The 25 Most Intriguing Contestants Of The Bachelor Season 29: Drama, Spoilers, And Who Wins Grant Ellis’s Final Rose

The world of reality television is buzzing once again, and as of this current date in December 2025, all eyes are on the latest crop of hopefuls vying for love on one of the biggest dating shows in history. The search for "contestants" inevitably leads to the most talked-about cast members of the moment, and this season's group of women on *The Bachelor* Season 29 has delivered a compelling mix of personalities, careers, and dramatic entrances. This deep dive focuses on the 25 women who stepped out of the limos to meet the new Bachelor, Grant Ellis, providing fresh details, early drama, and biographical insights that are dominating the reality TV conversation right now. The 29th season, which premiered in January 2025, features a diverse and accomplished group of women, ranging from pediatric speech therapists to real estate agents, all hoping to capture the heart of the former professional athlete. The dynamic among the contestants has already proven to be explosive, setting the stage for a season full of unexpected twists and turns. Understanding the background and initial moves of these key players is essential for any fan following the journey to the final rose.

Meet the Bachelor: Grant Ellis’s Full Biography and Profile

The man at the center of the drama for Season 29 is Grant Ellis, a 31-year-old day trader with a fascinating background as a former professional basketball player. His journey to the Malibu mansion is a unique one, making him one of the most intriguing Bachelors in recent memory.

• Full Name: Grant Russell Ellis
• Age: 31 (Born December 15, 1993)
• Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
• Current Occupation: Day Trader
• Former Occupation: Professional Basketball Player
• Education: Graduated from Catholic Regional High School, played basketball at Iona University in New York, and is an alumnus of Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut.
• Bachelor Nation History: He was a contestant on a previous season of *The Bachelorette*.
• Fun Fact: His mother, a huge supporter, secretly signed him up for *The Bachelorette*, which ultimately led to his role as the new Bachelor.

Ellis’s experience as a professional athlete, playing for a team in the Dominican Republic, gives him a competitive edge, while his current career as a day trader highlights his analytical and focused nature. The question remains whether his strategic approach will help him navigate the complexities of dating 25 women simultaneously.

The Season 29 Contestants: 15 Key Entrants and Their First Impressions

The initial group of contestants for Grant Ellis’s season was a robust 25 women, each bringing a distinct personality and career to the show. The first night is always crucial, and several women made immediate, memorable impressions, setting the tone for the season’s dynamics.

Here is a list of 15 of the most talked-about contestants and the roles they are playing in the early season drama:

1. Alexe, 27: A pediatric speech therapist from New Brunswick, Canada. Her sweet and nurturing demeanor immediately made her a frontrunner for a strong connection with Grant.
2. Alli Jo, 30: The oldest contestant in the initial group, she brought a sense of maturity and directness to the Malibu mansion.
3. Allyshia, 29: A contestant whose quiet confidence has made her a dark horse in the competition.
4. Bailey, 27: Known for a memorable limo entrance that showcased her quirky side.
5. Beverly, 30: A contestant who stood out for her professional background and polished appearance.
6. Carolina, 28: The source of much of the season’s early first night drama. Spoilers indicate her competitive nature created significant friction among the other women.
7. Chloie, 27: A groundbreaking contestant who has been widely discussed as potentially the first plus-sized woman to make it past the first night, sparking important conversations about body diversity on the show.
8. Christina: One of the women eliminated in the intense first rose ceremony, showing just how quickly the competition heats up.
9. J’Nae: Another contestant who was sent home early, indicating that Grant’s initial connections were strong and decisive.
10. Kelsey: A notable name in the cast, she was featured heavily in early promotional materials, suggesting a deeper storyline.
11. Kyleigh: Part of the initial group of eliminations, her departure was a surprise to some viewers.
12. Litia: Known for her vibrant personality and efforts to stand out on the crowded first night.
13. Neicey: A contestant whose brief time on the show was marked by a genuine, heartfelt connection attempt.
14. Radhika: Among the women who did not receive a rose at the initial ceremony, she was part of the group of seven early departures.
15. Savannah: Her elimination at the first rose ceremony was a key moment, narrowing the field significantly for the remaining women.

Early Spoilers and The Contestants Who Caused the Most Buzz

The current season of *The Bachelor* has been highly scrutinized by fans and spoiler accounts, revealing unique details about the contestants’ journeys and the drama that unfolded. The focus on authenticity and vulnerability this season has led to some major headline-grabbing moments.

The "No Drama Llama" Entrance

One of the most memorable and widely shared moments from the premiere involved a contestant who arrived with a "no drama llama" prop. This entrance was a light-hearted attempt to set a positive tone for the season, though ironically, the season quickly became known for its intense rivalries and emotional confrontations. The contestant's effort to signal a desire for a peaceful journey contrasted sharply with the ensuing chaos.

The Mid-Season Departure

A significant event that sent shockwaves through the remaining contestants and the audience was the unprompted departure of one of the women in Episode 4. The spoiler confirms that the drama and emotional pressure of the competition became so intense that a contestant chose to leave the show entirely, rather than face elimination. This self-elimination highlights the real-world toll that the high-stakes environment of reality dating can take on participants. This moment is a key piece of fresh content that fans are still discussing.

The Carolina Conflict

While the identity of the final winner remains the ultimate secret, the early episodes established a clear villain and source of conflict in the form of Carolina. Her aggressive approach to getting time with Grant Ellis and her friction with other women, including Chloie and Alexe, became the primary dramatic engine for the first half of the season. This kind of competitive rivalry is a staple of the show, but Carolina's tactics were reportedly more intense than in previous seasons.

The LSI Keywords and Topical Authority of the Season

The conversation surrounding *The Bachelor* Season 29 has generated a strong topical authority, with several LSI keywords and related phrases dominating search results and social media trends. Beyond the main keyword "contestants," the most popular search terms reflect the audience's curiosity about the lead’s background and the season's unique moments:

• Grant Ellis day trader: Highlighting his current, non-traditional career.
• Former professional basketball player: Emphasizing his athletic past.
• Bachelor Season 29 premiere: Tracking viewership and episode recaps.
• First rose ceremony eliminations: Focusing on the initial cuts.
• Malibu mansion dating: The iconic setting of the show.
• The Bachelorette alum Grant Ellis: Connecting his current role to his past appearance.
• Plus-sized Bachelor contestant: Reflecting the discussion around Chloie's casting and representation.

The journey of these contestants is a microcosm of modern dating and competition, full of high-stakes romance and inevitable heartbreak. As the season progresses, the focus will shift from initial drama to the genuine connections, but for now, the buzz around the diverse and competitive cast of *The Bachelor* Season 29 ensures its place as the most talked-about reality show of 2025.