Fans of Bachelor nation, with fan-favorite stars in attendance. Indio is only a three-hour drive from the Bachelor mansion in Malibu, which is a lot closer than Mexico, where the show normally takes place. Plus, infamous drama from this event always seeps its way into the following season of Paradise, so why not capture it firsthand?
The country cousin of Coachella, the first Stagecoach festival took place in 2007, and has been growing in popularity and attendance every year. This year, guests were treated to performances by stars like Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Maren Morris. Bachelor stars share the whole weekend on social media. If cameras were rolling, Bachelor in Paradise fans might get to see some very exciting footage.
The most obvious reason to film BIP at Stagecoach is because everyone is already there. Fan favorites like Noah Erb, Abigail Heringer, and Thomas Jacobs were all in attendance this year. In years past, alums like Demi Burnett, Amanda Stanton, Tayshia Adams, and Nick Viall all put on their cowboy boots and enjoyed the festival. Even though some of these alums are coupled up, filming at Stagecoach could provide an opportunity for fans to check in with their favorite couples. There's also a successful track record of Bachelor Nation couples setting up Bachelor nation singles (such as Joe and Serena playing matchmakers for Anna Redman and Chris Bukowski), so love connections could be sparked at the festival.
Stagecoach's drama has played a pivotal role in past BIP seasons, most notably in season 6, when it was revealed that The Ellen DeGeneres Show and leaked text messages. In a full circle moment, Blake, who is also a DJ, played a set at Stagecoach.
Unfortunately, the franchise is dwindling in popularity. BIP's ratings are dropping and new players aren't amassing the same social media followings as former contestants. Filming Bachelor in Paradise at Stagecoach would give production the unique opportunity to switch up the format. It would feel more like a follow-along reality show documentary, similar to Stagecoach is a reality TV producer's dream come true. Additionally, the intense heat and tropical storms in Paradise has been brutal on contestants, so maybe it's time to find a new location altogether.