Michelle Anne Young (born June 3, 1993) is an American television personality. She received national recognition as the runner-up on season 25 of The Bachelor, and as the star of season 18 of The Bachelorette.
Michelle Young | |
|---|---|
 Young in 2023 | |
| Born | June 3, 1993 |
| Alma mater | Bradley University |
| Occupation | Television personality |
| Television | The Bachelor The Bachelorette |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1] |
| Partner(s) | Nayte Olukoya (2021–2022) Jack Leius (2023–present; engaged) |
Early life and education
editYoung was born in St. Louis Park, Minnesota to parents LaVonne and Ephraim Young, and was raised in nearby Woodbury.[1] She has two siblings, Angela and Alex.[1] She was a star basketball player at Woodbury High School, and played Division I basketball at Bradley University on an athletic scholarship.[2][3] She graduated from Bradley in 2015 with a degree in elementary education.[1][4]
Television career
editThe Bachelor
editYoung first appeared as a contestant on Matt James' season of The Bachelor. She entered in the third week of the competition, where she made it to the final two but was rejected in favor of fellow contestant Rachael Kirkconnell.[5][6]
The Bachelorette
editYoung and Katie Thurston were announced as the leads of consecutive seasons of The Bachelorette on March 15, 2021, during the Bachelor season 25 "After the Final Rose" special.[7]
Bachelor Happy Hour
editYoung was announced as the new co-host on Bachelor Happy Hour with Becca Kufrin in March 2022.[8]
Personal life
editOutside of her appearances on The Bachelor franchise, Young works as a fifth grade teacher at Echo Park Elementary School in Burnsville, Minnesota.[3][9] She was previously employed as a fifth grade teacher at Normandale Hills Elementary School in Bloomington.[10]
On September 9, 2021, Young got engaged to Nayte Olukoya, whom she chose as the winner on her season of The Bachelorette.[11] They announced their breakup on June 17, 2022.[12]
On October 27, 2023, Young announced she was dating Jack Leius in an Instagram post.[13]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | The Bachelor | Herself | Runner-up; season 25 |
| 2021 | Good Morning America | 3 episodes | |
| 2021 | Live with Kelly and Ryan | October 19 episode | |
| 2021 | The Bachelorette | Lead, season 18 | |
| 2021 | Entertainment Tonight | November 23 episode | |
| 2021 | Extra | ||
| 2021 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | ||
| 2021 | American Music Awards of 2021 | Presenter |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Michelle Young". Bradley Braves. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ "Woodbury girls basketball: Young earns All-Star tournament MVP honors". RiverTown Multimedia. April 27, 2011. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ a b Ross, Jenna (March 15, 2021). "Minnesota teacher Michelle Young poised to become "The Bachelorette"". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Vlahos, Nick (January 26, 2021). "Former Bradley basketball player Michelle Young impresses 'The Bachelor' in reality-TV debut". Journal Star. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
- ^ Longeretta, Emily (January 22, 2021). "Meet the 5 New Women Joining Matt James' Season of 'The Bachelor'". Us Weekly. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ Gawley, Paige (March 15, 2021). "'The Bachelor' Finale: Matt James Tearfully Breaks Up With Michelle Young". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (March 15, 2021). "'The Bachelorette' To Air 2 Seasons In 2021 Starring Katie Thurston & Michelle Young". Deadline. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (March 21, 2022). "Michelle Young Joins 'Bachelor Happy Hour' Podcast As Co-Host". Deadline. Retrieved July 12, 2022.
- ^ Ross, Jenna (March 9, 2021). "Minnesotan Michelle Young, a fan favorite, makes final two on 'The Bachelor'". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Ross, Jenna (February 23, 2021). "'The Bachelor' meets Minnesotan Michelle Young's students, parents". Star Tribune. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
- ^ Nayte Olukoya (December 21, 2021). "Michelle, ever since September 9th, 2021, when I got on one knee to ask you to spend the rest of our lives together, it has been an absolute dream come true..." Retrieved December 22, 2021.
- ^ Weinberg, Lindsay (June 17, 2022). "The Bachelorette's Michelle Young and Nayte Olukoya Break Up 6 Months After Finale Airs". E!. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
- ^ "Former Bachelorette Michelle Young Debuts New Romance with Jack Leius After Nayte Olukoya Split". Peoplemag. Retrieved February 21, 2024.