How did Iowa natives fair during 'The Golden Bachelorette' premiere?
The 'Golden Bachelorette' aired its season premiere on Wednesday, and both Iowa natives were in it to win it.
Jonathan Roan and Dan Roemer had a night full of first impressions, nerves, laughter and more. Both men received roses from the season's bachelorette, Joan Vassos.
How did Jonathan Roan do on Episode 1 of the 'Golden Bachelorette'?
Roan took a leap of faith and stepped out of the limo blindfolded. When he approached Vassos, he told her that he resonated with what she had to say about being invisible at their age.
"When you're ready, you can remove the mask, so our eyes can meet for the very first time," Roan told her.
The single dad from Oakland, Iowa said he wouldn't still be living the small-town life if it weren't for his two kids, who he called the joy of his life.
Roan may have earned his rose because of his heartfelt poem for Vassos, saying he was blessed to see her in that dress.
Where is Oakland, Iowa, home of 'Golden Bachelorette' contestant Jonathan Roan?
Oakland is a small town along the West Nishnabotna River in Pottawattamie County in western Iowa. It's about 30 minutes east of the Council Bluffs along U.S. Highway 6.
Roan said his hometown has a population of around 1,500 people.
How did Dan Roemer do on Episode 1 of the 'Golden Bachelorette'?
A Des Moines native, Roemer faired well, earning himself the first rose of the official ceremony. When he arrived, Roemer took off his glasses in surprise saying, "Dang girl, look at you!"
Even though he accidentally hit Vassos in the face with a pickleball, the connection between her and Roemer seemed strong.
A father to two girls, Roemer said it was his daughters who signed him up for the show after being a single dad for 14 years now. Getting teary-eyed, Roemer called his daughter mentors to him.
Roemer previously told the Register that he graduated from Des Moines' Roosevelt High School and the University of Iowa, but moved from the state in the '80s.
Who earned the first impression rose on Episode 1 of the 'Golden Bachelorette'?
Keith, 62-year-old from San Jose, arrived to first impressions in a vintage lowrider with his suitcases strapped to the top. Vassos said his entrance made her feel right at home, awarding him the first impression rose, the first of the season.
Who left on Episode 1 of the 'Golden Bachelorette'?
Joan had to say goodbye to six men in Episode 1. Through her tears, she said farewell to the following men:
Bill: 68-year-old retired videographer from Portland, Oregon
David: 68-year-old rancher from Austin, Texas
Ken: 60-year-old property management treasurer from Peabody, Massachusets
Pablo: 63-year-old retired UN agency director from Cambridge, Maryland
RJ: 66-year-old financial advisor from Irvine, California
Thomas: 62-year-old fire department chief from New York
Where to watch the 'Golden Bachelorette' episodes
The Golden Bachelorette airs Wednesdays at 7 p.m. central on ABC (WOI, Local 5 in central Iowa). The episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Hulu.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 'Golden Bachelorette' recap: What impressions did the Iowans make?
