Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette Season: Celebrity Exes and Reality TV Veterans in the Mix
Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming season of The Bachelorette is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about yet. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star is stepping into the lead role for season 22, and early reports about her potential suitors have already set Bachelor Nation buzzing.
Among the 26 men vying for her heart, two contestants in particular have caught everyone’s attention: a musician who dated Lana Del Rey, and a model who’s been on casting directors’ radars for years.
When Your Ex is Lana Del Rey
Clayton Johnson, a 35-year-old musician, brings some serious celebrity credentials to the mansion. He dated the iconic singer Lana Del Rey for nearly a year back in 2021, before she eventually married Jeremy Dufrene. But their connection went beyond just romance.
In a July 2024 Instagram post, Clayton opened up about collaborating with Lana Del Rey on the song “Tough.” He explained how she had a vision for the track and helped transform his musical idea into something special. It’s the kind of creative partnership that adds an interesting layer to his backstory beyond just being “the guy who dated Lana Del Rey.”
On the “Almost Famous” podcast, hosted by Ashley Iaconetti and reality TV casting producer Heather, the co-hosts discussed Clayton’s prospects on the show. Heather suggested that his high-profile past relationship would likely give him some staying power early in the season. After all, contestants with celebrity connections tend to generate buzz, and producers know it.
The Model Who Finally Said Yes
Then there’s Doug Mason, a 28-year-old model and aspiring actor with his own interesting journey to The Bachelorette. According to Heather on the same podcast episode, she’s been trying to get Doug on reality TV dating shows since 2023.
“I have DMs going back to 2023 with Doug, trying to get him on TV,” Heather revealed. “He turned me down multiple times because he was focusing on his acting and his modeling career.”
So what changed? It seems Doug eventually recognized that The Bachelorette could actually align with his career goals while giving him the platform he’d been building toward. His background in front of cameras might give him a natural advantage when it comes to the show’s format and the constant filming.
Of course, this raises the question that Bachelor Nation loves to debate: is he there for the right reasons? The presence of contestants with clear career ambitions always sparks discussion about authenticity versus fame-seeking. Doug’s journey throughout the season will likely fuel plenty of that conversation.
What Taylor Wants
For Taylor Frankie Paul herself, this journey is deeply personal. At 31, she’s navigating a complex personal life while searching for lasting love. She was previously married to Tate Paul, and they share two children together: Indy, 7, and Ocean, 4. She also has a 17-month-old son, Ever, with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Taylor shared what she’s most excited about. “I’m most looking forward to meeting a handful of people that are outside my bubble — and even if there’s a couple in there, that’s OK — but I’m just excited to get to know different perspectives and new parts about myself too.”
She’s also open to the possibility of getting engaged by the end of filming, which is a significant commitment given her past experiences with long-term relationships and co-parenting. Her vulnerability and openness could be what sets this season apart, especially as she navigates connections with men from such diverse backgrounds.
Behind the Scenes Insights
The October 28 episode of “Almost Famous” provided a fascinating peek behind the curtain of reality TV casting. Ashley Iaconetti and Heather discussed the strategic thinking that goes into assembling a cast that will create compelling television while hopefully leading to genuine connections.
Heather’s insider perspective as a casting producer adds credibility to her assessments of which contestants might go far and which storylines producers are likely banking on. It’s the kind of commentary that helps fans understand the calculated nature of reality TV production without completely bursting the romantic bubble.
What This Means for Season 22
The reveal of contestants with celebrity connections and reality TV ambitions has already amplified excitement for the season. These elements often create the kind of drama and unpredictability that makes The Bachelorette must-watch television. Social media is already flooded with fan theories about how long Clayton will last and whether Doug’s intentions are pure.
But beyond the drama, this season promises to explore deeper questions about authenticity, the pursuit of fame, and whether genuine love can flourish under intense public scrutiny. Taylor’s willingness to be vulnerable, combined with a cast that brings both intrigue and complexity, sets the stage for a season that could be memorable for all the right reasons.
When to Watch
The Bachelorette season 22 premieres on ABC on Sunday, March 22, at 9 p.m. ET. Whether you’re a die-hard Bachelor Nation fan or just curious about how a social media star turned reality TV veteran will handle her search for love, this season is shaping up to be appointment television. With suitors who bring their own storylines and a Bachelorette willing to open her heart, we’re in for quite a ride.
