The new Bachelor gushes about his first impression on the 28 'amazingly beautiful women' and talks about Lace's antics in the first episode of season 20.
- Jan 6, 2016
AceShowbiz - Ben Higgins met the 28 ladies vying for his attention on "The Bachelor" season 20 premiere aired on Monday, January 4. Following their first meeting, he cut 7 women in the rose ceremony and many fans were surprised by his decision to give a rose to Lace, who has been dubbed this season's villain.
So, what Ben actually thought about these women and why decided to keep Lace on the show? The Bachelor opened up about his "surreal" experience meeting those "28 amazingly beautiful women" in a blog posted on PEOPLE.
Admitting that he was nervous, Ben recalled, "When that first door opened and Lauren B. got out, I knew she was there for me because wow! Just wow. She took my breath away but also just eased my nerves with how normal it was to meet her in such an abnormal circumstance."
He said the moment Caila jumped in his arms "made me laugh and made my heart warm all at once." He added, "She has such an energy - you wouldn't believe it unless you've ever met her."
Ben said of Jami, "Jami really had me nervous for a minute, especially when she told me that she knew Kaitlyn and had talked to her about me, but I should've expected a sense of humor like that from any friend of Kaitlyn's. Good job Jami, you made me sweat!"
As for Lace who kissed him immediately after she stepped out of the limo, Ben said, "I was definitely feeling a little warm after meeting Lace too. Not many girls can pull off a kiss before you even say hello but Lace sure did. Again, wow! Wasn't expecting that at all!"
The software salesman from Denver, Colorado called Maegan, who showed up with a mini horse, "truly one of a kind." He was also impressed by Mandi's self-made rose hat and Lauren H.'s adorable bouquet toss.
"From having a woman as impressive as Jen telling me that she was actually attracted to ME to talking to Jubilee about her being a war veteran! And the twins! How could I have gone this far without talking about Emily and Haley!" Ben went on gushing, "My mind was blown meeting them."
Ben said he was shocked when "Becca walked into the room while I was talking to Lauren H. ... and then Amber too! I had NO idea what was going on, and I think that showed on my face. Where they here for me? Or just to offer advice to the other women?" He further shared, "I was clueless. And when they told me they were here to stay, I was extremely flattered."
Ben also commented on Olivia who got the First Impression Rose. "Olivia really blew me away that night - and not only with her beauty, but also with her poise and intelligence and even more so with all that she gave up for a chance at finding love," he explained.
Lace also got a rose that night, but she made a fuss over the fact that he didn't "make eye contact" with her at all during the rose ceremony. Responding to this, Ben said, "When Lace pulled me aside, I was floored, honestly. After all that had gone on that night (and I hadn't even seen the half of it!) was she really questioning my intentions after I had just sent seven incredible women home?!"
"But when it was all said and done, as hard as it was, I was left with an unbelievable group of women to embark on this journey with," Ben added, "And honestly, I could not have been more relieved that that first night was over ... or so I thought!"
