The second season of The Golden Bachelor is inching toward the season finale. After weeks of handing out roses, Mel Owens has two women left. One of them might be his next wife. But Bachelor Nation fans are already thinking about what’s next for the franchise. ABC hasn’t officially renewed Golden Bachelorette but Jesse Palmer knows who he wants to see in the role. Keep reading to find out his pick and see if you agree with it.

Mel Owens’ Women Face Off With Season’s Villain

Mel Owens is a former NFL player who made a name for himself as a sports lawyer after retiring from professional football. The divorced father of two felt lonely in his later years. He went on Season 2 of Golden Bachelor to find companionship, and possibly a wife, in his senior years.
‘Bachelor In Paradise’ Jesse Palmer/Credit: YouTube
But he had a few deal breakers. He initially said that he didn’t want to date anyone over the age of 60. He later backtracked and claimed he didn’t know that was the entire premise of the spinoff. His other requirement was athletic women. The women on his season fit that criteria, but there can only be one winner.

Peg Munson and Cindy Cullers are the last two women standing after Debbie Siebers was sent home. The Season 2 contestants reunited for the Women Tell All special. The women didn’t let this season’s villain, Nicolle Kate Briscoe, talk her way out of accountability.

Debbie took Nicolle to task during the reunion episode for her behavior on the show. “I really need to address the empowering women thing, because you did not empower us. You dismissed us. You dismissed me and my connection with Mel,” she said.
‘Golden Bachelor’ star Nicolle Kate Briscoe/Credit: YouTube
Debbie continued, “I always was on your side. I had defended Nicolle every single day. But when I saw comments about the first season, the women not being so attractive? When I saw that you really were on there to date America? To be an influencer? I was so disappointed in you, and I thought you were so much smarter than that. If you want to be an influencer, you’re not gonna be if nobody likes you. You hurt me.”

In her interview after Mel Owens dumped her, Nicolle Kate Briscoe suggested to producers that they should cast her as the next Golden Bachelorette. But as Debbie pointed out, nobody likes Nicolle at this point. The show’s host weighed in on his thoughts on who should be the next lead.

Jesse Palmer Shares His Pick For Next Golden Bachelorette

Jesse Palmer seamlessly stepped into the hosting role after Chris Harrison left Bachelor Nation in 2021. He doesn’t have the final say over casting and maybe not any say. But he has opinions and he’s more than happy to share them.

He spoke to Entertainment Weekly after this week’s episode. He revealed who he would pick as the next lead if ABC renews The Golden Bachelorette for a second season.

“I personally love Debbie, and I think her incredible story resonates with many. I absolutely believe she should be in the running to be our next Golden Bachelorette,” Jesse stated. The Denver, Colorado, native opened up on the show about her former lover’s suicide.

He had high praise for another of the contestants. “Monica B. was the star of the show in my opinion! Great comedic timing and delivery. Absolutely hilarious!”

What do you think? Do you agree that Debbie should be the next Golden Bachelorette?