'The Bachelor' star Ben Higgins announced officially by ABC

The Bachelor star for Season 20 has finally been officially confirmed by ABC.


On Monday night's After Paradise special hosted by Chris Harrison, Ben Higgins was revealed to be Season 20's Bachelor, and the 26-year-old software salesman from Denver, CO, made an appearance on the live show to talk about his upcoming stint.

Harrison initially faked America out by having Nick Viall appear on After Paradise just as viewers were expecting The Bachelor announcement. Viall discussed how his heart is always open and he's excited for the future.

"I'm definitely excited for that next great adventure that is awaiting me, so it should be fun," said Viall, Kaitlyn Bristowe's runner-up from The Bachelorette.

After Viall walked off the stage, Harrison then explained, "We've all been waiting for it. And now, it's my pleasure to announce your new Bachelor. Ladies and gentlemen, Ben Higgins."


Once Higgins joined Harrison on the set, the host joked, "I'm 90 percent sure we just broke Twitter."

"What a day!" Higgins said with a big smile on his face. "I'm great."

Harrison then wanted to chat with Higgins about the news and how his life has changed since The Bachelorette aired.

"It's incredible. I think people like me don't get opportunities like this. Well, now I do. I never would've thought this opportunity would be something I could have, but I'm excited. Everything leading up to this has just been incredible and I'm ready to get this thing started," Higgins said.

Higgins laughed that he really can't prepare for this leading role.


However, "doing the last season helped," the new Bachelor noted. "I think it gave me a perspective on what happens, the process in general. But stepping into this role is something that you can't prepare for. Twenty-five or so people -- don't surprise me too bad."

Harrison didn't reveal what's up producers' sleeves, but he did point out that the response for casting has been "unreal."

Higgins then admitted he had taken some advice to heart that Harrison had previously offered. Higgins plans to "use this opportunity to enhance the life [he] already had."

The Bachelor host agreed, reiterating how it's important for a franchise star to not let the experience change his or her life.

"And I've really tried to just keep things normal. The company I work for has been incredibly fair to me and are allowing me to continue to work through all the craziness," Higgins insisted.


"I still wake up in the morning, I go to work, I go to church on Sundays and I workout at lunch. Yes, there's things about life that has changed. I'm a lot cooler on Instagram than I ever thought I'd be. But overall, things have been very normal in a weird way."






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski