SEASON PREMIERE

ALWAYS THE ROMANTIC, NICK VIALL WILL LOOK FOR LOVE AGAIN ON ABC'S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES 'THE BACHELOR,' PREMIERING FOR ITS 21ST SEASON, MONDAY, JANUARY 2

Sean Lowe, Chris Soules and Ben Higgins Drop By to Offer Nick Advice on Searching for His Soul Mate Among 30 Beautiful Women

This Season's Highlights Include a Spectacular Group Date with The Backstreet Boys, Appearances by Olympians Michelle Carter, Allyson Felix and Carl Lewis, Dazzling Performances by Country Breakout Star Chris Lane, Soulful Indie Artist Lolo and Pop Singer Adam Friedman, and Romantic Excursions to New Orleans, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Bimini, the Bahamas; and the Winter Wonderland of Lapland, Finland

How could one man endure so much heartache? Ask controversial fan favorite Nick Viall, who has had his heart broken by Bachelorettes Andi Dorfman and Kaitlyn Bristowe, and failed to find his soul mate on "Bachelor in Paradise." Now Nick is the one giving out the roses and ready for his happily ever after - but will he find the love of his life? Nick begins his pursuit of his soul mate, as 30 beautiful, accomplished women join him on the highly anticipated 21st season premiere of "The Bachelor," MONDAY, JANUARY 2 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

In "Episode 2101," a trio of popular former Bachelors - Sean Lowe, Chris Soules and Ben Higgins -offer their support and encouragement to Nick, who will face all-new pressures and responsibilities. Their words of wisdom calm him as limos start to arrive with women all eager to make a lasting first impression. One confident woman is way ahead of the field - she steps out of the limo with none other than famed jeweler Neil Lane and points out the engagement ring she prefers. Another woman reveals her linguistic skills and still another exposes a quirky obsession. A number of the ladies decide to wear red to stand out - but now, it backfires, as those in other colors are more prominent. Nick is blindsided by the arrival of a mysterious woman from his past. The secret they share threatens to derail his search for love. What are her intentions?

Once inside the mansion, the party really gets started, as the women compete to spark a special connection with the handsome Bachelor. A battle breaks out over which of the bachelorettes will land the first kiss. Although Nick tries his best to give all the women the attention they deserve, the women who haven't had any time with him begin to panic. In the end, Nick's instant chemistry with one stunning bachelorette helps her capture the coveted first impression rose. The stakes are high and as the evening winds down, it's time for the first rose ceremony. Twenty-two lucky women will continue on the journey to win Nick's heart.

A list of the bachelorettes will be released shortly.

Romantic and adventurous dates will reach new heights this season, testing the ladies' perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective, along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw passions.

Nick's first group date looks into his possible future as 12 fortunate women get to try different bridal themes for a wedding photo shoot. Who will click first with the potential groom? Another group date at Hollywood's Museum of Broken Relationships affords the opportunity for six bachelorettes to each perform a humorous "breakup" with Nick in front of a live audience. Eleven women get the shock of their lives when they discover they will perform on the same stage as the world famous The Backstreet Boys and get a chance to show off their dance skills for Nick and a live concert audience. Olympians Michelle Carter, Allyson Felix and Carl Lewis offer their expertise to bachelorettes participating in a track and field face-off, with the winner receiving special alone time with Nick.

Waukesha, Wisconsin - Nick's hometown -- rolls out the red carpet to the remaining women. One special lady is treated to a concert by new country star Chris Lane. New Orleans plays host to the romantic group as Nick and the women tour the French Quarter and submerge themselves in the Big Easy's culture - including a group of voodoo dancers - and a VIP serenade by the soulful Lolo. Tropical dreams await in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and in Bimini in the Bahamas, where women have the opportunity to swim with the sharks and one lucky woman is treated to a romantic beach concert by pop singer Adam Friedman.

The hometown dates are filled with emotional revelations, but in a 180-degree turn, the final three bachelorettes travel to Lapland, Finland, for the unpredictable overnight dates where the relationships have a chance to flourish and more surprises await the unsuspecting Bachelor. Will Nick open his heart and find the woman of his dreams who will love him back?

As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated on a regular basis, but if at any point a woman should decide that she's no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

Hosted by Chris Harrison, "The Bachelor" is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss, Elan Gale, Bennett Graebner and Nicole Woods are the executive producers. "The Bachelor" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 stereo surround sound. A parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.