The Golden Bachelorette Season 2: Who's Stepping Into the Spotlight for Love?

As Mel Owens prepares to make his life-altering choice in The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale, Bachelor Nation has already shifted its gaze. Forget who Mel picks for a moment; the real question buzzing across social media and fan forums is: Which incredible woman will become the next Golden Bachelorette?

The quest for love in golden years has captivated audiences, and while ABC hasn't officially confirmed a second season of The Golden Bachelorette, that hasn't stopped contestants, hosts, and even celebrities from throwing their hats into the ring. Everyone wants to know who will follow in Joan Vassos' footsteps and embark on their own journey for a heartfelt connection.

TL;DR: The Next Golden Bachelorette Buzz

• Debbie Siebers is a major fan and host favorite, highlighted for her unique "never married" story and openness to love.
• Several other contestants from Mel Owens' season, including Cheryl Steele and Nicolle Briscoe, have expressed strong interest in leading the show.
• Celebrity names like Kathy Griffin and Luann de Lesseps have also playfully (or seriously) pitched themselves for the coveted role.

Debbie Siebers: A Resilient Heart Ready for Her Own Fairytale

If there's one name consistently at the top of everyone's list, it's Debbie Siebers. The 65-year-old fitness professional from Denver, Colorado, captured hearts with her vulnerability and profound desire for marriage, a dream she’s held since childhood but has yet to realize. Her journey on The Golden Bachelor was, as she described it, "a rollercoaster ride" that allowed her "to feel hopeful again." Source: [ScreenRant, Debbie Siebers Should Be The Next Golden Bachelorette, October 29, 2025].

Debbie’s story is uniquely compelling in the context of the Golden franchise. While past leads Gerry Turner and Joan Vassos were widowed, and Mel Owens is divorced, Debbie has never been married or had children. This offers a fresh perspective, showcasing that the longing for a life partner can persist regardless of one's past marital status. She bravely shared a deeply personal tragedy during her hometown date with Mel: at 51, she broke up with her boyfriend who then took his own life two weeks later. This experience, which took her ten years to process, showcases her immense resilience and capacity for love.

Her emotional "Women Tell All" segment, where the audience chanted her name, solidified her as a fan favorite. Even host Jesse Palmer has voiced his strong support, stating, "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!" Source: [Pop Culture, Golden Bachelor Host Names His Pick for Next Golden Bachelorette, Oct 30, 2025]. Debbie herself confirmed she would "definitely consider" the opportunity, highlighting the show's rigorous vetting process as a major plus for finding genuine connections. Source: [Swooon, Who Will Be the New ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Lead? 5 of Mel Owens’ Contestants Weigh In, Nov 2, 2025]. This level of enthusiasm from both fans and insiders makes a very strong case for Debbie.

Beyond a Single Lead: The Allure of Co-Bachelorettes

During the "Women Tell All" special, another compelling idea emerged: why not two Golden Bachelorettes? The emotional segments featuring both Debbie Siebers and Cheryl Steele had many, including some publications, clamoring for a co-lead season. Cheryl, a fourth-place finisher, shared her regret at being too reserved on her "fairytale date" with Mel, wishing she'd been more outgoing. Her visible emotion and the presence of her son and granddaughters in the audience only deepened her relatability.

Historically, the Bachelor franchise has experimented with co-leads. In 2015, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Britt Nilsson were initially co-Bachelorettes, though the suitors voted one off, leading to a "nasty twist." However, ABC learned from this, successfully implementing a true co-lead season in 2022 with Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia. This demonstrates a path for a dual lead format to work. Source: [Parade, Cheryl 'Will Cherish This' For the Rest of Her Life, Oct 29, 2025].

A co-Golden Bachelorette season could be particularly resonant. Imagine two women, each with rich life experiences, supporting each other through the unique pressures of the show while offering different qualities for the men to connect with. It expands the narratives, allowing for diverse representations of love and life beyond 60. The tradeoff? It does split screen time and might feel less focused, but the potential for double the romance and sisterhood could outweigh that.

More Contestants Ready for Their Shot at "Golden" Love

Debbie and Cheryl aren't the only ones interested in another chance at finding love on national television. Several other spirited women from Mel Owens' season have openly expressed their willingness to become the next Golden Bachelorette or join Bachelor in Paradise:

• Nicolle Kate Briscoe: Despite some "drama-induced hurdles" during her time on the show, Nicolle has "no regrets, except that I haven’t gotten the call yet." She confidently stated her "nervous system is actually cut out for it" because she knows how to self-regulate. Nicolle is intentional about her dating, emphasizing, "I don’t have time to mess around. I need to be very intentional about my dating... I want to have a really healthy, conscious, deep love and relationship."
• Gerri Flowers: Gerri enthusiastically declared, "I would love to do The Golden Bachelorette." She hasn't been dating since the show but is more than ready, quipping, "Bachelor Nation’s done all the hard work, so all I’d have to do is pick between 23 men. How fun would that be?" Her upfront excitement is a definite asset.
• Amy Kaplan: Though an early exit in Week 3, Amy is also ready to lead. She told Us Weekly, "I would only be with them if there was a connection. And I would not have to chase after a man. I mean, how backwards is that? I’ve never chased after a man in my life." She’s looking for a "connection on every level," from snuggling on a rug to luxury travel, demonstrating a clear vision for her next chapter.

Not every contestant is jumping at the idea, however. Carol Freeman-Branstine, for example, hadn't even thought about it, being "in the middle of baseball season" when asked. She expressed a desire to "get all of us girls to get back together and have another week together" more than seeking a new lead role. This shows a natural range of responses, reflecting individual priorities and readiness.

The Finalists: Peg Munson and Cindy Cullers – If Mel Doesn't Pick Them

Of course, there’s always the possibility that one of Mel's two finalists, Peg Munson or Cindy Cullers, could take the lead if they don't receive Mel's final rose. The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale airs on November 12, so their eligibility for the Bachelorette role hinges entirely on Mel’s choice. Source: [Swooon, Mel Owens Reveals His Pick for ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Season 2 Lead, Nov 5, 2025].

Peg, a 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb tech, has been noted for her "lively energy" and has significant fan support. One social media user commented, "I hope Peg is the next Golden Bachelorette!! She will keep things lively!" Similarly, Cindy Cullers, a 60-year-old retired biomedical engineer, has her own passionate fanbase advocating for her. Their potential as leads is strong, but dependent on the outcome of Mel’s decision. It’s a classic Bachelor Nation cliffhanger!

Mel Owens' Own Undisclosed Pick for the Next Golden Bachelorette

Interestingly, Mel Owens himself has reportedly revealed his #1 choice for the Golden Bachelorette Season 2 lead from his season. The articles, however, tantalizingly tease this information without actually naming who his pick is. Source: [Swooon, Mel Owens Reveals His Pick for ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Season 2 Lead, Nov 5, 2025]. This adds another layer of intrigue, leaving fans to guess who captured Mel's esteem even if they didn't capture his heart.

Could a Celebrity Be the Next Golden Bachelorette?

The success of the "Golden" franchise has even caught the eye of celebrities outside Bachelor Nation. Comedian Kathy Griffin, for instance, humorously pitched herself on an episode of Celebrity Weakest Link, declaring, "I am 64, single and sexy. So I would like to be the next Golden Bachelorette." While host Jane Lynch playfully suggested another dating show for farmers, Griffin’s interest highlights the broader appeal of the show.

Another prominent name tossed into the ring is The Real Housewives of New York City alum Luann de Lesseps. She told Life & Style she believes it's "perfect for me" and wants to "manifest" her next partner. However, a potential snag for Luann could be her existing contract with NBCUniversal, as she has starred in several shows across their platforms. This kind of network exclusivity is a real-world hurdle that often prevents stars from jumping between competing channels, regardless of their enthusiasm.

The Impact of the "Golden" Phenomenon

The widespread interest in who will lead The Golden Bachelorette speaks volumes about the impact of the "Golden" franchise. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a validation of older adults’ desires for companionship, love, and adventure.

For example, imagine a 70-year-old widow, Sarah, living in a quiet suburban town. She'd been hesitant to re-enter the dating world after losing her husband years ago. Watching the confident, vulnerable, and often hilarious women on The Golden Bachelor, particularly Debbie Siebers sharing her unique journey of never being married, Sarah felt a stir. "Maybe it isn't too late," she thought. The show, far from being just a TV spectacle, offers a tangible, inspiring example that love knows no age, encouraging people to open their hearts once more.

Practical Takeaways for Bachelor Nation Fans

• Keep an eye on official ABC announcements for The Golden Bachelorette Season 2, as nothing is confirmed yet.
• Debbie Siebers is a strong contender, backed by fan sentiment and host endorsement, with a truly unique story to tell.
• Don't rule out a co-Bachelorette season, especially with the emotional connections and diverse personalities of women like Cheryl Steele and Nicolle Briscoe.
• Celebrity leads remain a possibility, but network contracts are a genuine factor to consider for those outside Bachelor Nation.
• The journey for love at any age is inspiring, proving that it's never too late to put yourself out there.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About The Golden Bachelorette Season 2

Q: Has The Golden Bachelorette Season 2 been confirmed?A: No, ABC has not officially confirmed a second season of The Golden Bachelorette at this time, but speculation is high due to fan demand.

Q: When does The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale air?A: The finale for Mel Owens' season of The Golden Bachelor Season 2 is scheduled to air on Wednesday, November 12.

Q: What is the typical age range for The Golden Bachelorette contestants?A: The Golden Bachelorette typically features a female lead and a cast of men all above the age of 60 years old.

Q: Where can I watch The Golden Bachelor?A: The Golden Bachelor airs Wednesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams on Hulu the next day.

Sources

• Swooon, "Who Will Be the New ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Lead? 5 of Mel Owens’ Contestants Weigh In," November 2, 2025.
• Parade, "Cheryl 'Will Cherish This' For the Rest of Her Life," October 29, 2025.
• Swooon, "Mel Owens Reveals His Pick for ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Season 2 Lead," November 5, 2025.
• ScreenRant, "Debbie Siebers Should Be The Next Golden Bachelorette," October 29, 2025.
• Pop Culture, "Golden Bachelor Host Names His Pick for Next Golden Bachelorette," October 30, 2025.