Katie Thurston from 'The Bachelor' has to be the next ‘Bachelorette,’ right?

Every season on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, there is a standout contestant who doesn't manage to win the star's heart, but does manage to capture that of Bachelor Nation. More often than not, that contestant returns to us through the magic of becoming the next Bachelor or Bachelorette. This year, (since she was sent home by Bachelor Matt James last night) all our bets are on Katie Thurston for the next Bachelorette. 

All season, Katie has been the love of Bachelor Nation’s life. She has a huge heart, as she displayed for troubled contestant Sarah, and she doesn’t suffer fools gladly, like when she told off toxic Victoria to her face with a scathing critique full of valid points. Even when she entered the house holding a glittery, vibrating dildo, we just had to stan. And on Monday night’s episode, she once again displayed that fire, spark, and no-nonsense attitude in the face of Serena C trying to blow up her spot. Katie was not having it.

With Serena C. claiming that Matt didn’t need to know about the house drama, and blaming Katie for bringing it to his attention, Katie admonished her with her take-no-prisoners quick tongue. It was glorious to watch her know her truth and not let any of Serena’s character attacks bring her down. Katie finally dismissed Serena C with a “Thank you for your feedback” and walked away like a boss. And now Bachelor Nation has a new battle cry.

We honestly thought Katie finally getting a one-on-one date with Matt James meant things were looking up for her. She survived this long, and in the face of some horrible Mean Girls mentality too. Our gal was headed for the top. She had an absolutely hilarious date with Matt that is easily the best date of the entire Bachelor series. Her and Matt punk’d his bestie Tyler C during a spa massage session by feeding the masseuse inappropriate lines. Name a better date in 20 years of The Bachelor. We’ll wait.

But it just wasn’t enough. Over their intimate dinner, Matt told her that his relationships with some of the other women had progressed further than his relationship with Katie, and he couldn’t give her a rose.

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As Katie sped away in the car, she had some interesting insights about who she is and what she’s looking for. “I know what I deserve, and I deserve a man who knows what I have to offer,” she said. “I am who I am, and there's someone out there who wants that.”

Hmmmm, that sounds an awful lot like foreshadowing and--

--Hold up, Bachelor Nation is upset.

But fear not, fellow Bacheloreans (is that a word?), because both Reality Steve and reporters from Variety are reporting that Katie has been selected as the next Bachelorette. Apparently, it’s a done deal just waiting to be announced!

Thank you for your feedback, Matt James (we’re still wishing you the best, boo), but Katie is on to bigger and better things! In conclusion, we stan harder than ever before. Thank you for coming to our TED Talk.

Of course, the drama isn’t over with the remaining women vying for Matt James’ heart. Former Bachelorette Hannah Brown’s bestie Heather Martin has just crashed the house uninvited and unannounced, wanting a shot with Matt based solely on Hannah’s opinion of him, and with five women sent home just last night (including bully MJ), the competition is getting even more heated and emotionally draining for everyone. Dang, those producers over at ABC know how to keep us hooked. 

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