THE BACHELOR S26. E6. | HOW LONG WILL THE DRAMA CONTINUE?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we are left with the one question that continues to follow us from one episode to the next - will the drama continue? Now, regular drama/tension is expected, but when it is obvious and seems fueled by production that encourages these shenanigans to continue, it just feels like a number of lines are being crossed. It’s our hope that a key element of recent drama will finally be put to rest so that we can just watch the interactions of everyone else without so many interruptions.

We go right into the date with Shanae and Genevieve. He takes 1-on-1 time with Genevieve first and she lets him know that she may not seem like she shows her emotion, but she is there for the right person. Shanae mocks her during her confessional. When Clayton Echard takes time to sit down with her, he asks how everything is going. Shanae says that Genevieve is saying that she wants to go home and doesn’t know why she is there. How Clayton is able to hear that Shanae always has an issue with someone - how can he not see that a lot of this is made up. He asks Genevieve if she has been acting and she says no. Ultimately, he gives the rose to GENEVIEVE! He sends Shanae home.

We head to the cocktail party where Clayton acknowledges that Shanae was sent home and he knows that the women are happy too as he heard them singing in the elevator. He takes some time with the women and the fact that there isn’t this frenzied drama that has existed over the past few weeks is a nice change.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Gabby, Rachel, Genevieve, Sarah, Serene, Susie, Teddi, Eliza and Mara.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

They continue onto Hvar, Croatia and everyone recognizes that there are less people and they need to make their moments count. Clayton meets them and lets them know that a 1-on-1 will happen now and he will explore the city with Teddi. The women say that they’re happy that Teddi got that as they know she wanted to time. Mara is bummed that she didn’t get it and she’s feeling discouraged.

Teddi and Clayton are on their date getting to know one another and of course, Teddi seems to have something that she wants to share with him that she hopes is not a deal-breaker. With a great day date, their night portion is where Teddi knows that she has to be transparent. She lets him know that she is a virgin and that although she doesn’t need to wait until she is married, she wants to do it with the person that she is in love with. Clayton understands her point and asks if she has been in love with someone. She has not been in love, but she feels that in the past she has put up walls and she lets him know that she has been working on makign sure her walls are down so that she can fully be in the experience. She lets him know that being in love to her, seems like when you have a trust with someone - then there is a way to fall in love and it may not be a feeling in one way, but it is in another.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

The date card arrives Serene, Rachel, Susie, Gabby, Eliza, Genevieve and Mara are on the group date together. Sarah will have a 1-on-1 and they had just talked about how more than likely whoever has had a 1-on-1 wouldn’t get another and she did!

The group date assembles outside and they watch medieval soldiers fighting in their armor. They met Croatian knights and learn that women fought alongside men! Everyone must be happy that Shanae is NOT on this date! They learn fighting skills and are loving their uniforms and it’s reasonably light-hearted. Their next challenge is a table filled with foods where the women are surprised to eat various delaciies of that time - fish eyeballs, pig brains and more. Serene and Mara go to town on the food. They final challenge is to kneel in the square to let him know why they are fighting for him. Not going to lie, Mara busted out a rhyme and clearly won that particular battle. The knight crowns Serene as the winner and we feel a bit for Mara. Clayton carries Serene out and the girls watch them.

At the after party, Clayton is pleased to get know more about each of them. He chats with Rachel and she lets him know that she is falling in love with him. When Mara sits down with Clayton, she lets him know that what he’s asking for isn’t in line with his actions. She tells him that some of the women have been vocal about not being ready to get engaged and others she feels are too young. He says that Sarah is one of the younger people in the house and asks if she is talking about her. Mara says yes, but also says that she wants to be true to who she is and to let him know that she is not just there for a good time. Mara feels good about the conversation.

The group date rose goes to Rachel and Mara feels that she’s exhausted and not getting anything back.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

After the group date, there is a knock on Clayton’s door where he finds an envelope that tells him to meet “me” at the Clock Tower. We thought it was Mara but it was Susie who wanted to meet him! He sees that she’s happy so he’s glad that it’s not going to be something out of left field. Susie planned an outing knowing that there is a 1-on-1 date happening. Susie takes him on a little tour and tells him that she is falling in love with him.

Mara talks with Gabby about what she talked about with Clayton as Sarah prepares to go on a date with Clayton. Jesse Palmer meets him prior to their date and Clayton takes some time to talk about falling in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way back. Jesse acknowledges his feelings and shares that this is normal to feel at this time in the process; however, he needs to figure it out so that he can make the best decision. Sarah meets up with Clayton for their dinner and has no idea how serious this evening may get. She proposes a toast and he lets her know that he wants to know more about her to make sure they are on the same page. He lets her know that he has been told that some people may not be here for what he is exactly looking for in terms of leaving engaged. He lets her know that because of Hometowns, he needs to know and can she see leaving being engaged and is she prepared for it. Sarah looks shocked and says that she is ready and has always felt that way and has not been lying as she was there because it was him. After their 1-on-1 initially, she felt that way even more. He thanks her for being vulnerable and lets her know that he is concerned as he doesn’t want to give and lose everything. He steps away for a few moments to assess what he has heard from Mara and what she just said.

Back at the house, Mara continues to share with the other women that because she felt that when she was 23 that she wasn’t ready for a commitment, she finds it hard to believe that Sarah could be. He lets her know that he was concerned by giving her a 2nd date that a target would be placed on her back. He gives her the date rose - what will this mean for Mara? Will she continue and will Sarah demand to know who said this about her and will the women in the house tell her?

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel and Sarah

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

Until next week to find out how Sarah will address what took place!

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26 - EPISODE 6

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the halfway point. We’re going to stay with this group of Hometown possibles!

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E5. | WILL CLAYTON GET CLARITY?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, the drama continues as the women in the house have their attention on Shanae and her antics that continue to create negativity in the house.

We see Serene and Clayton Echard on their 1-on-1 date where they have the entire pier just for them. They have a great time going on rides, enjoying ice cream and connecting. At their dinner, they delve into deeper topics to find out more about Serene and why she seems to have a bit of a wall. She lets him know that she has experienced a lot of loss and that she tries her best to get through it. Clayton appreciates that she shares her vulnerability. She receives the date rose.

The rose ceremony is about to begin and we know that more drama will come to this night and possibly end the cocktail portion earlier than anticipated. The women try to talk with Shanae which goes nowhere and Clayton comes out and says he wants to see the women who won from the last group date. He asks them what is going on in relation to Shanae. Sierra tells him and lets him know about the trophy and what she did. They all explain that her behavior was not appropriate. Back with the rest of the women, they let her know that obviously they are talking about her and she needs to recognize her behavior. Clayton says he didn’t know that the trophy incident happened and that he needs to talk with Shanae to find out about her cussing them out and throwing the trophy. Of course, Sierra tells her to change her actions because she is not trusted.

Clayton comes out to pull her outside and the women hope this means that she is leaving the house! He talks with Shanae about the after-party group date. She lets him know that she told the women to keep her name out of their mouth AND she threw the trophy. On one side, we’re surprised that she just owned up to it unasked, but of course, she gets a pseudo pass by saying that if she continues to do that, then they won’t have a path forward. He asks if she is apologetic for what she did and she says that she shoudln’t have done that.

She apologizes and some of the women embrace her and let her know that she deserves the space to grow. She quickly tells Clayton that she did and of course, he gives her a kiss and in her confessional, she says she’s not sorry and that she should get an Oscar for her performance. One can only wonder what Clayton thinks about seeing all of this playback.

The rose ceremony begins and it seems like most of the women didn’t even get 1-on-1 time with Clayton to talk with him to further their individual relationships. Clayton thanks them for being open, honest and holding him accountable. He hopes that they have all been seen or heard.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Serene, Eliza, Sarah, Marlena, Genevieve, Mara, Gabby, Susie, Hunter, Rachel (from last week) and Shanae.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Lyndsey, Sierra and Jill

Clayton lets them know that are going to Toronto while Shanae is super glib on being able to stay and being responsible for sending 2 girls home back-to-back!

The graphic shows that they have flown from Houston to Toronto and he hopes that the drama with Shanae has passed because they have changed locales. The date card arrives and Gabby gets the 1-on-1 date. Shanae in her confessional says that when she gets the rose on this leg of the date, everyone can just stop talking. Shanae is bothered by others being happy that someone else got this date versus themselves.

Gabby and Clayton explore the area via the helicopter. He admits in his confessional that she was not on his radar originally but over time, she has been. They play a bit of street hockey together in the park. They take in some treats in the area as well as get to mark a wall for approved graffiti. Gabby also takes the time to bond with dogs that they pass by. Gabby was so happy to be on the date as she knows that she didn’t get time with him at all. He lets her know that he loves her jokester side and the fact that she is goofy as it’s important for him to see that. As much as she likes hearing that, she also wants him to know that she has a serious side as well and she wants him to see all oher and not just one part.

Back at the hotel, Shanae shares that she’s hoping for a 1-on-1 because they need that. The next date card arrives with Rachael, Sarah, Serene, Marlena, Susie, Hunter, Eliza, Teddi and Mara being on the group date. Which leaves a 2-on-1 date with Genevieve and Shanae being on that one. Those on the group date are glad that she will not be with them and they can have a good time. The women (minus Shanae) feel bad for Genevieve.

Back on Gabby’s dinner date, he continues to laughs and jokes, but she speaks up and lets him know that she’s not just one dimensional and also talks about her family struggles with her mom as they don’t see eye to eye and communicate a lot. Clayton actually asks her questions about whether they can repair that relationship. He understands that she uses humor to deflect what’s going on with her so that she can put on a good face. He appreciates her letting him know more about her. She receives the 1-on-1 date rose. They end their date in the pool and he feels that she could be his wife possibly.

The group date begins and it will be one of the few drama-free dates that have taken place. Although we know that all the women would have loved a 1-on-1 date, you can see that they are happy to have the time. Clayton takes them to their date and they see Jesse Palmer who is quickly joined by Russell Peters who is known as the master of the roasts - so interesting to see what the women in the house will do. It’s a good idea that Shanae was not included on this date since they will be making fun of one another and for the most part, those on this date will be able to handle it.

Without her there, Clayton hears all the women knock on Shanae throughout their roasts. We’ve always believed that in humor there is a lot of truth and hopefully he reads between the lines and realizes that the person he sees is not really who she is.

Clayton shares that they came at him for sure as we all know he is a fan of humor. It’s nice to see that the women on this date are having a good time, being respectful and can leave issues and drama behind. The fact that they can actually get 1-on-1 time with him is also a surprise.

Gabby is at the house with Genevieve and Shanae and Gabby wishes that she was anywhere but there. She reads the date card for their 2-on-1 with Clayton. He writes that he needs to make a decision and it’s the first time that he doesn’t write, “love Clayton.”

Back at the group date, more bonds and discussions are taking place. It’s interesting how no one is talking about Shanae in this date or feeling the need to defend other girls who have been caught in her crosshairs. Eliza’s time with him is so cute as she gives him shots of maple syrup - an interesting choice. The group date rose goes to Rachel.

The women feel bad that they didn’t get it; however, they don’t trash one another and make people feel uncomfortable. They question whether this is the place for them or how they can make themselves noticed even when they feel that they are doing as much as they can to connect with him.

The 2-on-1 is happening and clearly this will continue onto the next episode! There’s so much anticipation and yet we know that Shanae will not be able to keep it together. The date is at Niagra Falls on the Canadian side and as they head closer to the destination, they sit in silence in the car. They will see the falls from the boat and we’re continuing to cringe on the levels that Shanae is not afraid to go to in order to get what she wants. Back at the hotel, the women continue to speak about this date and that it will have a ripple effect to the rest of the women.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Gabby, Rachel,

CLAYTON SENT HOME |

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 5

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the half way point. We’re going to stay with this group.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HIS TIME IS NOW | JOSEPH SIKORA

Throughout the past few months we have loved interviewing those who have been in POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN and with the release of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE on Feb 6th, we were excited to chat with Joseph Sikora (POWER, Ozark, Jack Reacher) who is back playing fan favorite, Tommy Egan. We talked about how he got into acting, being on POWER, where we find Tommy in the latest series and what projects he has coming up that we should keep an eye out for!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

JOSEPH SIKORA: I was 10 years old. There was a show that used to be on called KIDS Incorporated. Fergie used to be on it and I think even Jennifer Love Hewitt. They were just the kids that were being rockstars and actors. I went to my mom and I said, I’d love to be an actor. She said that if I still wanted to be an actor in a month, come back. So I’m waiting and counting down the days. I said, “ma I want to be an actor.” She says ok and pulls out the Yellow Pages and we look up acting and there isn’t much in there. We look up theater and my mother, to her credit starts cold calling theaters and says, “my son wants to be an actor, how do we do this?” Eventually, I auditioned for a role in A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theater in Chicago, but I didn’t get it. The casting director said that I was really talented and that I should audition for The Little Prince which was up in a far suburb in Lake Forest in Chicago. I ended up booking the role so my mother had to trek me out all the way to Lake Forest for rehearsals and performances. I did it and it was really a bug. Then my mother again cold-called agencies and said, “my son is in a play will you come watch it and would you want to represent him afterward?” Some of them came and then I got representation, I did some commercials which really helped pay for college and saved all of my money and even when I was just getting into mischief in high school, I kept paying my SAG dues and I have been a member of SAG since 1988. That’s how I started acting, it was through the theater and doing little bits of pieces here and as you know, I have done a ton of stuff! But none of it was any real success until really the POWER show. It’s my biggest thing for sure!

I was a series regular one of the series leads of an Adult Swim show called The Heart, She Holler that I am very proud of. It was directed and written by Vernon Chatman and John Lee starring Patton Oswalt which was so much fun. I did stuff here and stuff there, but acting is a tough thing and it’s truly a calling in some ways that I just never gave up.

So in a lot of ways, Tommy Egan, he’s that same guy. Tommy Egan never gives up and he says as much in episode 1 of POWER when he takes Holly out for their first date to the bar. He just keeps fighting and so I really just kept fighting and I did it not for reasons of fame. I didn’t want people to recognize or know me, I did it because I wanted to be able to explore the human condition and to see what it would be like to be other people and from what other people experienced. To see what it’s like to love, lose and win in other bodies.

AM: What made you want to be part of POWER?

JS: I mean, I was starving! I had no money, I was auditioning, I had a couple of little things around that time that I was really happy to do. I had just done Jack Reacher and I had done True Detective, the series Banshee – I was dating a girl who is now my wife and I had found something that I loved more than acting. For whatever reason in the irony that is life, when you don’t want something so bad, things start coming to you. This is one of those things.

There were 5 auditions for POWER for Tommy Egan, which was originally called Eddie O’Neal by the way!

AM: Where did we leave Tommy in POWER and where do we pick him up again in FORCE?

JS: Well, where we leave Tommy in the POWER show, is with Tommy and NY in his rearview mirror. But then, in POWER BOOK II: GHOST, we realize that he made a U-turn to take care of some unfinished business with Tasha played by Naturi Naughton and obviously the lead of the series Michael Rainey Jr who plays Tariq. After he leaves Tariq in Monet’s capable hands, but makes an enemy of the Tejada group, it’s even more of a reason for Tommy to get out of town. He’s not welcome back in the town of the city that raised him, so now he’s on his way to Los Angeles to take care of the ports and to work at the ports of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. But he makes a pit stop in Chicago for what people will find out in the first episode. But then he ends up saying, “you know what? Chicago may be talking to me right now. This may be my land of opportunity.” It’s a harkening back to the 1890’s where the NY papers said, “go West young man, go West!” Tommy did it and he ended up in Chicago and he sees a possibility of a future in the gem of the prairie in Chicago, Il.

AM: How does it feel to have this whole spinoff wrapped around your character?

JS: It’s great! I love working and I get to work more, it’s a win-win! I’m so happy and grateful for the audience demanding it and that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made it happen!

AM: Is there anything that you can tell us about it as I know it’s out very soon but any insights would be appreciated!

JS: Absolutely, I think that it’s super exciting and that it’s really truly different city, different rules, same Tommy. I’m so excited about the pilot directed by Larysa Kondracki (Legion, Gotham, THEM) and then we have Kieron Hawkes (POWER, POWER BOOK II GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN) a POWER alum who directed in Raising Kanan and on the POWER BOOK II: GHOST, he’s an amazing director – so it’s great to have Kieron Hawkes! Another director that I am so excited about is Deon Taylor (Kicks, Meet the Blacks, Black and Blue) who directs our incredible finale. Everyone knows him from The Intruder and Black and Blue, Supremacy, and I am doing another film with Deon that’s going to be coming out in March called Fear, also starring Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, T.I., Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg and Terrence J – so a bit of an all star wonderful cast that is a thriller and a horror film that revolves around our current state of pandemic so you have to check that out!

AM: I just finished watching Ozark Season 4 part 1. It was nice seeing you in that!

JS: Nice! Frank Jr! Frank Jr is the antithesis to Tommy! Tommy is everything that Frank Jr is not. But they share the same struggle. They want to be able to make their way, they want to get outside of somebodies shadow, but Frank Jr is as unsuccessful as Tommy is successful.

IG @JosephSikora4

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE

Hear STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE's Joseph Sikora on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see HIS TIME IS NOW | Joseph Sikora in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E4. | THINGS ARE COMING TO A HEAD

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we continue to hear the drama surrounding Shanae as they head into the cocktail ceremony prior to the rose ceremony. The women know that Clayton Echard wants to talk about what is happening and this makes everyone feel apprehensive.

He lets them know that he needs to address the issue between Shenae and Elizabeth and pulls them outside to chat. He wants to hash out the conflict and to hear both sides.

Shenae shares that after getting shrimp from Elizabeth she decided to make it for the other women. She uses it as an example to show how she was bullied when no one turned when she offered. His face looks exhausted as it seems like he sees this is a pointless effort. So much bickering takes place between the women and Shenae that the part is closed and it’s going straight to the ceremony.

Roses were given to: Marlena, Teddi, Rachael, Mara, Sierra, Gabby, Susie, Jill, Serene, Genevieve, Sarah, Hunter, Lyndsey, Eliza and Shanae.

Clayton sent home: Elizabeth, Melina and Kira.

Post the ceremony, the women debrief about what happened and they realize that they should just be cordial but an arms distance away from her. Shanae tells everyone that she feels that she can talk and not be scared. Jesse Palmer lets them know that they are leaving LA and will be traveling around the world starting with Houston. Clayton is excited that Clarence who lives in Houston pops by his room to hang out. He shares the drama that has taken place in the house and hopes that travel will get everyone on the same page and in a positive mood.

The date card arrives - Rachel receives the 1-on-1 date. They make their way to a pair of horses and find themselves heading to a barbecue. They find that they’re going to make a meal together. It ends up being an easy day and we can see the connection that they have with one another. Their dinner deepens their connection and they leave that for a solo concert by Restless Road. Rachel gets the rose.

Another date card arrives Sarah, Eliza, Teddi, Marlena Jill, Susie, Mara, Sierra, Hunter, Lindsey, Genevieve, Gabby and Shanae are on the group date and will be heading to the stadium. The women feel that this will be an intense date. Serene will be on the 1-on-1 date.

The women wonder what they need to do about the Shanae situation and are concerned about what this means for their group date. They arrive at the stadium where they see Clayton in his tailgating set up. They’re playing games, grilling and having fun. They learn that they will be playing football. The winner will go to the after party and those who lose will be at the hotel.

Hannah Storm and Jesse break the game down and we see that the women are taking this date seriously.

The purple team wins and they’re glad to have time with Clayton and happy that Shanae is not there. Sierra tells Clayton that Shanae is not someone that he can trust and other women in the house also bring this up as well. Shanae decides to come to the after party. She breaks up 1-on-1 time and says that even though she was on the losing team, she deserves to be there. He brings up things that the women shared with him.

We end the episode with Rachel being the only person who has the rose and heading into next week wondering who will make the cut and how long Shanae will actually be continuing during the season.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 4

Last wee we picked Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi - we’re going to stay with these girls even though the episode didn’t end with a ceremony.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

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THE BACHELOR S26. E3. | CLAYTON'S QUEST CONTINUES

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we pick up from the previous episode as the fallout from Sierra’s information about Cassidy continues. Although Cassidy dodges the question, she eventually admits that she slept with the friends with benefits a few times, but she is all in with Clayton Echard. Ultimately, he sends her home - even though she has a rose. He also sends home Ency, Tessa and Kate.

There are 3 dates this week - 2 groups and an individual. Jesse Palmer gives the date card to the girls and they find that Serene, Susie, Eliza, Mara, Marlena, Hunter, Geneiveve and Jill are all on a date together. They catch up with Kaitlyn Bristowe on their date where they will share their vulnerabilities with one another. The women and Clayton share sensitive information with one another - to hear about Hunter’s ex-boyfriend having her change her hair and eye color, was really infuriating to hear. Hearing everyone opening up and knowing that the people involved were genuine as opposed to others who could have been on this date, let it be a great experience. At the after-party from this date, he gets more one-on-one time and he even admits that he wishes he could give all of them one and he tells them that. Ultimately, he gives Eliza the rose.

The next date card arrives and is a one-on-one with Sarah. Shanae is annoyed that everyone is nice to one another when she feels that this is a competition and they shouldn’t be happy that someone got a one-on-one date.

Becca Kufrin meets Sarah and Clayton on the date and tells them that they will do a scavenger hunt in their undies in DTLA. It’s a day of yes, while also having people watching them do a number of activities. They do a number of activities that make them uncomfortable, but it helps them bond with one another. At dinner, they talk about Sarah being adopted and she is given the date rose.

The group date includes Gabby, Rachel, Kira, Melina, Lyndsey, Sierra, Teddi, Elizabeth and Shanae - they are going to the beach! Of course, Shanae doesn’t like that Elizabeth is on “her date”. Their date is on the beach and as the girls are hanging out on the sand, Nicole Eggert of Baywatch fame lets them know that she is putting them through some paces. They change into their Baywatch outfits and Shanae is deemed aggressive with Clayton’s body (she only applied sunscreen to his nipples). They learn how to do CPR as well as learning the powerful slomo moves that the show was known for. Shanae goes all in with aggressively kissing him, but ultimately Nicole gives Gabby additional time with him. At the after party from the event, the women are looking forward to a drama free night. They all note that Shanae was pretty crazy throughout the date. Gabby made sure that his sunburn was taken care of by putting aloe on him after he took his shirt off.

Shanae continues to bring the drama and talks about this drama with Elizabeth and how she’s making others not talk to her. In her confessional, she laughs at how Clayton believed her and how she hadn’t intended to cry, but threw that in there for good measure. We know that the producers love keeping castmembers that continue the drama - but this one is just so obvious, fingers crossed that she will be eliminated soon. Shanae attacks the other women on the group date and you can tell that the tide is beginning to turn. It’ll be interesting to see what happens in next week’s episode.

SENT HOME: Cassidy, Ency, Tessa, Kate

RECEIVED A ROSE: Eliza, Sarah,

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 3

Since last week was a cliffhanger, we stayed with our picks from Episode 1 - Eliza, Ency, Rachel and Teddi. Of course, Ency was eliminated earlier in today’s episode so we’re now adding Sarah to this group of potential Hometowns.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ACTING CHOSE ME WITH CURTISS COOK

This month, our DEC ISSUE #72 is covered by Curtiss Cook who has appeared in a number of films that we enjoy including Shutter Island, Netflix's Roxanne Roxanne, and West Side Story to name a few. In addition to commanding the big screen and his work on stage, he has been in countless TV shows as well. He brings a dynamic force to his characters in Netflix's House of Cards and Manifest, NBC's Chicago Med, FX Mayans M.C. and Showtime's The Chi.

We talk with Curtiss about how he got into acting and how he approaches his characters. We also talk about the recent film West Side Story and we're keeping our fingers crossed that we will continue to see him as Douda in the critically acclaimed series The Chi and what led him to this role. We also talk about work behind the camera as well as his work in the upcoming QCODE podcast, The Burned Photo.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to be an actor?

CURTISS COOK: You know I don’t know if I can put an exact time on it, but what I can tell you is—I don’t feel like I chose acting, I feel as if it chose me. NO one in my family acted or performed for a living or even casually, so I didn’t have any direct role models, but once I found it, that freedom of being another person and being able to say things I wanted to but couldn’t, learning things about myself and the world… I never looked back!

AM: You have been in so many TV series from The Sopranos, The Bold Type, House of Cards, Mayans M.C., The Chi, as well as movies such as Shutter Island and been on Broadway for The Lion King and Miss Saigon. What are you looking for when you’re reading a character or the script overall in terms of deciding whether you want to be in it?

CC: Hmmm good question… It changes from project to project. Sometimes it may be, “Have I done this kind of role before?” and if I had, “Is there something I can improve upon?” Sometimes it’s, “Does this person move the story forward? If not, is there space for me to make that happen? Or, is this something I NEVER THOUGHT I could pull off?” Yes! So, let’s go for it. And then, it could be as simple as, “Do I like this person (character)? No? Why not? Let’s see if I can have empathy for him.”

AM: Is your approach to the work different depending on whether it’s on TV, a movie or on the stage?

CC: No, it’s pretty much the same. It’s just the time I get to prep for the character and how long I get to live with him that differs.

AM: We’ve seen you in a number of roles and always enjoy when we see you are attached to the project as there is a poise and bold quality that you bring to your work. What is the process that you go into when it comes to becoming the character that you will play?

CC: Well, thank you for the compliment! That really means a lot to me. I take what I do seriously knowing that it’s not serious… Finding the joy in what I do is important to me. This is not just what I do, it’s who I am. It’s a part of me—a HUGE part of me—So, I go all in and the devil is in the details.

AM: Do you find that when you’re finished playing a character that there’s a process in releasing him and is it harder when you’re in a series since you will have to pick him back up again?

CC: The short answer is yes. I definitely have to decompress when work is done. I’m getting better on the time it takes, but I make sure I take it.

AM: West Side Story is an iconic musical and this musical film adaption directed by Steven Spielberg has been very anticipated. You play Abe, a new character – which was created by Steven specifically for you – how did this come about and what did you draw from to bring him to life?

CC: Well, the character was created for someone like me, an addition to a classic that was needed and necessary. So, Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Kushner did that. I just so happen to be the one who got the gift of breathing life into Abe and hearing one of the greats say, “If Curtiss wants it, he can have it.” It means and meant the world to me.

AM: What was it like being part of this production?

CC: Nothing short of amazing!!!

AM: Being from the Midwest originally, I’m always intrigued about shows that focus on Chicago so when The Chi came out, I was hooked from the first show and I love how they showcase the lives of those that live in the community that spans a number of economical, aspirational and inspirational layers. When you came on as Douda, you bring such a dichotomy to the show. How did you get connected with this series and how would you describe your character?

CC: Once again, thank you! I auditioned—I self-taped actually. At the time, I was doing two other series and I thought there’s no way I’ll get three series at the same time and low in behold!!!

Douda is a complicated man like most of us are, that’s one of the beauties of this character. Just when you think you have him figured out, you don’t… and not because he's fooling you, but because he has so much to offer, so many layers, and he has a plan for himself and his community. Nothing is going to stop him from seeing that plan come to fruition.

AM: It feels like Douda continues to share new layers to him which we saw in Season 4 - how much influence do you have in shaping him and giving insights into how he will be portrayed?

CC: None really. I wait for the pages and try my damnedest not to mess it up. I just stay open, willing and adventurous. I get to act for a living... how glorious is that...

Mannnnn, this is all I’ve ever wanted to do and I get to do it on this level with this character on this show on this network and with these people. I HIT THE LOTTO!!!

AM: The Chi was renewed for a 5th season, are you getting ready to film and is there anything you can tell us about the upcoming season or are looking forward to?

CC: Well, I just hope Douda comes back. You saw what happened at the end of the season right? I just hope we get to see him again.

AM: You have worked with phenomenal people from Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Lena Waithe to name a few. You were the Executive Producer of Counselor and A Black Man Acting. Do you see yourself doing more projects behind the camera?

CC: Yes, I will and there’s something happening now. So, yes keep a look out for it.

AM: We love that in the past few months there have been phenomenal immersive podcasts that have top talent telling scripted stories. I think that QCODE does this in such an amazing way and am a fan of their shows regardless of the topic. You lent your talents to The Burned Photo which was a podcast that I enjoyed listening to and I can’t wait until the second season. Why did you want to be apart of this and what was it like creating it?

CC: Wow yeah, I had never done that before and I was curious to see if I could and how it would work. And let me tell you… it was WORK. Wait until you hear the second season! Boy-oh-boy, get ready.

AM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share with us that we should keep an eye out for?

CC: A great movie written and directed by Charles Murray with an amazing cast. Hopefully you’ll hear about a release date soon!

AM: When you’re not on set, it seems like you spend a fair amount of time at the gym. What are 3 things that you like to do when you’re working out?

CC: Yea, health is pretty important to me. My favorite work out is boxing, then I’ll do a little free weights, then end everything with core.

AM: How do you take personal time for yourself?

CC: I don’t know if I do… I need to get better at that.

IG @CurtissCook

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT + BACK COVER, PG 16 -19 James Washington | PG 20 - 25 Evgeny Milkovich | PG 26 - 29 SHOWTIME/Parrish Lewis | PG 30 - 31 SHOWTIME/Elizabeth Sisson |

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see Acting Chose Me with Curtiss Cook in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YEAR, N3W YOU in mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | KYLE BUSCH

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Kyle Busch in mag.

AWARDS SEASON | 28TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS

This morning the 28th Annual SAG Awards nominees were announced. This show is slated to air on Feb 27th at 8pm EST on TNT and TBS at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. It’s always a fun show to watch and as usual, a number of our favorites are being highlighted from the shows themselves to the actors and teams involved.

We predict that the names in bold are those that will win, the ones that are in bold italics are those that we correctly identified as winning and the names in italics are those that won that we didn’t guess correctly.

TELEVISION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Murray Bartlett, "The White Lotus"

Oscar Isaac, "Scenes From a Marriage"

Michael Keaton, "Dopesick"

Ewan McGregor, "Halston"

Evan Peters, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Jennifer Coolidge, "The White Lotus"

Cynthia Erivo, "Genius: Aretha"

Margaret Qualley, "Maid"

Jean Smart, "Mare of Easttown"

Kate Winslet, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Brian Cox, "Succession"

Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin, "Succession"

Lee Jung-jae, "Squid Game"

Jeremy Strong, "Succession"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show"

Jung Ho-yeon, "Squid Game"

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Sarah Snook, "Succession"

Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Michael Douglas, "The Kominsky Method"

Brett Goldstein, "Ted Lasso"

Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"

Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning, "The Great"

Sandra Oh, "The Chair"

Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Juno Temple, "Ted Lasso"

Hannah Waddingham, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES

"The Handmaid's Tale"

"The Morning Show"

"Squid Game"

"Succession"

"Yellowstone"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES

"The Great"

"Hacks"

"The Kominsky Method"

"Only Murders in the Building"

"Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES

"Cobra Kai"

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

"Loki"

"Mare of Easttown"

"Squid Game"

MOTION PICTURE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield, "Tick, Tick... Boom"

Will Smith, "King Richard"

Denzel Washington, "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jessica Chastain, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman, "The Lost Daughter"

Lady Gaga, "House of Gucci"

Jennifer Hudson, "Respect"

Nicole Kidman, "Being the Ricardos"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ben Affleck, "The Tender Bar"

Bradley Cooper, "Licorice Pizza"

Troy Kotsur, "CODA"

Jared Leto, "House of Gucci"

Kodi Smit-McPhee, "The Power of the Dog"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Caitríona Balfe, "Belfast"

Cate Blanchett, "Nightmare Alley"

Ariana DeBose, "West Side Story"

Kirsten Dunst, "The Power of the Dog"

Ruth Negga, "Passing"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Belfast"

"CODA"

"Don't Look Up"

"House of Gucci"

"King Richard"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Black Widow"

"Dune"

"The Matrix Resurrections"

"No Time to Die"

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E2. | CLAYTON DIGS DEEPER INTO THE RELATIONSHIPS

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we see the women getting relaxed in the Bachelor Mansion which seems like forever since we’ve seen it. Jesse Palmer introduces himself to the women formerly. He also leaves them the first date card.

Teddi, Ency, Malina, Gabby, Mara, Sierra, Geneivieve, Serene, Cassidy and X +head to their first group date with Clayton Echard. Joining this date is Hilary Duff and the women fangirl that she’s arrived. They are going to hang out with kids while creating a fun birthday party for one of them. Cassidy is not interested in getting the party ready and the girls notice that she’s nowhere to be found - they know she’s been hanging out with Clayton and has turned the group date into a 1-on-1 date. In addition, Cassidy let the kids know that she didn’t like them and dropped the cake that was made by Genevieve!

They move on to the cocktail portion of the night. Clayton says that he enjoyed the effort that took place and can’t wait to get to know more about them. As he chats with Serene and has the sweetest first kiss, Cassidy is throwing the gauntlet of being the utmost villain. The ladies at the cocktail party let them know that they don’t like how she has acted and she lets them know that she isn’t there for that and that she thinks that she’s going to get the rose.

Back at the house. another date card arrives with Susie getting the 1-on-1 date. Back at the cocktail party, it’s getting pretty intense. Clayton gives the rose for the group date to Cassidy which definitely makes the mood shift even further.

Susie’s 1-on-1 begins with Clayton and they have a helicopter date and of course, fly over the mansion. After exploring the area, they land on a yacht and enjoy champagne. He sees how Susie is just a chill woman who is appreciative. They end their date at the Hudson Loft for dinner and a bit of dancing to a song performed by Amanda Jordan. Of course, she receives the date rose.

The next date card arrives and Marlena, Elizabeth, Kate, Sarah, Lindsey, Rachel, Tessa and Shanae are going out as a group. Their group date is with Ziwe as she plays a game to illustrate red flags with a game of “never have I ever” and then they get ready for an obstacle course. Throughout the date, Shenae tries to push her way through; however, she misses some things while being mad at others who are getting further with him. Thankfully she doesn’t win, but she vows to recover her footing at the cocktail party. Sarah wins the challenge and they are onto the cocktail party. Clayton lets them know that he had a great time and that he looks forward to getting to know more about them.

In the first group date, we watch as Cassidy goes into attack mode to get what she wants. We saw Shenae talk with Cassidy and get pumped up to also gain ground like her friend; however, when we see her on the other group date, we realize that her actions don’t quite match what she says she wants to do. When Shenae finally gets time with Clayton, she decides to share that Elizabeth is not there for the right reason which definitely feels like she is grabbing at straws on this one. He pulls Elizabeth to the side to address the potential issue.

Sarah gets the group date rose. Shenae and Elizabeth chat and we all know that Shenae tried to throw her under the bus when she did nothing wrong. Shenae outs her ADHD status in front of the women and says that she is confused about their sidebar conversation. Ultimately, the entire situation is extremely messy and leaves everyone unsettled when it comes to what they can expect for the rose ceremony cocktail party.

At the party, Eliza does the cutest mini date in teaching Clayton how to scrapbook which was cute. She didn’t have a date this week, but found a way to stand out. Shenae takes the time to talk with Elizabeth to try to squash everything (mainly because Cassidy told her to stop what’s going on). Shenae continues to fan the flame by reiterating that maybe Elizabeth’s ADHD is the problem and that that condition doesn’t allow her to remember that they had had a talk to handle everything. In the end, Elizabeth is rightfully offended and shares with the women. In front of the larger group Shenae continues to mock her ADHD to a point where Cassidy even says that she has gone too far and that she can’t support that kind of behavior. Clearly their duo is quickly coming to an end.

Cassidy leaves the chaos to take some time with Clayton - even though she has a rose already. The ladies all support Elizabeth for being classy in the face of Shenae’s inappropriate behavior. Other girls wonder if they will have less time to connect due to the fact that there is all this drama going on. Cassidy lets the girls know that she is relentless in her pursuits. Interestingly enough, Cassidy told Sierra that she has a friend with benefits at home and she goes to Clayton to let him know what she has been told. She even pulls Cassidy aside to let her know what she did.

In 2 weeks, we’ll find out whether Cassidy will keep her rose and who will be selected to continue their journey.

SENT HOME: We have a cliffhanger so no one was sent home tonight.

RECEIVED A ROSE: Cassidy, Susie, Sarah

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 2

Since we have a cliffhanger, we’re going to stay with our picks from last week, Eliza, Ency, Rachel and Teddi.

ELIZA

ENCY

RACHEL

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

9PLAYLIST | RYAN SEACREST

Read the DEC ISSUE #72 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Ryan Seacrest in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E1. | CLAYTON BEGINS HIS JOURNEY

We kick off the New Year with Season 26 of ABC’s The Bachelor, which focuses on Clayton Echard as he starts his journey (he is coming off of Michelle Young’s The Bachelorette season 18). Jesse Palmer kicked off the season by reminding us that he was The Bachelor season 5. Having a host that is also a form Bachelor and also played professional football is nice to have that balance and to bring in that level of warmth.

We get a recap of what took place during his season with Michelle and he addressed the fact that he didn’t have the most screentime so it would seem surprising that he would be the next Bachelor.

The fact that the mansion is back, it’s definitely like coming back to an old friend as it’s a stomping ground that we know well. We’re also introduced to the women that we’ll get to know very well.

We meet Salley and we realize that she was supposed to get married and the day of meeting Clayton, she tells him that she was supposed to be married. She lets him know that she is conflicted and he offers her a rose and ultimately, she declines it! Thus all happened pre-limo!

He connects with Jesse to talk about what happened and now we’re finally meeting the women. It’s always fun to see the personalities and how they connect with their intended as they come out of the limo. The mix of sweet and over-the-top entrances is always fun to watch. All the women have arrived and Clayton gives a toast as they begin to get to know one another. He gets 1-on-1 time with each woman, but it’s an extended kiss with Teddi that the girls see where they realize that this is getting serious. Interestingly enough, Teddy didn’t intend to kiss on the first night. The first impression rose arrives and they know that it’s time to step it up - if they have yet to do so. Although everyone enjoyed the dates and times with him, Claire says that he’s not her type and that she feels it’s not a fit. He walks her out as he only wants people that want to be there. He lets them know if anyone wants to step out, now is the time. He then asks to see Teddy so that he can give her the First Impression rose. He also lets them know that the cocktail party is now over and the rose ceremony will begin. The women wonder if the time that they had was enough to ensure that they will be able to stay in the house. He lets them know after tonight, he knows that his wife is in the room and he apologizes to those that he didn’t get a chance to speak to.

SENT HOME: Claire, Daria, Hailey, Ivana, Jane, Lindsay D, Rianna, Salley and Samantha.

RECEIVED A ROSE: Cassidy, Eliza, Elizabeth, Ency, Gabby, Genevieve, Hunter, Jill, Kate, Kira, Lindsey W, Mara, Marlina, Melina, Rachel, Sarah, Serene, Shanae, Sierra, Susie, Teddi, and Tessa.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

---

SEASON 26

We’re sharing who you can expect to see on the upcoming season of S26 The Bachelor. The first night brought a lot of surprises from Salley leaving before the limos arrived and kicking out Claire who was unquestionably rude. Teddi received the First Impression rose so we think that she along with Eliza who had a fun interactive German lesson, Enyc who brought a new vibe by talking with Clayton in Persian and Korean as well as the flight instructor, Rachel could be a great group heading to Hometowns!

ELIZA

ENCY

RACHEL

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

KING OF THE RING WITH RYAN GARCIA

This month's cover is WBC Interim Lightweight, Ryan Garcia who has held the WBC interim lightweight title. WIth a record of 21-0 and 18 KOs, he is known as having one of the fastest hands in the sport. In addition to making waves in the sport, he shares how he has navigated boxing from training, meeting fans, being signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and taking them with him to his fights via his social media. His passion and love for the sport also allows him to diversify his brand between his sponsorships with Gatorade, 1800 Cristalino and Gymshark to name a few. We talk about how he got into the sport, his career and being the Co-Owner and Chief MARLOWE. officer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you start boxing and fall in love with the sport?

RYAN GARCIA: I started boxing at seven years old. I fell in love with it because I was shy as a kid. Boxing gave me confidence inside and outside of the ring.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

RG: I got to the point my life where I had to decide either go for it all or give up on my dreams and I decided to pursue my dreams. It was right around when I turn 17.

AM: You fight in the interim lightweight class, are 21-0 with 18 being by knock out, you’ve held the WBC interim lightweight championship title and are signed with Golden Boy Promotions. What are you looking forward to for upcoming fights?

RG: I’m looking forward to the big fights against top competitors. I’m looking forward to showcasing that I am the best fighter in the world of my division.

AM: You’re trained by Eddy Reynoso. What is a typical day like for you in terms of training and staying ready for your next match – can you walk us through what training with him is like and what you do?

RG: We stay in shape by going on morning runs, eating healthy, sparring, strength and conditioning, and reviewing fight tapes.

AM: Is there a difference between your working out/training when there isn’t a fight coming up versus when you’re in preparation for an upcoming one?

RG: Big-time when I’m not training for fight my workouts are much lighter and I like to do things that are fun for me like playing video games or playing poker. When I’m getting ready for a fight it’s completely different. It’s like a switch is turned on and I’m completely focused and locked in. I don’t know anything else that’s going on it’s just tunnel vision and I’m super hyper focused on that fight.

AM: For those who want to workout like a boxer, what workouts do you do that we should incorporate into our daily/weekly routines?

RG: I think that the cardio element in boxing is super important for people; things like hitting the Mitts or hitting the Fierce reflex bag would be great for non-boxers to do to get in shape because it will really tone up your arms and help your cardio.

AM: Nutrition is essential to optimize what you do in the ring. What do you eat when you’re in training mode and what foods do you like to splurge on to treat yourself?

RG: In the past I did not optimize my nutrition but now I really understand the importance of eating right. I work with my chef to make sure that I’m eating the right foods especially during training things; like lean proteins fish chicken etc., rice, and vegetables are typically staples. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for your body and sometimes that means not eating. I found that when I skip breakfast in the mornings I tend to work out better.

I would say my one guilty pleasure is McDonald’s. Two cheeseburgers with a large fries and a large soda.

AM: After a fight, what do you to unwind?

RG: I’ll have a couple shots to celebrate with 1800 Cristalino tequila and then right after look to take my family on a nice little vacation where we can all relax and unwind.

AM: Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you in the sport?

RG: Manny Pacquiao and Canelo have been mentors that I look up to within the sport. There are also boxers who I like to watch like Roy Jones Junior, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

AM: You have a large and engaged digital footprint, how important is using social media in terms of reaching out to your fans and letting people know about you inside and outside of the ring?

RG: I think it’s very important. Social media allows me to connect more intimately with my fans. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to see a lot of my fans in person or do meet and greets so this really helps us to keep connected and engaged with one another. I love my fans. I want to stay connected with them and keep them updated and this is the best way to do it.

AM: You are the co-owner of MARLOWE. Can you tell us about the brand and what your role of Chief MARLOWE. Officer entails?

RG: MARLOWE. provides men with high quality, easy-to-use, perfectly formulated skin care and grooming products without all the fuss and high price tags. We believe that life is complicated enough, looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. As the Chief MARLOWE. Officer, I am excited to be the face of the brand and to help spearhead the digital marketing content strategy along with my content partners Liquid Light. I have been very involved in the entire process from the second I came onto the brand. Everything you see on the packaging for my signature SKU's is all me -- from the exact gold color we used, the thickness of the carton and the overall design. I have so many creative ideas - this partnership was beyond a great fit.

AM: How important is your skincare routine to you?

RG: I have always had an up and down relationship with my skin. During training, I get right into it at the gym with hours of sweating - it can take a toll on my skin causing some breakouts. Also, during training I am constantly taking multiple showers a day, burning through so much product.

When I first discovered MARLOWE., I was so impressed by the effectiveness of each product and the affordability. I wanted to make sure the product was affordable to my fans and following so they could enjoy the products just as much as I do.

AM: Why did you want to be involved with this brand and what can we expect to see from you and the brand as we go into the holiday season and into 2022?

RG: The quality of MARLOWE. products is what attracted me to the brand right away. The No. 102 Body Scrub Soap Bar was by far the greatest soap I’ve ever used and it's a true experience. I found that to be true with almost all of their products. The No. 102 bar is the only soap tough enough to get me clean after a hard training session! I liked them so much I knew I had to be a part of the brand in a bigger way as co-owner & now Chief MARLOWE. Officer. We have a lot in store coming down the pipeline - stay tuned for some greatness. As for Holiday, we have some cool virtual bundles launching on marloweskin.com in December including all my faves in one exclusive bundle! This is perfect for those who want to give a gift with 1 click - perfect for any guy on your list.

AM: What are your 3 go-to products that you enjoy using from MARLOWE. that we should think about using?

RG: By far, my favorite product is the No. 102 Body Scrub Bar. It is a true experience and has become my solution for getting clean after training and working out super hard. I also love using the No. 171 Classic Pomade for my hair and the No. 002 Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion for my dry skin. I am taking so many showers after working out multiple times a day while I train and it can take a toll on my skin. The 002 lotion gives me the replenished hydration I need.

AM: From a fashion perspective, how would you define your personal style?

RG: I like to stay classy and gentlemen like it’s important to add a little nuance to your style and some uniqueness that’s you. So I like to stay classy but for me add a little edge, maybe wear an oversized T-shirt, or add a little bit of jewelry that really pops.

AM: When you’re not in the ring or working on other projects, how do you take time for yourself?

RG: I’ll take the time to study other things that interest me, things that I’m passionate about, because ultimately that’s what keeps the fire going. Whether it’s a business passion like MARLOWE., or learning about Poker strategy, or playing tennis.

IG @KingRyan

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | MARLOWE.

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see King of the Ring with Ryan Garcia in mag.

TALKING GHOST WITH METHOD MAN AND LARENZ TATE

We caught up with 2 co-stars from STARZ’s 2nd season of POWER BOOK II: GHOST which premiered on Nov 21st! We sat down with Method Man and Larenz Tate. In the first half of the podcast, we catch up with the legendary performer of the Wu-Tang Clan, and actor in a number of TV series and films, Method Man. We talk about his diverse career and what we can expect on the latest season. We delve into the writer’s room and the phenomenal cast which includes his co-stars and musical collaborators – Mary J. Blige and Redman. We also talk about his commitment to fitness and how he continues to increase expanding his business into the cannabis industry and NFTs.

ATHLEISURE MAG: As one of the stars of POWER BOOK II: GHOST, what was it about the series that made you want to be involved?

METHOD MAN: Well I mean, that first series was great and the way that they ended it in that season finale, it was unheard of!

AM: You play Davis MacLean. What’s your process like in playing him and how do you get into that mindset?

MM: Well now it’s just throwing on the suit. Of course, in the beginning, you do your due diligence. You do your research, you try to find their voice for this character. You want to know his intentions and all of this stuff that goes into building a character. But once you get into it and you and the writers are on the same page, it’s just all hitting the ground running after that. It’s all pretty easy.

AM: Did you find that you added more into the character than what was in the script?

MM: No, I give all the writers 110% credit! I mean, outside of an ad lib here and there like a motherfucker or something like that, they get all of the credit. They know exactly who this man is. The only time that I would ever say something is when I feel like they're not being true to the character the character which hasn’t happened.

AM: Last year when it launched, many of us were so excited to see that you and Mary J. Blige (she plays Monet Tejada) were in the show. This season, Redman (he plays Theo Rollins, Davis’s older brother) has joined the cast! How exciting is it for you to be on set and to have all of these cultural moments with great people that you have worked with?

MM: I’m glad we made our music quota, we needed it. It’s great. I mean, Mary’s great. The days that I see her on set, it’s always fun and she likes to laugh and I like to joke which is the perfect combination right there. What can I say about Redman? I’ve been working with dude for like most of my career. They knew they had something there – it was instant chemistry when they brought him in. So it was pretty simple and pretty cool.

AM: To catch our readers up on what’s taken place, where did we leave Davis last season and what’s coming up that you can share with us that we can expect?

MM: Last season, Davis kind of ended on riding a high because he won one of the biggest cases of his career. He got his nemesis fired in the process which is icing on the cake. But where other people would be gloating, Davis sees an opportunity and he hires the former US attorney on his team. There’s a bit more layers there that I am not at liberty to say right now, but I think that Davis being as calculated as he is – there is a reason for him in hiring Cooper Saxe (Shane Johnson) at this moment, so just stay tuned!

AM: We are excited to see how it all plays out this season. Here at Athleisure Mag, when we’ve watched your IG, we know that you are always in the gym and staying ready!

MM: I mean with everything that I do, that’s why!

AM: Exactly! In the SEP ISSUE #69, B-Real said that he gives it up to you that you are always working out. So that was his shout out to you.

What are 3 moves that you love doing when you hit the gym?

MM: Deadlifts, bench and squats are my favorites.

AM: As someone who has had such a great body of work, a successful career in TV, film, being a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and you’re going into NFTs and cannabis, how do you take time for yourself because you are a busy man.

MM: I don’t. I never have any time anymore. But, I could be doing a hell of a lot worse!

AM: Exactly!

MM: As a matter of fact, I take that back. When football season starts, they occasionally interrupt my Sundays, but usually Sundays is all football from 1:00 through 11:00, so you know where to find me!

IG @MethodManOfficial

After catching up with Method Man and finding out more about how his character, Davis MacLean ended the last season and what we can expect from this season, we had to talk to Larenz Tate to find out about Councilman Rashad Tate! Larenz joined the original series of POWER in the last 2 seasons of this show. He talks with us about how his character continued in the premiere season and what we can expect in this season! We also talk about what drew him to this show, his character and how he has maintained longevity in this career.

ATHLEISURE MAG: You were in the last 2 seasons of POWER, the flagship and you also joined the regular cast in POWER BOOK II: Ghost as well. What does it mean to you to not only have your character continue on into the series, but also to just be part of this cast?

LARENZ TATE: I love it! I signed up because I wanted to continue and the fact that the incredible Courtney A. Kemp which is the creator of the show, found value in incorporating me into the show – just meant a lot. As you said, I was able to be a part of the original POWER series, which was a fabulous show. To be able to find my character in this show is great. I mean, the writing is fantastic and it’s probably the closest thing to POWER. The demographics are a little different and there are some that are a little younger, there are some new people and there are some similarities. But certainly, the fact that there is some value in seeing that Tate is still surviving from the original show! I mean there are so many people who didn’t make it out of that show and they didn’t make it. So we get to see a show and a storyline where there are a lot of wins, some losses and there are some good people with good intentions, but bad decisions! I think that life is kind of like that, so it’s relatable when people watch our show. They get a chance to either see themselves or how they would interpret or react to the characters that they are watching. As an actor, it’s great to have words, dialogue and stories that are really multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. When they write, they’re not paint in trope or painting by the numbers. It’s truly gratifying and I’m excited!

AM: What drew you to want to be in the amazing show?

LT: Well, I can take it all the way back to the original POWER. I loved the show and when I saw it, I said, “I dig this!” These characters should be materialized and this representation should be there because it’s more that what people may think on the outside. It’s a show about the underworld, drug dealing and so much more. It’s a show about family, brotherhood, sisterhood, deceit, deception, big decisions, people finding a way out of their circumstances, empowerment and all of it! Originally, I was cast to portray a different character who was in season 4 through 6 – the lawyer, Terry Silver (Brandon Victor Dixon) who helped Ghost (Omari Hardwick) when he was going to jail. He also falls in love with Tasha St. Patrick (Naturi Naughton). I was away working and it didn’t happen. Long story short, I called Courtney and I said, “listen, I love this Black excellence. I’m down – whatever you want me to do. Let’s do it. I’ll come and do an episode, whatever.”

AM: Just get me in there!

LT: Yeah. I told her that it was me talking, not reps, agents and managers – all of that stuff – it was just me. She said that there was a really cool character that she was about to start filming on. She let me know that it was a politician and that his last name was Tate and I was like, “ok let’s go this is dope!” She didn’t give me a whole lot to go from, but we talked about it and she wanted to see what I would do with him. She gave me the setup and she trusted me and I was able to come in and to dispel the idea that this politician, as soon as he walks into a room has this stigma that he’s not trustworthy. So to combat that and to finesse it, he comes in with a high five and he’s smiling. He’s got all of the cool things to say and he throws people off.

AM: He diffuses everything!

LT: Yeah, yeah, yeah. He lets you know, “I’m welcome and you can invite me to the barbecue.” That being said, it’s been a joy. Unlike a movie, unless you’re doing sequels – you get in, you get out and you do your job. You live with that character for a period of time. With this, you’re able to really lean into it and you get a chance to be able to find different things that the writers are creating for you. They can take you in any kind of direction and you have to be willing to do it. Especially when the writing is good. So, I have been very fortunate to be part of this and to just see where the value is and in telling the story along with Rashad Tate.

AM: Where did we leave off with him last season and where do we see him this season? What can you tell us about what is going on for some of our readers that need to catch up?

LT: Season 1, you find him going for the Gubernatorial race. He’s trying to be the Governor and he’s trying to win. Where we find him in season 2, literally, he’s in his brother’s basement, on a couch, hiding under a rock from the world because he lost the gubernatorial run. He’s out of it and his brother Kamaal Tate (Lahmard Tate) who is played by my real life brother.

AM: Which is really awesome!

LT: Yeah it is, I love it! He’s telling him that failure is not acceptable and that he is a Tate. Rashad knows that he should not look at this as a failure, but as a lesson learned and how he can find a way to get back into the game and to climb that political ladder. He can also incorporate some of the things that he has learned along the way and he’s going to cross paths with another St. Patrick – more St. Patricks! It’s 3 – 3! This young boy Tariq St. Patrick (Michael Rainey Jr.), once he crosses paths with him, he’s looking at how he can utilize him to be an ally or will he ultimately be an enemy?

That’s what’s nice about the storytelling. There’s always this duplicity and duality that’s going on – you know, it’s the tug of war of power.

AM: That’s amazing! You’ve had such an amazing and dynamic career that has included so many movies and so many films. We’ve enjoyed seeing you in them and yet, you never age! So how do you stay in shape, stay positive and optimize yourself?

LT: You know for me, I just want to be the best version of myself. I’ve been in the game for a long time and I have been in this industry for 3 decades and I have seen how it has taken a toll on a lot of people. For me, I want to run the marathon as opposed to a sprint. So I try to avoid all the pitfalls that would cause self-destruction, that would cause a situation where I am aged before my time. It has an affect on your life all together. I decided to go the other route – I don’t want that other route, I’ve seen it. The demise of so many people that I respect. So now for me, I just want the best version of myself and I have to be mindful of my health, my mental space and my body and mind and conscious. It all plays a part in it. It’s all about responsibility and accountability!

IG @LarenzTate

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ POWER BOOK II: GHOST

Hear STARZ POWER BOOK II: GHOST co-stars Method Man and Larenz Tate now on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the latest issue of NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Talking Ghost with Method Man + Larenz Tate in mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S18. E10. | IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS

As always, it’s been an interesting season and it comes down to the big decision. Over the next 2 hours of ABC’s The Bachelorette, we will see a bit more of Brandon and Nayte and what Michelle Young’s decision is. Then we’ll get more of our answers in After the Final Rose! Can you believe that we’ll be back to The Bachelor on Jan 3rd with Clayton?

For now, we’re back in Mexico with Michelle as she is thinking about the fact that she let Joe go but knows her feelings are stronger for Nayte and Brandon. She catches up with her parents and sister to let them know what’s going on. She lets them know who she is left with (of course they seem to already like Brandon since her parents met them already). Brandon is up first with gifts and as always, looking genuinely happy to be with her and to see more of her family. Her parents are very warm with him and seem happy to be with him again. In addition to flowers for his mom, she gifts her father a new pair of trunks to make up for when he wore them previously. Her father and Brandon go off to talk one-on-one. He also does the same with Michelle’s mother. Both seem so happy to welcome him into their family. Since he works remote anyway, he’s ready to move to Minnesota genuinely.

Next up, Nayte is meeting the family next. Michelle’s family says it will be hard not to compare the two, but we know that they will try to be open-minded. The family notices that the vibe is different and that Nayte is not as warm. When Nayte is talking to her father, he lets her know that they have not talked about the logistics. Her father lets her know that she has a lot of ambitions but those ambitions involve her staying in Minnesota. Her sister Angela also asks him about whether he would move. He states that moving is not difficult for him, but her sister notes that staying in the place that you move to is different - he seems to falter a little there. Michelle keeps stating that Nayte has said that he wants to be engaged; however, it seems like there are a lot of things that have not been mentioned. Michelle’s mom calls it and says that he may think that he is ready, but she doesn’t feel that he really is. She lets him know that although he is talking a lot, she doesn’t feel the words that he is saying.

It seems like no one believes that Nayte is ready to get engaged (his family during hometowns) as well as Michelle’s family. The fact that Michelle feels she needs to “reassess” is surprising - because everyone else sees that Nayte isn’t the best fit in terms of longterm goals. Her own mother said that she can see why there may have been interest to Nayte because he’s surprising, but Brandon seems to be a more seamless choice for so many reasons.

Now that meeting the families has taken place, Michelle can now enjoy dates with each guy to get to know more about what she is looking for and wants. Her and Brandon hop on the ski-do’s. Their solo date is also an easy affair with Brandon giving her his sweatshirt that she got food on from their food fight. Michelle shared that she is in love with Brandon which is nice for him to hear - it’s going to be interesting to see the decision by the end of this.

We continue on with Michelle to her date with Nayte. Their date is a ritual that will allow both of them to open up and to share what they want. Even the shaman noted that Nayte was not really opening up. At one point Michelle even says that she sees some red flags with Nayte as well. Everyone is saying the same thing and we can only hope that she sees the interactions as they are and not where she hopes it will be. They spend more time together and she feels that Nayte is her person and she has more clarity. She comes back from her date with him and finds a note from Brandon as he professes his love to her.

It is now the day of the decision. Regardless of what happens, we know that the After the Rose portion of tonight will let us know what’s really going on. But for now, we’re with Neil Lane as he talks with Nayte and helps him pick a ring. He asks if he has been in love before (which seems to be what everyone asks him). Brandon also sits with Neil separately and looks at the options and selects a ring. Michelle feels the weight of her decision as she knows this will be a tough decision and that she will have to put herself first (which she has never done). Ultimately, she knows that there will be 1 person that she will be devestated to live her life without. It seems like both Brandon and Nayte feel that they will ask for her hand.

It’s that time, Brandon arrives and chats with Kaitlyn and Bristowe and then he makes his way to her. She gives him a hug although it feels like she is already thinking about the fact that she is going to let him go. Brandon begins to profess his love for her and why he feels the way he does. Michelle lets him know that Brandon is amazing, but she is not able to choose him. Brandon lets her know that he will always be there for her.

Up next is Nayte. Will he propose - as we know that she will accept. Once again Michelle is on her mark and Nayte talks about their relationship. He lets her know that he sees her and is ready to be with her and that she feels that she is chosen first. The waves continue to be very loud, but at least we can hear them better then moments ago. Michelle lets him know what she feels and the fears that she has had. She lets him know that the ride hasn’t been smooth, but she wants to walk through life with him. She feels that she has never felt a love like this before and that she loves him and doesn’t want to think about waking up next to anyone else but with him and doing life with him. She wants to be with her soulmate and she feels that that is him. Nayte says that he loves her and that he doesn’t want to let go and he asks her to marry him. Nayte and Michelle are officially engaged.

After the Rose Ceremony kicks off and Kaitlyn chats with Brandon. He talks about his support system and how he is thankful for family friends and people from the show. Brandon felt that he was certain that it would be him and that he was her person. Ultimately, he is happy that she found it, but in the moment, it was sad that it was not him. He was devastated especially because he clicked with her family. He shares that he is thankful that everything worked out the way it was because he always stated that he cared about her happiness over his own. Brandon shared how he connected with his family after the event and how thankful he was. Kaitlyn shared that she took a photo of him after his scene with Michelle. It looked so sad to see him sitting there along as the sun went down. Brandon called the shot, “beauty in the struggle.” He knows that God will make sure that everything will be ok. He says that he will always love Michelle and he knows that it’s not respectful to love her in that way as she is with Nayte right now.

Michelle and Brandon sit down and talk. He lets her know that he wants to hear what happened and where she is at as opposed to asking all of these questions. Michelle talks about how she battled in the process and she shared her feelings with him even knowing that ultimately she may also have to break his heart. You can tell that Brandon is still hurt from what happened and he lets her know. He thanks her for letting him be vulnerable as he likes to be reserved. He tells her that it was hard watching himself because he was in love with her and her family. He felt that in some ways, his love was overlooked - but he knows that he only knew his portion and not the full story. He knew that she was going to break his heart and he saw that in her eyes, when he stood with her on the last day, that that wasn’t going to be them in the end. He lets her know that he misses her parents a lot. He tells her that he is a little confused about how it all played out. He sees that she had to push Nayte to get to a point where he already was.

Finally, we see Michelle and Nayte together and thankfully, it seems like their families are connected which is nice to see and we also see the upcoming season of Clayton which starts on Jan 3rd.

Each night during this season, we have tweet about The Bachelorette and we chatted along with you (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) each episode!

Each week we let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ALEC T, 29 | North Charleston, SC

BRANDON J, 26 | Portland, OR

BRANDON K, 29 | Austin, TX

BRYAN W, 31 | Chicago, IL

CASEY W, 36 | Miami Beach, FL

CHRIS S, 28 | W. Hollywood, CA

CHRISTOPHER G, 28 | Nova Scotia, Canada

CLAYTON E, 26 | Columbia, MO

DANIEL T, 26 | Austin, TX

EDWARD N, 27 | Los Angeles, CA

GARRETT A, 33 | Salt Lake City, UT

JACK R, 33 | Philadelphia, PA

JAMIE S, 32 | San Diego, CA

JOE C, 28 | Minneapolis, MN

JOMARRI G, 26 | Fresno, CA

LEROY A, 27 | Dallas, TX

LT M, 38 | Bellevue, WA

MARTIN G, 29 | Miami, FL

MOLLIQUE J, 36 | San Diego, CA

NAYTE O, 27 | Austin, TX

OLUMIDE O, 27 | Newark, NJ

PARDEEP S, 30 | Brooklyn, NY

PETER I, 26 | Port St Joe, FL

PJ H, 30 | Houston, TX

RICK L, 32 | Los Angeles, CA

RODNEY M, 29 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA

ROMEO A, 32 | NY, NY

RYAN F, 30 | San Jose, CA

SPENCER W, 25 | Cleveland, OH

WILL U, 28 | Santo Domingo, DR

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. | SEE THE WOMEN OF CLAYTON ECHARD'S SEASON

On Jan 3rd, days after ringing in the New Year, we will begin Season 26 of ABC’s The Bachelor and get to see Clayton Echard start his journey (he is coming off of Michelle Young’s The Bachelorette season 18. Clayton’s season will be hosted by Jesse Palmer which will also be an interesting twist as we have enjoyed seeing him host a number of shows.

Prior to any season, ABC releases who will be the contestants on the show. We have a number of people that we’re already thinking will make it far this season.

Each night during the season, we tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 26

We’re sharing who you can expect to see on the upcoming season of S26 The Bachelor.

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

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9PLAYLIST | IDRIS ELBA

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Idris Elba in mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S18. E9. | FANTASY SUITES IN MEXICO

Tonight’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelorette kicks off in Mexico as we’re down to the last 3 men: Brandon, Nayte and Joe. Michelle Young walks the beach talking through the men and what’s she’s thinking with Kaitlyn Bristowe. Tayshia Adams visits the men and lets them know that each one will have an intimate one-on-one date with her and lets them know that there is an option for her to give them a Fantasy Suite card. Tayshia reminds them that this is when they need to let go and talk with her. She explains that this night was impactful for her and her decisions. Up first is Brandon. He looks as excited as we know that he would be. He’s excited that she wants to see him first. The guys also note that this is the first time that they feel that they’re not friends, they are competitors and how it’s so weird because of the positive vibes that they have had leading up to this moment. Joe sums it up by saying, “we went from bro’s to foes.”

On Michelle’s date with Brandon, they ride horses in the forest and on the beach. Once again, it seems like they have a good vibe with one another. As they continue to the evening portion of the date, we know that Michelle is going to ask more questions so that she can get to know more about Brandon. Brandon lets her know that he is in love with her and he will always put her first. She reiterates that she is falling in love with him and that she still feels that way - just like she did after meeting his family. We know that he has never wavered in his feelings with her. She gives him the Fantasy Suite card and he reads the note that Kaitlyn and Tayshia wrote and he says that he wants to stay with her, to hold her and to wake up with her. While they’re in their private hot tub, fireworks begin in the background. We see Nayte and Joe looking outside realizing that the date is still going on and that she is dating all of them and figuring out the relationships.

Brandon comes back from the date and says that it’s awkward to come back realizing he was with her and that they will be with her as well. He tells them that they had a great date, but didn’t go into details - which is respectful. We know that Joe is next up for his date. Ziplining for their intimate date is definitely adventurous. Michelle goes first and seems to be loving it. She picked this date to loosen him up as he is a bit more reserved then her. He actually liked letting loose and screaming! You can tell that both of them are having a great time and seeing how they really mesh with each other. Joe recognizes that he needs to bring all he has to the forefront so that Michelle can really get to know him.

As her date with Joe continues, she lets him know that she didn’t think that he would scream and would just silently zipline! We’re not going to lie, we thought the same thing. They talk about how many kids that they want to have and how they want to be inspirations to other people. She lets him know that she always feels connected to him, but on this date, she felt it even more. She gives him the Fantasy Suite card to read. Michelle says that with how well her date with Joe went, everything is changed now!

We see Brandon and Nayte talk as they talk about whether it’s best to have had the first date or the 3rd and the final date. Both are reconciling that this is the process. The fact that they are still respectful with one another is really amazing.

Joe comes back from his date after spending time in the Fantasy Suites and he’s happy and announces that he was there. Both guys are reminded again that they are not the only ones dating her. Nayte’s date is on a boat as they cruise off the coast of Mexico. Nayte lets her know that he is crazy about her and she tells him the same.

As they get to the next phase of their date, Michelle wants to see more of where Nayte’s head is at. Nayte lets her know that he has feelings for her. Michelle wants to know where his head is at because she explains that this process ends in an engagement - which is what she’s looking for. Nayte then says he is falling in love with her, however, we can’t help thinking about the fact that his parents didn’t think that he was ready, they had never heard him being excited about any girl nor had they met one. So this is something that she be considered. Back on their date, he also gets the Fantasy Suites room as well with her. Without a doubt, they have chemistry, but is it the kind that paves the way for a longterm relationship?

Michelle lets Nayte know that she is in love with him. We know that she has a lot of feelings for him because she has constantly said that he is her soulmate. All the dates have completed and each guy had a special experience and as Nayte called it, “we vibed up.”

At this point, it’s all about the rose ceremony to see where they all stand. Michelle states that she is in love with all of them. At the ceremony, she lets them know that she values them and that they have changed her life. She lets them know that her stomach is in knots. Before she gives out the roses, Brandon asks to speak to her briefly and lets her know that he will always be there for her, whether he’s there or not.

Michelle gives the first rose to Nayte and the last one to Brandon. She sends Joe home!

Each night during this season, we tweet about The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ALEC T, 29 | North Charleston, SC

BRANDON J, 26 | Portland, OR

BRANDON K, 29 | Austin, TX

BRYAN W, 31 | Chicago, IL

CASEY W, 36 | Miami Beach, FL

CHRIS S, 28 | W. Hollywood, CA

CHRISTOPHER G, 28 | Nova Scotia, Canada

CLAYTON E, 26 | Columbia, MO

DANIEL T, 26 | Austin, TX

EDWARD N, 27 | Los Angeles, CA

GARRETT A, 33 | Salt Lake City, UT

JACK R, 33 | Philadelphia, PA

JAMIE S, 32 | San Diego, CA

JOE C, 28 | Minneapolis, MN

JOMARRI G, 26 | Fresno, CA

LEROY A, 27 | Dallas, TX

LT M, 38 | Bellevue, WA

MARTIN G, 29 | Miami, FL

MOLLIQUE J, 36 | San Diego, CA

NAYTE O, 27 | Austin, TX\

OLUMIDE O, 27 | Newark, NJ

PARDEEP S, 30 | Brooklyn, NY

PETER I, 26 | Port St Joe, FL

PJ H, 30 | Houston, TX

RICK L, 32 | Los Angeles, CA

RODNEY M, 29 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA

ROMEO A, 32 | NY, NY

RYAN F, 30 | San Jose, CA

SPENCER W, 25 | Cleveland, OH

WILL U, 28 | Santo Domingo, DR

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AWARDS SEASON | 27TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS TV + FILM NOMINATIONS

The Critics Choice Awards TV nominations were announced last week and the Film nominations were released today. The Critics Choice Awards will take place on Sunday, January 9th on The CW and TBS from the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. As always we’re weighing in on who we believe will win (bold) and in a future post will share who won that we didn’t answer correctly (italicized) and those that we correctly answered (bold italicized).

TELEVISION NOMINATIONS FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS

BEST DRAMA SERIES

Evil (Paramount+)

For All Mankind (Apple TV+)

The Good Fight (Paramount+)

Pose (FX)

Squid Game (Netflix)

Succession (HBO)

This Is Us (NBC)

Yellowjackets (Showtime)

BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us (NBC)

Mike Colter – Evil (Paramount+)

Brian Cox – Succession (HBO)

Lee Jung-jae – Squid Game (Netflix)

Billy Porter – Pose (FX)

Jeremy Strong – Succession (HBO)

BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Uzo Aduba – In Treatment (HBO)

Chiara Aurelia – Cruel Summer (Freeform)

Christine Baranski – The Good Fight (Paramount+)

Katja Herbers – Evil (Paramount+)

Melanie Lynskey – Yellowjackets (Showtime)

MJ Rodriguez – Pose (FX)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Nicholas Braun – Succession (HBO)

Billy Crudup – The Morning Show (Apple TV+)

Kieran Culkin – Succession (HBO)

Justin Hartley – This Is Us (NBC)

Matthew Macfadyen – Succession (HBO)

Mandy Patinkin – The Good Fight (Paramount+)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Andrea Martin – Evil (Paramount+)

Audra McDonald – The Good Fight (Paramount+)

Christine Lahti – Evil (Paramount+)

J. Smith-Cameron – Succession (HBO)

Sarah Snook – Succession (HBO)

Susan Kelechi Watson – This Is Us (NBC)

BEST COMEDY SERIES

The Great (Hulu)

Hacks (HBO Max)

Insecure (HBO)

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

The Other Two (HBO Max)

Reservation Dogs (FX on Hulu)

Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Iain Armitage – Young Sheldon (CBS)

Nicholas Hoult – The Great (Hulu)

Steve Martin – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Kayvan Novak – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)

Jason Sudeikis – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning – The Great (Hulu)

Renée Elise Goldsberry – Girls5eva (Peacock)

Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) 

Sandra Oh – The Chair (Netflix)

Issa Rae – Insecure (HBO)

Jean Smart – Hacks (HBO Max)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Ncuti Gatwa – Sex Education (Netflix)

Brett Goldstein – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

Harvey Guillén – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Brandon Scott Jones – Ghosts (CBS)

Ray Romano – Made for Love (HBO Max)

Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Hannah Einbinder – Hacks (HBO Max)

Kristin Chenoweth – Schmigadoon! (Apple TV+)

Molly Shannon – The Other Two (HBO Max) 

Cecily Strong – Saturday Night Live (NBC)

Josie Totah – Saved By the Bell (Peacock)

Hannah Waddingham – Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

BEST LIMITED SERIES

Dopesick (Hulu)

Dr. Death (Peacock)

It’s a Sin (HBO Max)

Maid (Netflix)

Mare of Easttown (HBO)

Midnight Mass (Netflix)

The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)

WandaVision (Disney+)

BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Come From Away (Apple TV+)

List of a Lifetime (Lifetime)

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (Amazon Prime Video)

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)

Oslo (HBO)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas (The Roku Channel)

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Olly Alexander – It’s a Sin (HBO Max)

Paul Bettany – WandaVision (Disney+)

William Jackson Harper – Love Life (HBO Max)

Joshua Jackson – Dr. Death (Peacock)

Michael Keaton – Dopesick (Hulu)

Hamish Linklater – Midnight Mass (Netflix)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Danielle Brooks – Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia (Lifetime)

Cynthia Erivo – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)

Thuso Mbedu – The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)

Elizabeth Olsen – WandaVision (Disney+)

Margaret Qualley – Maid (Netflix)

Kate Winslet – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Murray Bartlett – The White Lotus (HBO)

Zach Gilford – Midnight Mass (Netflix)

William Jackson Harper – The Underground Railroad (Amazon Prime Video)

Evan Peters – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

Christian Slater – Dr. Death (Peacock)

Courtney B. Vance – Genius: Aretha (National Geographic)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Jennifer Coolidge – The White Lotus (HBO)

Kaitlyn Dever – Dopesick (Hulu)

Kathryn Hahn – WandaVision (Disney+)

Melissa McCarthy – Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)

Julianne Nicholson – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

Jean Smart – Mare of Easttown (HBO)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE SERIES

Acapulco (Apple TV+)

Call My Agent! (Netflix)

Lupin (Netflix)

Money Heist (Netflix)

Narcos: Mexico (Netflix)

Squid Game (Netflix)

BEST ANIMATED SERIES

Big Mouth (Netflix)

Bluey (Disney Junior)

Bob’s Burgers (Fox)

The Great North (Fox)

Q-Force (Netflix)

What If…? (Disney+)

BEST TALK SHOW

The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock)

Desus & Mero (Showtime)

The Kelly Clarkson Show (NBC)

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (Bravo)

BEST COMEDY SPECIAL 

Bo Burnham: Inside (Netflix)

Good Timing with Jo Firestone (Peacock)

James Acaster: Cold Lasagne Hate Myself 1999 (Vimeo)

Joyelle Nicole Johnson: Love Joy (Peacock)

Nate Bargatze: The Greatest Average American (Netflix)

Trixie Mattel: One Night Only (YouTube)

FILM NOMINATIONS FOR THE 27TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS

BEST PICTURE

Belfast

CODA

Don’t Look Up

Dune

King Richard

Licorice Pizza

Nightmare Alley

The Power of the Dog

tick, tick…Boom!

West Side Story

BEST ACTOR

Nicolas Cage – Pig

Benedict Cumberbatch – The Power of the Dog

Peter Dinklage – Cyrano

Andrew Garfield – tick, tick…Boom!

Will Smith – King Richard

Denzel Washington – The Tragedy of Macbeth

BEST ACTRESS

Jessica Chastain – The Eyes of Tammy Faye

Olivia Colman – The Lost Daughter

Lady Gaga – House of Gucci

Alana Haim – Licorice Pizza

Nicole Kidman – Being the Ricardos

Kristen Stewart – Spencer

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Jamie Dornan – Belfast

Ciarán Hinds – Belfast

Troy Kotsur – CODA

Jared Leto – House of Gucci

J.K. Simmons – Being the Ricardos

Kodi Smit-McPhee – The Power of the Dog

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Caitríona Balfe – Belfast

Ariana DeBose – West Side Story

Ann Dowd – Mass

Kirsten Dunst – The Power of the Dog

Aunjanue Ellis – King Richard

Rita Moreno – West Side Story

BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

Jude Hill – Belfast

Cooper Hoffman – Licorice Pizza

Emilia Jones – CODA

Woody Norman – C’mon C’mon

Saniyya Sidney – King Richard

Rachel Zegler – West Side Story

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

Belfast

Don’t Look Up

The Harder They Fall

Licorice Pizza

The Power of the Dog

West Side Story

BEST DIRECTOR

Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza

Kenneth Branagh – Belfast

Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog

Guillermo del Toro – Nightmare Alley

Steven Spielberg – West Side Story

Denis Villeneuve – Dune

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Paul Thomas Anderson – Licorice Pizza

Zach Baylin – King Richard

Kenneth Branagh – Belfast

Adam McKay, David Sirota – Don’t Look Up

Aaron Sorkin – Being the Ricardos

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Jane Campion – The Power of the Dog

Maggie Gyllenhaal – The Lost Daughter

Siân Heder – CODA

Tony Kushner – West Side Story

Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve, Eric Roth – Dune

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Bruno Delbonnel – The Tragedy of Macbeth

Greig Fraser – Dune

Janusz Kaminski – West Side Story

Dan Laustsen – Nightmare Alley

Ari Wegner – The Power of the Dog

Haris Zambarloukos – Belfast

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Jim Clay, Claire Nia Richards – Belfast

Tamara Deverell, Shane Vieau – Nightmare Alley

Adam Stockhausen, Rena DeAngelo – The French Dispatch

Adam Stockhausen, Rena DeAngelo – West Side Story

Patrice Vermette, Zsuzsanna Sipos – Dune

BEST EDITING

Sarah Broshar and Michael Kahn – West Side Story

Úna Ní Dhonghaíle – Belfast

Andy Jurgensen – Licorice Pizza

Peter Sciberras – The Power of the Dog

Joe Walker – Dune

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Jenny Beavan – Cruella

Luis Sequeira – Nightmare Alley

Paul Tazewell – West Side Story

Jacqueline West, Robert Morgan – Dune

Janty Yates – House of Gucci

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

Cruella

Dune

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

House of Gucci

Nightmare Alley

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Dune

The Matrix Resurrections

Nightmare Alley

No Time to Die

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

BEST COMEDY

Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Don’t Look Up

Free Guy

The French Dispatch

Licorice Pizza

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Encanto

Flee

Luca

The Mitchells vs the Machines

Raya and the Last Dragon

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

A Hero

Drive My Car

Flee

The Hand of God

The Worst Person in the World

BEST SONG

Be Alive – King Richard

Dos Oruguitas – Encanto

Guns Go Bang – The Harder They Fall

Just Look Up – Don’t Look Up

No Time to Die – No Time to Die

BEST SCORE

Nicholas Britell – Don’t Look Up

Jonny Greenwood – The Power of the Dog

Jonny Greenwood – Spencer

Nathan Johnson – Nightmare Alley

Hans Zimmer – Dune

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AWARDS SEASON | PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS 2021 WINNERS

Awards Season continues and today, the nominees for the People’s Choice Awards (you can vote at the link or on Twitter through Nov 17th) were announced over 40 categories across movies, television, music and pop culture. Make sure to watch on NBC or on E! as it will air simultaneously at 9EST and will be hosted by Kenan Thompson. As always, we’ll share who we think will win which will be in bold, the person who actually wins that we answered correctly will be in bold italicized and the winner who we did not identify correctly will be italicized.

THE MOVIE OF 2021

• Black Widow

• Coming 2 America

• F9: The Fast Saga

• Dune

• No Time to Die

• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

• The Tomorrow War

• Venom: Let Their Be Carnage

THE COMEDY MOVIE OF 2021

• Coming 2 America

• Free Guy

• He's All That

• Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

• Jungle Cruise

• Space Jam: A New Legacy

• Thunder Force

• Vacation Friends

THE ACTION MOVIE OF 2021

• Black Widow

• F9: The Fast Saga

• Godzilla vs. Kong

• No Time to Die

• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

• The Suicide Squad

• The Tomorrow War

• Venom: Let There Be Carnage

THE DRAMA MOVIE OF 2021

• A Quiet Place Part II

• Cruella

• Dune

• Fatherhood

• Halloween Kills

• In the Heights

• Old

• Respect

THE FAMILY MOVIE OF 2021

• Cinderella

• Luca

• Raya and the Last Dragon

• The Boss Baby: Family Business

• The Mitchells vs. the Machines

• Tom and Jerry

• Vivo

• Yes Day

THE MALE MOVIE STAR OF 2021

• Chris Pratt (The Tomorrow War)

• Daniel Craig (No Time to Die)

• Dwayne Johnson (Jungle Cruise)

• Eddie Murphy (Coming 2 America)

• John Cena (F9: The Fast Saga)

• Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy)

• Simi Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

• Vin Diesel (F9: The Fast Saga)

THE FEMALE MOVIE STAR OF 2021

• Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

• Charlize Theron (F9: The Fast Saga)

• Florence Pugh (Black Widow)

• Jennifer Hudson (Respect)

• Leslie Jones (Coming 2 America)

• Margot Robbie (The Suicide Squad)

• Salma Hayek (Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard)

• Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow)

THE DRAMA MOVIE STAR OF 2021

• Anthony Ramos (In the Heights)

• Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place Part II)

• Emma Stone (Cruella)

• Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween Kills)

• Jason Momoa (Dune)

• Jennifer Hudson (Respect)

• Kevin Hart (Fatherhood)

• Timothée Chalamet (Dune)

THE COMEDY MOVIE STAR OF 2021

• Dwayne Johnson (Jungle Cruise)

• Eddie Murphy (Coming 2 America)

• Emily Blunt (Jungle Cruise)

• Leslie Jones (Coming 2 America)

• Melissa McCarthy (Thunder Force)

• Octavia Spencer (Thunder Force)

• Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy)

• Salma Hayek (Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard)

THE ACTION MOVIE STAR OF 2021

• Charlize Theron (F9: The Fast Saga)

• Chris Pratt (The Tomorrow War)

• Daniel Craig (No Time to Die)

• Florence Pugh (Black Widow)

• John Cena (F9: The Fast Saga)

• Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow)

• Simi Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

• Vin Diesel (F9: The Fast Saga)

THE SHOW OF 2021

• Cobra Kai

• Grey's Anatomy

• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

• Loki

• Saturday Night Live

• The Bachelor

• This Is Us

• WandaVision

THE DRAMA SHOW OF 2021

• Outer Banks

• 9-1-1

• Cobra Kai

• Grey's Anatomy

• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

• The Equalizer

• The Walking Dead

• This Is Us

THE COMEDY SHOW OF 2021

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine

• Grown-ish

• Never Have I Ever

• Only Murders in the Building

• Saturday Night Live

• Ted Lasso

• The Upshaws

• Young Rock

THE REALITY SHOW OF 2021

• 90 Day Fiancé

• Bachelor in Paradise

• Below Deck

• Jersey Shore: Family Vacation

• Keeping Up With the Kardashians

• Love & Hip Hop Atlanta

• The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

• The Real Housewives of Atlanta

THE COMPETITION SHOW OF 2021

• America's Got Talent

• American Idol

• Dancing With The Stars

• RuPaul's Drag Race

• The Bachelor

• The Bachelorette

• The Masked Singer

• The Voice

THE MALE TV STAR OF 2021

• Anthony Mackie (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier)

• Chase Stokes (Outer Banks)

• Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock)

• Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)

• Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)

• Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead)

• Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)

• Tom Hiddleston (Loki)

THE FEMALE TV STAR OF 2021

• Angela Bassett (9-1-1)

• Elizabeth Olsen (WandaVision)

• Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy)

• Kathryn Hahn (WandaVision)

• Mandy Moore (This Is Us)

• Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)

• Queen Latifah (The Equalizer)

• Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish)

THE DRAMA TV STAR OF 2021

• Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead)

• Angela Bassett (9-1-1)

• Chase Stokes (Outer Banks)

• Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy)

• Mandy Moore (This Is Us)

• Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit)

• Queen Latifah (The Equalizer)

• Sterling K. Brown (This Is Us)

THE COMEDY TV STAR OF 2021

• Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine)

• Dwayne Johnson (Young Rock)

• Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso)

• Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live)

• Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building)

• Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building)

• Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws)

• Yara Shahidi (Grown-ish)

THE DAYTIME TALK SHOW OF 2021

• Good Morning America

• Live with Kelly and Ryan

• Red Table Talk

• The Ellen DeGeneres Show

• The Kelly Clarkson Show

• The View

• The Wendy Williams Show

• Today

THE NIGHTTIME TALK SHOW OF 2021

• Full Frontal With Samantha Bee

• Jimmy Kimmel Live

• Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

• Late Night With Seth Meyers

• The Daily Show With Trevor Noah

• The Late Late Show With James Corden

• The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

• The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

THE COMPETITION CONTESTANT OF 2021

• Cody Rigsby (Dancing With the Stars)

• Gottmik (RuPaul's Drag Race)

• JoJo (The Masked Singer)

• JoJo Siwa (Dancing With the Stars)

• Katie Thurston (The Bachelorette)

• Matt James (The Bachelor)

• Symone (RuPaul's Drag Race)

• Wiz Khalifa (The Masked Singer)

THE REALITY TV STAR OF 2021

• Erica Mena (Love & Hip Hop Atlanta)

• Joe Amabile (Bachelor in Paradise)

• Kandi Burruss (The Real Housewives of Atlanta)

• Khloé Kardashian (Keeping Up With the Kardashians)

• Kim Kardashian West (Keeping Up With the Kardashians)

• Lisa Rinna (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills)

• Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino (Jersey Shore: Family Vacation)

• Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi (Jersey Shore: Family Vacation)

THE BINGEWORTHY SHOW OF 2021

• Cobra Kai

• Loki

• Mare of Easttown

• Outer Banks

• Sex/Life

• Squid Game

• Ted Lasso

• The White Lotus

THE SCI-FI/FANTASY SHOW OF 2021

• Loki

• Lucifer

• La Brea

• Shadow and Bone

• Superman and Lois

• The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

• The Flash

• WandaVision

THE MALE ARTIST OF 2021

• Bad Bunny

• Drake

• Ed Sheeran

• Justin Bieber

• Lil Nas X

• Luke Combs

• Shawn Mendes

• The Weeknd

THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2021

• Adele

• Billie Eilish

• Cardi B

• Doja Cat

• Halsey

• Megan Thee Stallion

• Olivia Rodrigo

• Saweetie

THE GROUP OF 2021

• BTS

• Coldplay

• Dan + Shay

• Imagine Dragons

• Jonas Brothers

• Maroon 5

• Migos

• Twenty One Pilots

THE SONG OF 2021

• "Butter" (BTS)

• "Bad Habits" (Ed Sheeran)

• "Easy on Me" (Adele)

• "Good 4 U" (Olivia Rodrigo)

• "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" (Lil Nas X)

• "Peaches" (Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon)

• "Stay" (The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber)

• "Up" (Cardi B)

THE ALBUM OF 2021

• Certified Lover Boy (Drake)

• Culture III (Migos)

• Happier Than Ever (Billie Eilish)

• Justice (Justine Bieber)

• Montero (Lil Nas X)

• Planet Her (Doja Cat)

• Sour (Olivia Rodrigo)

• Star-crossed (Kacey Musgraves)

THE COUNTRY ARTIST OF 2021

• Blake Shelton

• Carrie Underwood

• Dan + Shay

• Kacey Musgraves

• Kane Brown

• Luke Bryan

• Luke Combs

• Miranda Lambert

THE LATIN ARTIST OF 2021

• Anuel AA

• Bad Bunny

• Becky G

• Daddy Yankee

• J Balvin

• KAROL G

• Maluma

• Natti Natasha

THE NEW ARTIST OF 2021

• 24kGoldn

• Bella Poarch

• Giveon

• Olivia Rodrigo

• Rauw Alejandro

• Tate McRae

• The Kid Laroi

• Tomorrow X Together

THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2021

• "Butter" (BTS)

• "Easy on Me" (Adele)

• "Good 4 U" (Olivia Rodrigo)

• "Location" (Karol G, Anuel AA, J Balvin)

• "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" (Lil Nas X)

• "My Universe" (Coldplay X BTS)

• "Peaches" (Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon)

• "Stay" (The Kid Laroi, Justin Bieber)

THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2021

• "Best Friend" (Saweetie feat. Doja Cat)

• "Industry Baby"(Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow)

• "Kiss Me More" (Doja Cat feat. SZA)

• "Leave the Door Open" (Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak))

• "Peaches" (Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon)

• "Stay" (The Kid Laroi & Justin Bieber)

• "Way 2 Sexy" (Drake feat. Future & Young Thug)

• "You Right" (Doja Cat, The Weeknd)

THE SOCIAL STAR OF 2021

• Addison Rae

• Britney Spears

• Charli D'Amelio

• Dwayne Johnson

• Justin Bieber

• Kim Kardashian West

• Kylie Jenner

• Lil Nas X

THE POP SPECIAL OF 2021

• Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry

• Demi Lovato: Dancing With the Devil

• Friends: The Reunion

• Justin Bieber: Our World

• Olympic Highlights With Kevin Hart and Snoop Dogg

• Oprah with Meghan and Harry

• Pink: All I Know So Far

• Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 3

THE COMEDY ACT OF 2021

• Back to Abnormal Tour (Trevor Noah)

• Bo Burnham: Inside (Bo Burnham)

• From Scratch Tour (John Mulaney)

• Sorry, Harriet Tubman (Phoebe Robisnon)

• The King's Jester Tour (Hasan Minhaj)

• The Milk & Money Tour (Ali Wong)

• Vaccinated and Horny Tour (Chelsea Handler)

• You Know What It Is (Marlon Wayans)

THE GAME CHANGER OF 2021

• Alex Morgan

• Bubba Wallace

• Carl Nassib

• Naomi Osaka

• Patrick Mahomes

• Serena Williams

• Simone Biles

• Sunisa Lee

THE POP PODCAST OF 2021

• Anything Goes With Emma Chamberlain

• Armchair Expert

• Call Her Daddy

• Chicks in the Office

• Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

• Couple Things With Shawn and Andrew

• SmartLess

• Why Won't You Date Me? With Nicole Byer

PEOPLE’S CHAMPION AWARD

• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

FASHION ICON AWARD

• Kim Kardashian

MUSIC ICON AWARD

• Christina Aguilera

PEOPLE’S ICON OF 2021

• Halle Berry

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