Grant Ellis was prepared for his first round of Bachelor dates going into Week 2 of his tour.
In the episode that aired on February 3, Beverly, Sarafiena, Alli Jo, Natalie, Parisa, Vicky, Chloie, Zoe, Juliana, and Allyshia secured the season’s first group date. After changing into athleisure, the women met 31-year-old Grant for a basketball game at the gym. In order to prepare the ladies for play, the day trader brought out a group of children, two of whom, Atticus and Journey, acted as coaches.
As the coaches led the women through various drills, Zoe, 27, chose to take Grant away for some solo time instead of trying her hand at a slam dunk. Many of the women were offended when she and Grant left the gym.
In an on-camera interview, 29-year-old Sarafiena stated, “I am really turned off by the situation.”
However, Grant relished his time alone with Zoe. He said to the cameras, “I feel like we’re on the same mental level.”
“We lost track of time,” the IT engineer and model informed the group as Zoe and Grant eventually made their way back to the gym.
The women would then play a game of five-on-five basketball, emcee Jesse Palmer declared as he entered the court. One woman would get Grant’s lettermen jacket and be crowned MVP.
Ashley Brewer, a sports writer, joined Jesse, 46, and Grant at the commentator table after the women divided into two teams, purple and yellow.
Early in the game, the purple team took the lead and led 8–0 at the half. During the competition, several women lost their nails, and the game became a little aggressive.
Vicky, 28, told the cameras, “This is war, not a basketball game anymore.”
After the purple squad finally prevailed, Grant dubbed 27-year-old Chloie the MVP before they shared a kiss with the audience.
Regarding Chloie, Grant remarked, “She is such a beautiful woman, bubbly, great personality, she’s wonderful.” “I’m excited because I think there’s a connection there.”
The group criticized Zoe for the move she made during rehearsal at the after-party.
Zoe said, “You have to do what you have to do.”
The 28-year-old Juliana referred to Zoe’s actions as disrespectful. Zoe answered, “I believe that everything is fair in love and war.” “Shoot your shot,” the [date] card said, so I did just that.
As Juliana talked to Grant, Zoe continued to prowl around, interrupting him and 30-year-old Alli Jo.
“What’s wrong with you?” Zoe was asked by Alli Jo. “You have not been harmed by me.”
After she and Grant talked about wanting children, Zoe hoped to win the date rose, but Natalie, 25, did.
In an on-camera interview, Grant stated, “I think she’ll make a great wife and a great mother.” Additionally, I sense a link there. I adore the emotion that is present there.
ONE-ON-ONE DATE
As the recipient of the first impression rose, Alexe was given the season’s first one-on-one date, which involved Grant closing down the Beverly Center shopping center in Los Angeles for her.
They made an ice cream sundae at Nicolas Eatery, jumped on mattresses at a mattress company, rode motorized dogs, and posed in bridal clothes in a storefront.
Grant said, “I see something with Alexe,” to the cameras. At her core, she is a child. I sense a connection and am the same way.
The former basketball star composed a song to perform on the spot while playing the piano for Alexe. That was “the sweetest moment ever,” according to the 27-year-old pediatric speech therapist.
Alexe revealed to Grant toward the conclusion of the evening that she and her mother were no longer on good terms.
Grant told Alexe, “You’re going to have another chance at starting a family and raising children someday, and you get to do it your way.”
“You’re charming, witty, funny, and I can see a future with you,” Grant said as he offered Alexe a rose.
They danced slowly in the middle of the mall as the evening came to a close.
“I am ecstatic,” Alexe declared to the cameras.
SECOND GROUP DATE
Mario sang his breakthrough single, “Let Me Love You,” to start off the second group date.
Grant told the women, “He does a great job of expressing how he feels through his music.”
The ladies were informed by Mario, 38, that they would need to compose a song for Grant and play it in front of a crowd. The choreographer, Robin Antin, assisted them in creating a dance.
Grant gave his own performance to start the evening. He predicted that this will either become a meme or a memorable experience. “In any case, it will go down in history.”
Following their collective appearance on stage, the women each had their own moment of fame.
Carolina spoke Spanish, Rebekah wrote “Mrs. Ellis” on her back, and Bailey split.
Regarding Carolina, 28, Grant remarked, “She’s a firecracker and her performance was great.”
Carolina performed a dance to a Mario serenade after Grant declared her the day’s winner. In front of the other women and the audience, Carolina straddled Grant and made out with him on a couch as the dance came to a conclusion.
During an on-camera interview, Dina stated, “It just burned my eyeballs.”
Grant could feel the tension between the women during the after-party. He said to the cameras, “I got a weird vibe, a weird energy.”
Rebekah, 31, merely mentioned the challenge of going on a group date when he questioned her about it while they were together.
The ICU nurse told Grant, “I know it doesn’t feel good, but I’m still very supportive in whatever you need to do to get the outcome that you’re here for.”
Grant attempted to reassure her. He remarked, “I want to make sure you guys feel good because I’m not used to giving my attention to multiple women.”
After speaking with Grant, Rebekah informed the group that he felt a change in the atmosphere. The 27-year-old Bailey then told Carolina that it “was really tough to see” her makeout with Grant.
Carolina retorted, “You can be happy for someone and still be frustrated for yourself.”
Carolina dealt with the stress during her time with Grant. She told him, “There were things that were brought up that were definitely making me sad.” As if I didn’t want to tread on anyone’s toes. It somewhat spoiled what I had hoped would be a fantastic day. And it’s awful to see other people miserable because you’re pleased. I felt uneasy about it, but I would rather concentrate on our relationship.
Carolina was reassured by Grant that “you did nothing wrong.”
But Litia, whom he considered to be “someone I feel like I can have a future with,” received the date rose.
COCKTAIL PARTY AND ROSE CEREMONY
At the beginning of the cocktail party, Grant addressed the women, “My person is in this room and I’m looking forward to tonight.” “I’m eager.”
“I always want my person to feel supported and safe,” said Beverly, 30, as Grant talked to her about his early years.
Bailey, in the meantime, admitted to Grant that she had been “struggling” with the procedure. The social media manager stated, “I just feel like it is really hard for me to be vulnerable so quick.”
Bailey began to cry, but Chloie cut her off, and she was afraid the tears would cost her a rose.
At the beginning of the rose ceremony, Grant remarked, “It’s not because I don’t have feelings for you if you don’t receive a rose tonight.” “I hope no one takes anything personally and just know that I’m searching for a relationship that will last a lifetime.”
Juliana, Beverly, Sarafiena, Carolina, Zoe, Dina, Rose, Bailey, Parisa, Alli Jo, and Chloie were all given roses by Grant. After saying their goodbyes, Ella, Rebekah, Vicky, and Allyshia had to leave the estate.
ABC broadcasts The Bachelor every Monday at 8 p.m. ET.