It was quite an emotional finale for The Bachelorette season 18 tonight. Michelle Young‘s journey to finding true love has truly been a wholesome and emotional experience, and she got down to two really great guys. But while Brandon Jones was a perfect match on paper, Michelle had her heart truly set on Nayte Olukoya.
During the finale tonight on Dec. 21, Michelle really went back and forth between Brandon and Nayte. For starters, Michelle’s parents met both contestants and really fell in love with Brandon. Michelle’s mom wasn’t sure about Nayte, noting that she didn’t think he was ready for an engagement. This, of course, shook Michelle. She really respects and trusts her parents, so this was a big blow for her to hear.
But despite already telling Nayte she was in love with him, Michelle also told Brandon during the finale that she was in love with him, too. It was such a tough choice for our leading lady! But in the end, she chose Nayte. During the final rose ceremony, Brandon went first and professed his love for Michelle again. Unfortunately for him, Michelle explained that her heart was with someone else and she had to follow that.
Michelle and Brandon both cried during their breakup, and Brandon remained such a gentleman through it all. It was such an emotional scene!
Though Michelle and Brandon’s breakup was so hard to watch, that meant she was sure about her other contestant. Nayte came down next and popped the question, and the two looked so, so happy to be engaged. But what about now? It seemed like Michelle and Nayte hadn’t figured out where they would live post-show, so are they still together today?
Are Michelle and Nayte still engaged?
Michelle’s journey on The Bachelorette season 18 wrapped up tonight, but there was still close to an hour left of the episode. After the Final Rose began around 10:00 p.m. ET, hosted by Kaitlyn Bristowe. But while a couple of Bachelor in Paradise couples were present, along with The Bachelor‘s Clayton Echard, what about Michelle and Nayte?
Fortunately for us fans, Michelle and Nayte did appear on After the Final Rose, confirming they’re still engaged! Yay! The pair shared a kiss on stage and looked so happy together. Kaitlyn asked them what was going through their heads finally being able to reveal they’re together, and they both were ecstatic to share the news.
Michelle recalled how she felt leading into the engagement, while Nayte remembered when he realized he was falling in love. They also discussed how vulnerable Nayte has been since the show has ended, noting it’s been easier without producers and cameras. Michelle’s mom even admitted she loves Nayte now!
We can’t wait to see Michelle and Nayte’s first Instagram posts together now that the secret’s out!
One season of The Bachelorette down, another season of The Bachelor to go! Don’t miss Clayton Echard’s shot at finding love in the new year.