all, I can't even begin to say how grateful and blessed I feel to be The Bachelorette. It's still hard for me to wrap my head around the idea."

"It was a big decision to come back. I was in love with Brad and what we had was very real and true, but when things didn't work out with him, I was reminded that sometimes when people grow they grow apart."

"I can't tell you how many times I said no, but I know God allows us to meet people at the right time and I just hope this is the right time for me."

"I put a lot of pressure on myself to make it work because I've been in this situation before and in a way feel as though I've already had my chance."

"It's always scary meeting new people for the first time, especially like this! I wasn't sure if I would like any of the guys or if any of the guys would like me, but so many of my fears were calmed after just the first limo."

"I definitely felt a connection with a few of the guys and it made me confident that my decision to come back was worth it. So many of the guys stood out to me. Even though he was the last to show up, I think I have to start by acknowledging Kalon."

"What an entrance! A million thoughts were going through my mind. I was extremely nervous it was Brad or possibly Bentley! I was relieved to see a fresh face."

"As extravagant as the helicopter was, Jef showing up on the skateboard was way more impressive in my mind! I immediately loved that he wasn't trying to impress me with some over the top entrance."

"Anyone who knows me knows I have an extreme love for shoes, so Tony hit it out of the park with his glass slipper entrance."

"He did a great job making a memorable impression because as he walked away he made me realize how much I want the fairytale ending and how this time I really hope the glass slipper fits and I find my Prince Charming!

"Last but not least, Doug. What a sweetheart! The letter his son wrote to me was one of the sweetest things I have ever received and if anyone can appreciate how hard it is being away from their child, it's me."

"I'm so grateful that Doug took a chance on love, and I was honored that he saw something in me. It meant a lot and I wanted him to know that I would take a chance on him too and that's why I gave him the first impression rose."

The Bachelorette Season Premiere Recap: Emily's First Impressions

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Tattle Taylor) — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:28:53 EST

It's that time of year again.

The Bachelorette is back on ABC, with Emily Maynard, who captured our hearts last year on The Bachelor, ready to fall in love again - and call the shots this time.

For all the scripted drama, obvious cue cards, misleading promos and contrived nonsense, the show always sucks ... us back in. It's like a disease, only awesome.

Will the North Carolina mom find her prince charming at long last? Will there be tears along the way? Will someone be cast as the summer's "villain"?

Possibly, probably, and definitely. And we can't wait.

Follow this link for a breakdown of the guys and The Bachelorette spoilers we know so far. Then read on for THG's +/- Bachelorette season premiere recap!

Cute daughter Ricki, nice house in the 'burbs, a packed SUV, and a pimp spot in the carpool rotation. What more could this doe-eyed darling want, right? Oh, yeah. A husband to share it all with. Because that's the only thing she's missing. Minus 5 for being THAT girl.

This season will be different because, as we're reminded, Emily has a daughter. Whichever bachelor she chooses will have to not only be her husband but also her daughter's father. Let's help her make her pick, y'all.

Before Emily meets the men, we're treated to some Mommy-Daughter bonding. They're really sweet together. Really. Plus 10.

Emily says she was scared to do this because she's been in love twice and lost it twice. She "really, genuinely" thought that she'd found love with Brad. On a TV show. And I "really, genuinely" thought the moon was made of cheese. Minus 10.

I do have to give the girl props, though. Chris asked her about her late fiance' Ricky, father of her daughter, and she said she really didn't want to talk about that anymore. She's moved on from that. I think that's healthy. Plus 10.

Emily says she hopes a minivan and lots of babies are in her future. Chris tells her not to lead with that. Good call, host dude. Good call. Plus 5.

And here come the bachelors.

Let's start with bad first impressions, which collectively are earning a Minus 40.

"Life's not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Those are Jackson's opening lines. He really said that. On one knee even. Joe walks in like he's got some giant "marbles" in his pants. Or like he's imitating a gorilla. Tony brought a slipper on a pillow and introduced himself as "Charming, Prince Charming." And then he tried to put the glass slipper on her foot.

"I'm a high school biology teacher, but I'm here to have chemistry with you" - Aaron. LOL.

Stevie walks in with his boom box and does some sort of shuffle. He looks ridiculous. Randy shows up dressed like a grandma. I'm pretty sure Emily wants to run away screaming. Travis brought her an egg. It's a symbol of two beautiful people--Emily and Ricki--and throughout the journey, Travis is going to take care of the egg like he'd take care of Emily and Ricky. I... I can't even. Brent decided to bring his own name tag. When Emily knows his name, she can just take the tag off.

Kalon chartered a helicopter to impress Emily. I do think she'll see through that. Please.

Next up, the awkward introductions.

Emily. Brush up on your languages, sweetheart. If a man comes up to you from BRAZIL and speaks his native language, "gracias" is not the appropriate response. Minus 10. Jean-Paul acknowledges the awkward and says they know so much about her but she doesn't know anything about them. Plus 5. Alejandro gets to hear some Spanglish so awful his ears probably bled when he decided to introduce himself in Spanish. Just speak English, Emily. Please.

The frontrunners for Emily's heart, at least according to me?

Doug's a single dad and he drops that tidbit as soon as he steps out of the limo. Nate smells good. Ryan's a sweetheart with a sweet note. Charlie seems like a big teddy bear. Arie the race car driver is interesting. We know Emily has a thing for race car drivers. I mean, there's something hot about a guy who knows how to work a stick, amIright?

Meanwhile the testosterone, and the alcohol, are flying while the guys are waiting. They're talking about competition and getting what they want. It's all puffed chests and bravado. I'm looking for a hose to cool them all off. Minus 20.

They're also paying compliments to Emily's beauty. That's sweet. Plus 5.

Emily gets a "first impression" rose. With this rose, one guy will be on the fast track through the first rose ceremony.

"Wolf" calls Emily, hands-down, the hottest bachelorette. There's only been a few of them, right?

Charlie loses points for pretending to bite her hand. Minus 5.

Brent, Mr. Nametag, has six kids. SIX KIDS. She's losing points if she keeps him around. Chris has bobble-head dolls of himself and Emily and asks her to play with him. And she does. And then says he's hot. She needs to get herself checked out.

Jef with one F makes her feel like a nerd. I can't tell if that's good or bad. I guess it's good since she said he made a great first impression. But she didn't give him the rose. Not yet at least.

Doug has custody of his son, and his son wrote Emily a note. I'm pretty sure her ovaries are all a'twitter right now. The other guys don't stand a chance. Plus 15 for the note, Doug. Nice touch!

The First Impression rose is floating around and the guys are getting nervous. They need alone time with Emily and see Kalon for the fake he is. Here's hoping Emily sees it too. If she doesn't she's blind. As a bat.

Arie might blow the whole thing bringing up the race car driving thing since Emily's ready to put that part of her life behind her. But then she confirms my thoughts and says "he'd be hot in a race car." Plus 10.

Emily's ready to pass out the First Impression rose. To Daddy Doug. This is me doing a little happy dance in my chair. Plus 15 for Doug. He's a good one.

It's time for the first rose ceremony.

Going Home:

Brent
Lerone
Jean-Paul
Jackson
David
Randy

That means Doug, Ryan, Nate, Charlie, and Arie are staying. But so is Kalon and the bizarre, nerdy, skater Jef with one F, so there's that.

EPISODE TOTAL: -15.

This season promises jetsetting, drama, and Man Tears. I can't wait.

The Bachelorette Preview: Get the F*%k Out!

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:34:53 EST

Emily Maynard is back, and the single mom is not messing around.

When twenty-five men vie for your heart, there will invariably be some bad apples. Still, referring to a six-year-old girl as "baggage"? Not cool, guy.

In a newly-released preview of the new season, beginning tonight, we see Emily go on romantic dates, fall in love ... and quickly become incredulous.

That's because at some point this season, the "here for the wrong reasons" slash "talking smack behind her back" villain (apparently Kalon) emerges.

Watch what happens in ABC's three-minute sneak preview below:

The Bachelorette Preview

There have been indications, from The Bachelorette spoilers released so far, that the final three consist of ... well, follow the link if you're curious.

Chris Lambton and Peyton Wright: Married!

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Sun, 06 May 2012 07:32:28 EST

Chris Lambton and Peyton Wright went looking for love on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor, respectively, only to find it years later with each other.

The couple got married Saturday!

Peyton and Chris, who got engaged last year, tied the knot at Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, S.C. The bride wore a gown by Melissa Sweet.

Their I-dos provide a happy ending for a courtship that started when a mutual Bachelor friend introduced the pair, who came up short on reality TV.

Not that the show didn't provide them other opportunities - in love and work.

The landscaper from Massachusetts and his Dallas-born bride will star in Going Yard, premiering May 12 on HGTV. Chris Lambton and Peyton Wright be traveling the U.S. designing and decorating outdoor living spaces.

Among Lambton's fellow Bachelorette alums invited to the nuptials were Craig Robinson, Tyler Vermette and even Roberto Martinez, whom Ali Fedotowsky got engaged to on the finale of her season, spurning Chris.

Let bygones be bygones, right? Congratulations, Chris and Peyton!

NOTE: For the scoop on the new season, starring Emily Maynard, check out our page compiling the The Bachelorette spoilers, news and more.

Chris Harrison Previews The Bachelorette, Six Dudes to Watch

steve@thehollywoodgossip.com (Free Britney) — Fri, 04 May 2012 08:03:09 EST

The news of Chris Harrison separating from his wife of 18 years took many by surprise yesterday, but the venerable TV personality will still be back in his familiar role as The Bachelorette host and pimp on May 14.

In a recent article for EW, he previewed six guys to watch this season.

Will any of these fellas end up in the final four, or beyond? See The Bachelorette spoilers we've compiled so far for more on that. Then read the primer on a half dozen fellas who undoubtedly will be major players this summer ...

Kalon McMahon, 27: This "luxury-brand consultant" is, Harrison says, "cocky, brash, and arrogant" and arrives on the first night in a rented helicopter.

"He makes a huge first impression, but the big story is, will it fade quickly?" Sounds that way ... considering his equipment wasn't that remarkable.

"I don't know where that helicopter came from, but it was pretty unimpressive," Harrison says. "It would be like showing up in a Prius instead of a limo."

Jef Holm, 27: "He's not your typical 6'4" ripped bachelor. He's an average-looking guy who will stun Emily with his personality and charm," says Harrison.

"Women are more apt to give a guy with humor and charisma a chance than a guy will."

Harrison says he was also impressed that Holm ditched the limo for a skateboard on the first night. "It was like Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future!"

Doug Clerget, 33: Single mom Emily, meet single dad Doug!

"They get along fantastically and share this bond from the moment they started talking about kids," says Harrison. "And he's great-looking. Muscles on top of muscles. He's someone America will fall in love with."

So what's the catch? "It's a sweet relationship, but can they get beyond that? Is there more to him than his 11-year-old son?" Obviously.

Arie Luyendyk Jr., 30: He's a race car driver, and the son of a world-renowned race car driver. Seems a bit much given Emily Maynard's past, no?

"It's not like after [her fiance Ricky Hendrick] died she never went to the track. The racing world is still a big part of her life," Harrison weighs in.

"And Arie is an IndyCar driver, not NASCAR." That's totally fine then.

Alessandro Goulart, 30: The first words out of this Brazilian hunk's mouth are "Nice to meet you, gorgeous" ... in Portuguese! Cue the swooning.

"He's this Latin heartthrob who very easily works his charms on Emily," says Harrison of Alessandro. As for what he does for work down in Brazil?

"He's a grain merchant," says Chris. "I guess that means he merchants the grain."

Ryan Bowers, 31: This season's sensitive former pro athlete owns a gym but also mentors young children in Augusta, Ga. His romantic (and cheesy) side scores points with Emily yet makes him a target among the guys.

"The first night he gave Emily a note saying 'You are beautiful' on the back, so while he was reading it to her she could see that," says Chris. "He's that guy."