Jesse Palmer Encouraged Bachelor Grant Ellis to Make a Final Decision
Host Jesse Palmer assured Us that the trailer for season 29 of The Bachelor is not exaggerating how conflicted lead Grant Ellis felt as he approached the final rose ceremony.
“It’s genuine,” Palmer stated in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, linked to his collaboration with Great Clips. “I was taken aback; I haven’t encountered something like this in my four years as a host across the franchises. Usually, our leads exhibit a clearer mindset heading into the last day. It’s truly a testament to how torn Grant was.”
In the trailer, 31-year-old day trader Grant confesses to Palmer that he is uncertain about whom he will choose on the final day. Palmer explained to Us that the exceptional qualities of Grant’s contestants contributed to his hesitation.
“Every year, they are incredible, making the final decision particularly tough. I can see why Grant felt so conflicted,” he elaborated. “But without revealing too much, I assure you that was authentic and unedited.”
At the conclusion of the teaser, Palmer questions Grant about his decision once more. “We have both women here on standby, and I need to know which one to send off first,” he remarked.
Palmer provided Us with insight into his candid remarks, acknowledging that there was a moment when production simply had to keep the cameras rolling.
“It’s not something I want to divulge, nor should I,” he mentioned. “It’s more implied. Everyone understands. But it got to a situation during our talk where it was so uncertain that we needed to finalize things. He had to reach a decision, and we had to wrap it up. I apologize for how I expressed it, but it was necessary for his understanding. I know Grant got it, but that reflects how genuine the situation was.”
Palmer has been at the helm of The Bachelor since season 26. While that season ended with heartbreak for Clayton Echard, season 27’s Zach Shallcross and season 28’s Joey Graziadei remain engaged to their final rose recipients, Kaity Biggar and Kelsey Anderson.
“I can’t speak for Grant, but I believe he’s quite pleased with how things turned out. He’s eager for everyone to see this all unfold. Grant is incredibly relatable,” Palmer expressed to Us. “I admire him, and he’s achieved so much in every aspect of his life, except for love. With Zach and Joey leading the charge, we might just keep this success story going — fingers crossed.”

The Bachelor returns to ABC on Monday, January 27, at 8 p.m. ET. Just before the franchise’s comeback, the network broadcasted the College Football Playoff, showcasing Ohio State defeating Notre Dame. Viewers might have caught Palmer’s Great Clips commercial featuring their $9.99 haircut coupon during the event.
“[The partnership] is genuinely representative of my life journey. I recall my days as a player preparing for a game, and now as a broadcaster and host on The Bachelor — during live shows like Men Tell All or After the Final Rose — self-assurance is crucial in live television,” he mentioned to Us. “When you look good, you feel good, and your performance reflects that. There’s a saying in football: look good, feel good, play good. Deion Sanders might add, get paid good, and that’s the essence of this for me.”
The Great Clips coupon will be available at participating salons until January 31, 2025.