The Bachelorette Connection: Was Kat Stickler Ever A Contestant? The Shocking Truth Behind The Rumors

The persistent question of whether TikTok sensation Kat Stickler ever appeared as a contestant on ABC’s hit dating show, The Bachelorette, is a topic that continues to confuse fans and fuel online speculation. As of December 2025, the definitive answer is no; Kat Stickler has never been a contestant vying for a final rose on the main seasons of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. However, the reason this rumor has become so widespread and remains a hot topic in 2024 and 2025 is directly tied to her high-profile and very public relationship with a major star from the Bachelor Nation franchise, a connection that kept her name in the reality TV headlines for months. We break down her true connection to the franchise and her path from viral comedy to mainstream media.

The confusion surrounding Kat Stickler’s reality TV status is entirely understandable, given that the social media influencer was recently involved in one of the most talked-about celebrity splits of late 2024. Her brief but heavily publicized romance with former Bachelorette contestant Jason Tartick put her squarely in the Bachelor Nation spotlight, leading many to assume she must have been a part of the show’s history herself. This deep dive will clarify her true background, detail her explosive rise to fame, and explain the fresh, up-to-the-minute details of her connection to the world of reality television.

Kat Stickler: A Comprehensive Profile and Viral Career Timeline

Kat Stickler is a prime example of a modern digital celebrity who has successfully leveraged her online fame into mainstream opportunities. Her journey began not on a reality TV set, but on the social media platform TikTok, where her authentic, relatable, and comedic content quickly resonated with millions of users.

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Biography and Key Facts

• Full Name: Kat Stickler (née Kat Canderelli)
• Date of Birth: October 8, 1994
• Age (as of late 2025): 31
• Hometown: Miami, Florida
• Primary Occupation: Social Media Personality, TikTok Star, Comedian, Content Creator
• Rise to Fame: Gained initial viral attention around 2020 on TikTok with her then-husband, Michael "Mike" Stickler, on the joint account "mikeandkat."
• Content Style: Known for relatable humor, candid storytelling, infectious energy, and family-focused content, particularly involving her daughter.
• Marital Status: Divorced from Mike Stickler; their split was announced in March 2021.

Kat's initial popularity was built on the "mikeandkat" account, which featured funny skits, pranks, and relatable videos about marriage and parenting. After her divorce from Mike Stickler in 2021, Kat successfully transitioned to a solo career, maintaining her massive following by focusing on her personal life, dating experiences, and motherhood, cementing her status as a top-tier digital sensation.

The Bachelorette Connection: Why Everyone Thinks Kat Was a Contestant

The widespread belief that Kat Stickler was a contestant on The Bachelorette is a classic case of guilt by association. The source of the rumor is her highly publicized relationship with former reality star Jason Tartick, who first appeared on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette in 2018. The relationship, which began in early 2024 and was confirmed in June 2024, was a significant crossover event between the world of social media influencers and Bachelor Nation.

The Jason Tartick Romance and 2024 Split

Kat Stickler and Jason Tartick, a successful entrepreneur and podcast host, sparked dating rumors in the spring of 2024. They made their relationship Instagram official in June 2024, sharing the news in a joint post to the delight of both their fan bases. This coupling immediately drew immense media attention, as Tartick was a well-known figure, not only from his time on The Bachelorette but also from his previous engagement to former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe.

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The relationship was short-lived, however, and became major breaking news in the fall. In October 2024, the couple announced their amicable split on social media, confirming that the relationship "just didn't work" after about six months of dating. Tartick, who is known for his candid discussions, later opened up about the "very real" and "unexpected" breakup on his podcast, Trading Secrets, even slamming rumors that he had been "disloyal" to Stickler.

This timeline of events is the sole reason for the persistent "Kat Stickler on The Bachelorette" searches. She was dating a prominent Bachelor Nation alum, which placed her at the center of the franchise's news cycle without ever having to step foot in the famous Bachelor Mansion.

From TikTok to Traditional Media: Kat Stickler's Crossover Career

While Kat Stickler’s journey did not include a stop on The Bachelorette, she has certainly dipped her toes into the pool of traditional media and reality TV adjacent projects. Her ability to connect with an audience has made her an attractive figure for various media companies looking to tap into the digital zeitgeist.

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HGTV and Podcast Hosting

One of Kat’s most concrete steps into traditional media was with the home and garden giant, HGTV. She and her ex-husband, Mike Stickler, co-hosted the "HGTV Obsessed" podcast, which allowed them to interview experts and discuss popular HGTV shows. This role showcased her versatility and ability to host long-form content beyond the short-form video format of TikTok.

Reality TV Ambitions and High-Profile Rumors

The reality TV rumors surrounding Kat Stickler extend beyond just the Bachelor franchise. Her rising profile has frequently led to speculation about her landing her own reality show. In fact, following rumors of a brief romance with musician John Mayer, there was buzz that she might be leveraging the high-profile connection to secure a deal for a Bravo reality show. While neither the John Mayer romance nor the Bravo show materialized publicly, these rumors highlight her perceived potential as a reality television personality.

The constant stream of high-profile relationships—from Mike Stickler to Jason Tartick and the John Mayer speculation—combined with her natural on-camera charisma, makes her a perennial subject of reality TV casting discussions. The internet's curiosity about her appearing on a show like Dancing with the Stars or even a celebrity version of a dating show remains high, given her proven ability to generate buzz and relate to a mass audience.

Key Takeaway: The Truth About Kat Stickler and Bachelor Nation

To put the matter to rest: Kat Stickler has not been a contestant on The Bachelorette, The Bachelor, or Bachelor in Paradise. Her association with the franchise is entirely through her romantic relationship with Jason Tartick, a former contestant. This relationship, which ended in late 2024, was a significant news story that temporarily blurred the lines between her social media career and the reality television ecosystem.

Kat Stickler’s career trajectory is a testament to the power of authentic content creation. From a viral star with her ex-husband to a solo digital comedian, podcaster, and high-profile celebrity dater, she has carved out a unique space in the entertainment world. Her future may very well include a formal reality TV debut, but for now, her fame is self-made, driven by her millions of followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, rather than a rose ceremony. The separation from Jason Tartick has now left the Bachelorette alum "not mentally ready" to date again, according to his November 2024 statements, further cementing Kat Stickler’s lasting impact on the Bachelor Nation universe.