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Night one of The Bachelorette finally arrived, and it’s arguably a favorite and most anticipated because it’s when we get to meet all of the contestants and witness their grand entrances. First impressions are everything, and that’s even more true when it comes to The Bachelorette. We, of course, were not-so-patiently waiting for Jordan Vandergriff’s formal introduction on the show. 

If you’re unfamiliar with The Bachelorette or that Vandergriff, NHRA’s Top Fuel racer, would be on it this season with hopes of finding love, then you can read our preview of the show here. To summarize, there are two Bachelorettes, Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia, this season, and Vandergriff is one of the contestants. 

There is a lot to unpack this episode, mostly because we’re meeting 32 men, which night one confirmed is the most ever in a single season of the show. Wow. 

So, in honor of season 19 of The Bachelorette, here are 19 takeaways, highlights, observations, and memorable moments from the season premiere in chronological order. Any related to Vandergriff will be highlighted in bold for quick finding. Buckle in, it was definitely a season premiere to remember. 

1. This season is for sure full of what-ifs, as it’s never been done before, and everyone is questioning just how it’s all going to work. What if they fall for the same guy? What if one guy falls for both of them? Definitely valid scenarios to wonder about.

2. Reaffirmed within the first few minutes is that the goal of this show is to find a fiancé and to get engaged. 

3. There are so many men coming out of these limos (one at a time) while Gabby and Rachel wait on the driveway of the mansion to greet them. I can’t keep track of most of their names, faces, or introductions. How are the Bachelorettes doing it?

4. These introductions are so awkward in the absolute best way. Lots of nervous laughter. So many promises being made right at the starting line. (See what I did there? I tried.)

5. HA! Jordan H. has brought a set of noise-cancelling headphones to put over Gabby’s ears as he speaks to Rachel in private (sort of) and vice versa. He’s not our Jordan, but this intro is hilarious.

6. Oh my. There is a football coach making his entrance, and he is yelling an encouraging, affirmative chant as he introduces himself. Now he’s doing it to the other contestants as well. Amazing.

7. We’ve just met Logan, and he is carrying a baby chick in each of his hands! So that he can “practice hanging out with a couple of cute chicks.” Cringe and swoon. 

8. So many of the contestants are mentioning Clayton Echard, who broke both Gabby’s and Rachel’s heart on his season of The Bachelor when they made it to the top three. Good intentions but really a mood downer. 

9. And cue a choir of kids performing a song about how much Clayton sucks. I am crying from laughter at the song because wow. Just wow. 

10. OK, a contestant just walked out of the limo with a very long meatball sub. James is his name, but his nickname is apparently Meatball. Incredible. Well, the way to most hearts is through food, so he’s on the right track. 

11. A shirtless man on a majestic white horse. A genuine romance book cover come to life. “Oh my goodness, is that Fabio?” asks Rachel. He just might be, and as a certified bookworm, he just automatically became my favorite. Sorry, Jordan V. Kidding. We will remain Team Jordan, of course. Speaking of, where is he?!

12. Um, someone has now walked out of the limo holding two folding chairs. One for each Bachelorette to sit on so that they can rest. Chivalry is alive and well here, all. 

13. THERE HE IS. Jordan V. Occupation: Drag racer. He’s just introduced himself as a professional race-car driver “used to some wild and thrilling rides.” YAS. We love to hear it. 

14. Gabby and Rachel are whole moods. So fun, honest, and down to earth. I’m loving them.

15. Jordan V. coming in hot with the Top Fuel dragster! I am squealing. So awesome. Rachel is impressed by him. YAY. And he went there for her?! Love it. Rachel is a pilot, so Jordan suggesting she teach him how to fly a plane while he teaches her to drive a dragster is genius. They’re holding hands, and she clearly wanted him to kiss her. But they’ve got time. Really interested to see if he connects with Gabby at all or completely focuses on Rachel.

When you’re talking about carburetors and horsepower on a first date…i’m into it #TheBachelorette

— Rachel Recchia (@pilot__rachel) July 12, 2022

16. Speaking of kisses, this guy Tino just asked for a kiss from Rachel, and if that isn’t the sweetest and most respectful thing, then I don’t know what is. Romance is brewing all around.

17. The women are swapping stories and comparing notes. I am gushing along with them. AH, RACHEL JUST SAID THAT JORDAN SURPRISED HER. 

18. First-impression roses have come out, and they are everything. Gabby gave hers to Mario (who she shared a very sweet kiss with), and Rachel gave hers to Tino, not Jordan V., though I believe he was definitely close to receiving it. (The group chat confirms if he would have kissed her, he probably would have received it. But contrary to NHRA Drag Racing knowledge, slow and steady wins this race. Maybe.) Oh my gosh. Not the camera swerve to Jordan V. and the others looking caught off guard at her choice. Note: First-impression roses are given to the contestants on night one who have made the biggest, well, impression. 

19. They are preparing for the rose ceremony. Where did the time go?! Wait. No rose ceremony? The Bachelorettes make the rules and have decided to cancel it because they haven’t gotten to meet all the men yet. Though they did say goodbye to (or break up with) three of them, as they didn’t feel a long-lasting connection. Note: The rose ceremony after each episode is where the Bachelorettes hand out a rose to each contestant they want to continue their journey with while eliminating the ones they don’t see a future with. There are limited roses each week, so more breakups and goodbyes this season are inevitable. 

Phew, that was a lot. The two-hour season premiere was only a glimpse at what’s to come this season, and we’re all excited to see what that looks like — especially for Vandergriff.

The Bachelorette airs every Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Check back here with us at NHRA.com for weekly recaps on Vandergriff’s road to love. We’ll be watching and rooting alongside you all. #TeamJordan 

jordan v deserved that first impression rose and that’s all i’m going to say. #bachelorette

— mar 🌹 #1 movies fan (@heartz4conan) July 12, 2022

if i were rachel i would simply marry jordan v and end the show night one #bachelorette

— jules (@juliejulesjul) July 12, 2022

Okay Jordan V 👀 there is nothing more attractive than when your partner wants to teach you things about their interests and wants to learn about yours. #bachelorette

— Danielle (@danielleeliza_) July 12, 2022