5 Shocking Twists And Where Joey Graziadei And Kelsey Anderson Are Now: The Bachelor Season 28 Update

The most recent season of The Bachelor, starring Joey Graziadei, delivered a refreshingly emotional journey that culminated in an "unprecedented" finale, leaving fans stunned by a dramatic twist that few saw coming. As of December 13, 2025, the focus has shifted from the final rose ceremony in Tulum, Mexico, to the current, real-life status of the engaged couple and the lingering drama from the season that dominated social media.

The season, which premiered in early 2024, was memorable not just for its charismatic lead, but for a shocking self-elimination and a central feud that divided Bachelor Nation. From Joey's emotional vulnerability to the surprising maturity of the final contestants, here is the complete breakdown of what happened on The Bachelor Season 28, who received the final rose, and the latest relationship updates for Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson.

The Bachelor: Joey Graziadei's Complete Profile and Biography

Before becoming one of the most beloved Bachelors in recent history, Joseph Michael Graziadei built a life centered around athletics and the Hawaiian coast. His journey to find love on reality television began with a heartbreak that resonated deeply with viewers, setting the stage for his own season.

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• Full Name: Joseph Michael Graziadei
• Date of Birth: May 24, 1995
• Age During Filming: 28 (Turned 29 shortly after the finale aired)
• Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California (L.A.)
• Occupation: Teaching Tennis Professional
• Previous Appearance: Runner-up on Season 20 of The Bachelorette, starring Charity Lawson
• Education: Graduated from West Chester University in Pennsylvania

Joey initially gained fame for his emotional and respectful exit from Charity Lawson's season of The Bachelorette. His move from Pennsylvania to Lawai, Hawaii, where he worked as a tennis pro, was a conscious decision to pursue a less corporate lifestyle, a detail that endeared him to fans looking for a genuine lead.

The Unprecedented Finale: Daisy Kent's Self-Elimination

The biggest twist of Joey Graziadei's season was the "unprecedented" ending that host Jesse Palmer had been teasing for weeks. It was a moment of shocking maturity and emotional clarity, breaking the traditional mold of the show's final rose ceremony.

Daisy Kent's Pivotal Decision

The finale saw Joey torn between his two final women: Kelsey Anderson, a junior project manager from Louisiana, and Daisy Kent, a communications manager from Minnesota who openly shared her journey with hearing loss and a cochlear implant.

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After their final date, Daisy realized that Joey's connection with Kelsey was stronger and more definitive. In a move rarely seen on the show, Daisy chose to pre-emptively end her journey. She drove to Kelsey’s villa to have a private, candid conversation with her competitor, a moment lauded by fans for its grace and maturity.

The Final Rose Ceremony

Daisy then walked to the engagement spot not to be dumped, but to tell Joey that she was leaving. She explained that she knew her heart wasn't the one he was going to choose, saving them both a painful, drawn-out goodbye. This self-elimination was the "unprecedented" event, as it meant Joey only had one woman left for the final proposal.

With Daisy gone, Joey was free to propose to Kelsey Anderson. The emotional proposal in Tulum, Mexico, solidified their relationship, and Kelsey happily accepted the final rose and the engagement ring.

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The Season's Biggest Feuds and Lingering Controversies

While Joey's overall journey was praised for its sincerity, the early and middle parts of the season were dominated by a bitter and drawn-out feud between several key contestants. This drama provided the necessary conflict to keep the season lively and gave Bachelor Nation plenty to debate.

The Maria vs. Sydney and Madina Conflict

The main source of conflict centered on contestant Maria Georgas, a fan-favorite from Ontario, Canada, who was accused of being a "bully" by fellow contestants. The feud initially began with Madina Alam, who expressed concerns about being the oldest contestant at age 31, and Maria made a flippant comment that was misinterpreted as minimizing Madina's feelings.

This situation was quickly amplified by Sydney Gordon, who took the issue to Joey, accusing Maria of creating a toxic environment. The drama escalated over several episodes, with Joey struggling to navigate the conflicting accounts of the women.

Joey's Handling of the Situation

Joey Graziadei was put in a difficult position, but he ultimately stood by his own connection with Maria, eventually sending Sydney home after a two-on-one date. However, the controversy continued with Lea Cayanan inheriting the "villain" role and continuing to question Maria's intentions.

The drama was rehashed during the Women Tell All special, where Maria, Sydney, and Lea all confronted each other, highlighting the intense and often unfair pressure placed on contestants. Joey later expressed that he had "no regrets" about how he handled the situation, prioritizing his own emotional journey.

Where Joey Graziadei and Kelsey Anderson Are Now: A Current Update

The true success of a Bachelor season is measured by the longevity of the final relationship. For Joey and Kelsey, their post-show life has been a major step forward, confirming their commitment to each other well past the *After the Final Rose* special.

The Big Move to Los Angeles

The most recent and significant update is the couple's decision to move in together. After months of long-distance dating and spending time together in a shared "roommate situation" after the finale aired in March 2024, Joey and Kelsey officially moved into their own apartment in Los Angeles (L.A.) at the end of 2024.

This move was a major milestone, as it required both of them to relocate from their respective homes—Joey from Hawaii and Kelsey from New Orleans, Louisiana. Their decision to settle in L.A. was partly influenced by Joey's brief appearance on Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), which kept them on the West Coast.

Wedding Planning and Future Plans

While the couple is happily engaged and cohabitating, they have been open about taking their time with the wedding planning process. They have expressed a desire to enjoy their engagement and the freedom of being a public couple before rushing down the aisle.

Kelsey Anderson and Joey Graziadei frequently share updates on their social media, documenting their life together in L.A., travel, and their continued support for each other. Their relationship is widely considered a success story for the franchise, proving that genuine connections can still be found amidst the drama and spectacle of reality television.

The season of The Bachelor featuring Joey Graziadei will be remembered for its emotional depth, the refreshing maturity of its ending, and the creation of a couple who appears genuinely committed to building a life together outside of the cameras. The "unprecedented" twist delivered drama in a positive way, setting a new standard for the franchise's finales.