Bachelor in Paradise season 9 is winding down, but some late connections have formed on the beach after a few shocking breakups. Bachelor in Paradise season 9 brought together cast-offs from past Bachelor Nation shows, mostly from Zach Shallcross and Charity Lawson’s seasons. Some couples, including Kylee Russell and Aven Jones, Eliza Isichei and Aaron Bryant, Kat Izzo and John Henry Spurlock, and Sam Picco and Peter Cappio seem very strong and could possibly be headed for engagements at the end of the season.
However, on Bachelor in Paradise season 9 episode 9, two couples shockingly broke up. Jess Girod and Blake Moynes said goodbye after they finally admitted that their connection just wasn’t strong enough, while Mercedes Northup broke up with Tyler Norris because she realized that he wasn’t on the show for a long-term commitment. Both Blake and Tyler then left Paradise. However, the ends of these relationships could possibly lead to new connections for Jess and Mercedes. In addition, Olivia and Lewis and Michael Barbour are still going strong. Here’s which new Bachelor in Paradise season 9 relationships have the potential to last.
Olivia Lewis & Michael Barbour
Olivia Lewis thought her time on Bachelor in Paradise was over when John Henry left her for Kat. However, Brayden Bowers gave her his rose at the next rose ceremony, giving her another chance to find love. When Michael arrived in Paradise, he took Olivia on his date, and they’ve been together ever since. On the latest episode, he made the sweet gesture of creating a makeshift basketball hoop and ball for her.
In her confessional, Olivia gushed that she was in a good place with Michael. She said that she felt seen and heard, and she doesn’t feel that very often. She thinks that their relationship could work outside of Paradise, and she might be right. Michael has been a perfect gentleman with Olivia since the beginning, even giving her his sandals to wear when she told him that the sand was hot on her feet. Although their relationship started later because Michael was a latecomer to the beach, Olivia and Michael seem to be an ideal match who could definitely work in the real world.
Jess Girod & Tanner Courtad
After Jess and Blake broke up, and Blake left Paradise, Tanner Courtad decided that he wanted to take a shot at getting to know Jess. That night, Tanner told Jess that she was such a good person, and that he was there for her after her breakup with Blake. He said that he felt a little bit more hopeful because now Jess was available.
Although it prevented him from getting to know her, Tanner called Jess’ loyalty to Blake a “green flag,” and said that it was a super-attractive quality. Jess told him that she wanted to get to know him too, but she felt so weird. Tanner said in his confessional that, at that point, he was “all-in” on Jess, and anything could happen in Paradise. Later, Jess gave Tanner her rose.
Although they seem to have a spark, Jess and Tanner probably won’t last. Tanner has jumped from relationship to relationship in Paradise, and hasn’t always done it in the nicest way. When he was dating Kat, he went on a date with Davia Bunch on Kat’s birthday. Then he left Davia for Rachel. He then insulted Rachel at the Paradise Comedy Roast. Although Tanner’s intentions toward Jess might be pure, she’s just getting out of a relationship with Blake. Their relationship could survive after Paradise, but the odds are stacked against them.
Mercedes Northup & Jordan Vandergriff
The night that Mercedes and Tyler broke up, Jordan decided that he wanted to pursue her. He said in his confessional that he was interested in her from the beginning. They agreed that they enjoyed talking to each other. Jordan told her how great he thought she was, and that she deserved the world. Mercedes eventually gave Jordan her rose, after considering leaving Paradise.
Although it’s late in the show, Mercedes and Jordan are a cute couple. Jordan was right when he said to Mercedes that their personalities mesh very well. They’re both on the shy side, and are very sweet. While they definitely shouldn’t get engaged after only knowing each other for a short time, they might make a good match outside of Paradise.
The Bachelor in Paradise season 9 finale airs Thursday, December 7 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
