Juan Pablo got the boot from Desiree in Barcelona during Week 6 — Mikey lasted longer than him, but for someone with not much screen time during The Bachelorette, his popularity shot up with fans, who can’t get enough of the former pro soccer player born in the US but raised in Venezuela.

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Not having much screen time probably worked in Juan Pablo’s favor because people seem to want more of what they don’t know or can’t have. There’s still an air of mystery about him and that makes the person more appealing. 

Here are the pros and cons of Juan Pablo Galavis (he does have a last name!) being the next Bachelor.

Pro: For the first time, there’s a non-white Bachelor or Bachelorette. Progress!

Con: It took 18 seasons.

Pro: Juan Pablo doesn’t know how to say “yodeler”:

Con: Juan Pablo doesn’t know how to say “yodeler.” Here’s hoping this is the exception and not the rule when it comes to words he doesn’t know how to pronounce. “Yodeler” was fine because it’s a funny word to begin with. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. When he first met Desiree, he spent a little too much time teaching her how to say his name properly. Here’s hoping he doesn’t do that 25 times with the 25 women he will meet.

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Pro: More video chatting with his adorable four-year-old, Camilla. 

Con: None, unless you hate children, then good luck.

Pro: Juan Pablo gave up his soccer career to take care of Camilla. 

Con: He shot a few commercials — hey, he has to make a living somehow. (Okay, they’re not that bad):

Pro: Juan Pablo’s been known to rock a V-neck and a scarf — not to mention the Speedo he showed off during the Mr. America pageant.

Con: Is he going to be better dressed than the women?

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Pro: He never had a one-on-one date with Desiree but made himself stand out by becoming the Lone Ranger, and they watched the movie together and shared lots of kisses.

Con: Other than that, how would you describe his personality? He stayed out of the drama, didn’t mention his daughter until the pageant (that the viewers saw, at least) and the one sweet thing he did do was bring chocolate from Venezuela for Desiree when he got out of the limo. Otherwise, he’s a toss-up, which is both good and bad. 

At first glance, it seems the decision is a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t you cater to all the fans who can’t get enough of him? But with that, there’s already some expectations that this might be the highest-rated season ever. That’s a lot of pressure, coming from a guy who we kind of don’t know. But the Bachelor franchise has been “recycling” past suitors for the next season, so getting someone who’s a little bit of an unknown is a good thing. 

The Bachelor season 18 will premiere in January.

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(Image courtesy of ABC)

Esther Gim

Contributing Writer, BuddyTV