The custom has been in place for so long that The Bachelorette spoilers have practically taken for granted at this point:
The newest Bachelorette is typically taken from the crop of women who appeared on that year's season of The Bachelor.
So the fact that ABC broke with tradition to cast Clare Crawley as the next Bachelorette is a testament to a lot of things.
Namely how unpopular this season's cast was, or at least that its stars were SO young and unprepared for marriage.
Enter Clare, a 38-year-old hairdresser from California who was engaged once before - and has been on this franchise.
Of course, it's been a while since Crawley was on our radar, so some denizens of Bachelor Nation may not know her.
Fear not, because we have everything you need to know about the woman who will soon be handing out the roses ...
1. Meet Your New Bachelorette
Clare Crawley will soon be announced as the next Bachelorette. The choice is unexpected, for the reasons we outlined above, but at the same time, not totally shocking - and we're guessing she'll be a hit among fans.
2. So Who is She?
Clare is a 38-year-old hairdresser from Sacramento, California. And while she did not appear on Peter Weber's season of The Bachelor, she's no stranger to the franchise.
3. A Seasoned Veteran
Longtime card carrying members of Bachelor Nation will know that Clare was a contestant on Juan Pablo's season of The Bachelor, and that she also appeared on Bachelor In Paradise and the short-lived Bachelor Winter Games. (Yes, that was seriously a thing.)
4. Not the Juan
Obviously, Clare and Juan Pablo were not a love match; Juan Pablo chose Nikki Ferrell in the season finale over Clare, who won raves from fans for how she handled that situation. But she has been engaged before, and she has Chris Harrison to that ill-fated romance.
5. International Intrigue
During her time on Bachelor Winter Games, Clare wound up in a love triangle with two contestants from internaional versions of The Bachelor.
6. Peace Treaty
Benoit Beauséjour-Savard from The Bachelorette Canada and Christian Rauch The Bachelor Germany both competed for Clare's hear. She eventually chose Benoit, and the couple got engaged.
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