'The Bachelorette' star Desiree Hartsock: It was incredibly emotional and really surprising

The Bachelorette star Desiree Hartsock's search for love on the ABC reality dating show's ninth season will begin on Monday, May 27 at 8PM ET/PT.


The Bachelorette star will be introduced to 25 bachelors all competing to win her heart, and the season's premiere will conclude with the 27-year-old bridal stylist from Los Angeles, CA, whittling the pack down to 19 during the first Rose Ceremony.

During a Wednesday conference call with reporters, Desiree talked to Reality TV World about her upcoming season of The Bachelorette and hinted at what viewers can expect to see.

Reality TV World: Did you end up finding love on The Bachelorette and can you tell us if you're happily engaged?

Desiree Hartsock: You know, the journey was incredibly emotional and it was really surprising throughout, so unfortunately, I can't comment on that at this time.


Reality TV World: Could you tell us if you're at least happy with your journey on The Bachelorette overall and how things went your second time around on a reality dating show? For instance, are you glad you ended up deciding to star on the show or was it maybe not the great experience you had built it up to be?

Desiree Hartsock: I'm glad that I did decide to do the show and I am, I was satisfied with my decisions throughout. I followed and trusted my heart the best I could, so I stayed true to myself throughout.

Reality TV World: At the beginning of the show, what factors -- such as maybe the distance between where you live or the men's careers or their past-relationship history -- were you focused on when trying to number down your search and how did those factors become increasingly more or less important to you as the show progressed after you really got to know the men? 

Desiree Hartsock: Yeah, I think you do have to ask really tough questions and I think a key part is really seeing what they were like in past relationships and really finding out if they're ready to be here and continue on -- if it's going to be a serious relationship, if they're going to be ready for that.

So in the beginning, it's really gauging who is going to be there for the right reasons, and as it continued, I think that's where location and jobs really fall into line -- if you can see a future with that person.


Reality TV World: Based on what's been shown and discussed of your season so far, some of the men on your season seem really impressive. How do you feel in hindsight that Sean Lowe compared to these guys? Do some of them have similar qualities or are they completely different from him?

Desiree Hartsock: I actually, I mean, I would say I can't really compare. A lot of the men this season are very unique and really amazing men. They have different qualities than Sean had. I think a lot of them are very, very spontaneous and very creative.

Reality TV World: Would you be willing to move wherever the love of your life might live or are you hoping he'd move to Los Angeles? What changes were you willing to make in your life following the show had you ended up in a serious relationship?

Desiree Hartsock: You know, regardless of whether it's from the show or in my day to day life, I really take love as my priority. So I don't have roots anywhere and I really do feel like home is where the heart is, so I would definitely be willing to move wherever the love of my life is.

Reality TV World: During your time on The Bachelor with Sean, there were a couple times you got kind of closed off and sort of shut yourself down when you weren't sure if Sean was reciprocating some of the strong feelings you had for him. How would you say that's different from your behavior on The Bachelorette? Did you really try to put yourself out there at all times, and if so, how challenging was that?


Desiree Hartsock: That was very circumstantial because I wasn't feeling it back from Sean, but during this entire journey, I was really able to put honestly put my whole heart out there and just let it happen, whatever happens. It wasn't too challenging. I feel like that was very circumstantial.

Below are some additional highlights from Desiree's call.

My question is about the fantasy suite guy, Jonathan, how was that for you?

Desiree Hartsock: It was very uncomfortable, but I kind of took it like I would in my day to day life, and you know, kind of disregarded his behavior and didn't stand for it.

What surprised you most during your first night with the guys?


Desiree Hartsock: The biggest surprise, I was surprised by how many amazing men there were -- and good looking!

In press materials, your overnight dates this season are said to be "some of the most intimate and sensual overnight dates ever." Can you talk a little bit about that? Is that true or not entirely accurate?

Desiree Hartsock: I have no idea (laughs) why those were the type of words used, because I actually just wanted those dates to be a time to talk away from the cameras. That's such a vital time to really see how someone is going to be in their day to day life, so I'm not sure exactly why -- maybe just because of the location.

Check back with Reality TV World soon for more.






About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski