Nick Viall talks 'The Bachelor' season: I wasn't looking to end up with the most popular girl in the house

Nick Viall's The Bachelor journey begins Monday, January 2 on ABC, and the show's star has teased what fans can anticipate this season.


Shortly after ABC revealed Nick's 30 bachelorettes, the handsome 36-year-old software salesman from Wisconsin participated in a media call through which he opened up about his time handing out roses as the Bachelor following three failed searches for love on spinoffs of the franchise.

In the Wednesday interview, Nick -- who admitted he found love on The Bachelor -- shared his desires, expectations and challenges on the show. He even addressed some juicy rumors out there.

Nick talked to Reality TV World about the role drama played in his decisions throughout the season and what he was looking for in a woman based on his experiences with Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe, both of whom he had almost proposed marriage to. Below is what Nick had to say. 

Reality TV World: You know the ins and outs of The Bachelor franchise at this point and how a lot of people go on these shows for the wrong reasons. Were you particularly sensitive to that? How important was it to you, for example, that a woman got along with everyone in the house? Because when past Bachelors have been warned about a specific woman, the claims seemed to be true most of the time.


Nick Viall: Yes and no. I suppose I approach situations differently than most, even with my peers in the past. There's no denying that I would disagree with that in a sense because, especially on [Andi Dorfman]'s season, there were a lot of people who had their concerns about me and guys I ruffled feathers with, you know?

One of those men was Chris Soules, who is one of my closest friends now. I think that environment is subject to a lot of emotion and a lot of intensity when you're all going after the same person. It can bring up a lot of insecurities and things that really aren't based on reality.

At the same time, I think it's important to listen, but sometimes when you really care, you kind of act out, and in that environment, it's kind of normal because you care. So, I honestly didn't put a lot of emphasis on some of that stuff.

At the same time, I would always listen, and I think it's just a matter of what the situation was and why those concerns may or may not have been raised. I think every situation is different, so I certainly wasn't looking to end up with the most popular person in the house, and yeah.

Reality TV World: You fell in love a couple of times on The Bachelorette and failed to find love on Bachelor in Paradise. So going into The Bachelor, what were you looking for in a woman? Were you hoping to find someone like Andi and Kaitlyn? And did you have any dealbreakers after learning from your past relationships?


Nick Viall: As far as Andi and Kaitlyn, they are both great women and they certainly have a lot of great qualities. And as much as I did care about those women in my past, I'm also very thankful that it didn't work out having removed myself from the situation.

But there's no denying, like I've said before, I've always been attracted to women with strong personalities and a lot of confidence, and women who are intelligent and willing to be my partner. I have a big personality, and I push back a lot with people that I respect and trust.

And I want someone to be comfortable enough with me to do that. I want to be with a woman who feels empowered and feels like they're my partner and partner in a relationship, and that has never changed, you know?

That was the same when I went on Andi's season, Kaitlyn's season, and when I went on Paradise. In terms of the core qualities I am looking for in a woman, those have never changed and never will.

Also during the conference call, Nick talked to reporters about women potentially being on the show for the "wrong reasons" and what exactly he called "a terrifying feeling."


Since you've been through this process before, did you have an easier time distinguishing which women weren't there for the right reasons?

Nick Viall: Certainly I think having done this before, I'm prepared as much as anyone to handle the responsibilities of being the Bachelor, but I think -- well, I know, because I've done it now -- being the Bachelor is a lot different and a lot more goes into it.

But I like to think I'm a fairly good judge of character overall, and overall, that's not something that was a big concern of mine, not only going into the season but throughout it.

Was there ever a point in your journey you thought, "This is too much for me to handle. I can't believe I agreed to this...?"

Nick Viall: Every day! (Laughs) In all seriousness, yeah, I mean, when I was asked to be the Bachelor, I didn't immediately say, "Yes." Again, it's a huge responsibility. It's obviously an incredible opportunity, but a lot goes into it, and there really are no guarantees.


There are obviously a lot of amazing things that come with being the Bachelor and it's fun and cool, but it's also a lot and a big commitment. If you're serious about it, it can be very difficult at times. It's very personal; there's a lot of feelings with the hopes of meeting someone and meeting the right person. So that can be kind of a terrifying feeling.

So, it can be challenging, and certainly every day, you face those challenges, and it's very easy to question things. But overall, I have no regrets. I kind of kid about that, but it can be hard and you question things, but overall, I'm very lucky for the opportunity and very thankful that I was given it and certainly have no regrets.

Be sure to check back with Reality TV World soon for much more from Nick's The Bachelor call. To check out a gallery of Nick's hottest and sexiest photos, click here. Also click here to see a photo gallery of all 30 bachelorettes or click here to see a gallery of their Night 1 arrivals.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski