BWW Interviews: ABC's Newest BACHELORETTE Desiree Hartsock

Desiree Hartsock and The Bachelor Nation faithful thought she would happily end up with America's favorite Bachelor, Sean Lowe. Their relationship started off incredibly strong, but somewhere along the way Desiree lost her confidence. After struggling to regain what they once had, Sean and Desiree seemed to be on the right track - until the hometown dates. Millions watched, stunned, as Sean sent Desiree home, and they fell even more in love with her as she struggled to tell him he was making a big mistake.

Now it's time for Desiree to call the shots when she gets her second chance to find love, starring in the ninth edition of ABC's hit romance reality series, "The Bachelorette," premiering Monday, May 27. Desiree spoke by phone this week about the exciting upcoming season!

What was the biggest surprise for you on the first night with the bachelors?

Biggest surprise, I was surprised by how many amazing men there were. And good looking.

Were you happy with the way things went for your second time around on a reality dating show?

I'm glad that I did decide to do the show and I was satisfied with my decision throughout. I followed and trusted my heart the best I could, so. I feel I've been true to myself throughout.

Last season when you were on "The Bachelor", your brother proved to be quite a challenge during back hometown visit. Will he meet any of the men this season and if so, how did it go?

My brother, coming on to "The Bachelorette", he actually was very supportive. And so, he will meet the men.

What do you feel like you learned, if anything, from being one of the contenders competing for Sean and did you learned anything from Sean specifically?

You know I took each and every day separately and really focused on each and every relationship. And I believe Sean was really good at that. From my experience being on "The Bachelor", I was able to put myself in the guys' shoes to really understand what they were feeling. I think I did that pretty well.

Do you feel like you were ready to jump into this season so soon after The Bachelor ended?

Oh definitely. I mean I chose to do this show because the feelings that do develop are very real. And I was upset when Sean sent me home but that just showed that, you the emotions are real and you really can fall for someone. But I mean before going on this show I had already been past that and I knew that Sean and I aren't meant to be together. And I figured why not give "The Bachelorette" a chance.

How did you prepare emotionally for the harder scenes that would come this season.

I mean yes, there's going to be tears. But I really wanted to Go On this show with all of my emotions being shown so that viewers can really see where I'm coming from.

When you were first approached about becoming the next Bachelorette, did you jump at the opportunity or did it take a lot of soul searching before you agreed to do it?

I did have to take time on my own to think about it because it is very emotional and it's a personal journey. So I needed to make sure I wanted to share that with the world.

In your season of "The Bachelor", there was a lot of drama with Tierra. Is there any drama with the men this season?

You know, there are a lot of strong, yet emotional men this season. So they do stand up for themselves and that does create a lot of drama.

Were there any qualities that you were particularly looking for in a man?

Yes, I mean, I was looking for someone who's going to be spontaneous and adventurous while still being very supportive and caring. And, you know, someone who ultimately can understand me and be my best friend.

What was it like getting back to normal life after living this fantasy life for a few weeks and has it affected your career as a bridal stylist?

I've actually been able to adapt back into my life pretty easily. Just staying busy. I haven't gone back to work as a bridal stylist, but I would love to pursue my passion in design.

If you do end up with someone by the end of the season, and it does lead to marriage, have you thought about whether you would do a TV wedding?

If I do end up with someone and when that time comes, I would really have to think about it because I would want my wedding to be small and intimate.

How was the experience overall?

Overall the experience was definitely an emotional journey. And there's a lot of surprises and I mean overall I think it's a journey of love. And love isn't always going to be happy because there's going to be ups and downs but, ultimately you get through it all.

So as far as the season goes, it's ups and downs?

Yes. I mean that comes with the relationship and that comes with guiding and gauging where the relationship should go.

What did you do diet and fitness-wise to prepare to be on "The Bachelorette"?

Well, I naturally eat a pretty healthy diet. So that works for me. ButI did have a trainer just for a couple weeks prior to the show; to kind of help get me fit.

At the beginning of the show, what factors such as the distance where you live or the men's careers or their past relationship history, were you focused on when trying to whittle your search down and how did those factors become increasingly more important to you as the show progressed?

Yes, I think you do have to ask really tough questions. And I think a key part is really seeing what they were like in past relationships and really finding out if they're ready to be here and if it's going to be a serious relationship, if they're going to be ready for that. So, in the beginning it's really gauging, see who's going to be there for the right reasons. And as it continued I think that's where location and job, it really falls into line if you can see a future with that person.

That first night where you meet all the men must have been really overwhelming. Was there ever a moment when you thought, what have I got myself into?

No, I was happy. It is very overwhelming but since I had been in their shoes I knew that they were more nervous than I was. So I kind of empathized with them.

What was the hardest question you had for the guys going into the season?

You know, I was straightforward. I would ask them are you ready for marriage; are you ready for a family; do you want kids; where do you see your future? And that's in order for me to really see if my future lines up with them.

Would you be willing to move wherever the love of your life might live or, are you hoping he'd move to Los Angeles?

You know, regardless of whether it's from the show or in my day-to-day life, I really take love as my priority. So I don't have roots anywhere and I really do feel like home is where the heart is. So I would definitely be willing to move wherever the love of my life is.

About "The Bachelorette"

On the premiere, "Episode 901," Desiree begins her Cinderella journey when Chris Harrison welcomes her to her new home, a cliffside Malibu estate, and gives her the keys to a brand new Bentley convertible. Her transformation is complete as she slips into a stunning silvery confection of a gown fit for a princess. At the mansion, Desiree's anxiety falls away as her 25 eager suitors catch their first glimpse of her: One nervous guy tries to sweep her off her feet with a romantic dance move, but falls flat; a sleight-of-hand artist makes something special magically appear for Desiree; a hunky oil rig worker puts his amazing abs on display straight off; still another hopeful Prince Charming goes to the other extreme, showing up in a medieval suit of armor. But the one who steals her heart is the youngest bachelor ever to step out of a limo -- a four-year-old boy who is followed by his proud, single dad.

The 19 roses are brought out early, and with them the battle for Desiree's heart begins. The magician announces he is going to make The Bachelorette disappear, setting off a frenzy of guys stealing Desiree away in hopes of getting a rose. Once the first rose is awarded to one lucky fellow, a battle erupts between the jealous guys who will stop at nothing to get her attention: one man dazzles her with hip hop dance steps; the shirtless abs bachelor strips down completely and jumps in the pool -- but will this outrageous stunt get him a rose or a ticket home? Tensions mount as a dashing Venezuelan former soccer player tries to pull her outside to show her some dribbling moves and the other guys intervene. The fireworks really explode when one overzealous bachelor wants to show Desiree his own private "fantasy suite." Her reaction shocks the house! By the end of one of the most exciting nights of her life, Desiree is hopeful that one of the remaining 19 men will indeed be her Prince Charming.

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