With an outspoken admiration of cheese pasta, her nanny and the “layers of corn” to her personality, Corinne Olympios is undoubtedly one of the most controversial Bachelor contestants to date. Three years ago, the then-23-year-old began her journey on Nick Viall’s season. Undaunted in her approach to winning his heart, Olympios got into frequent disagreements with fellow competitors, particularly Taylor Nolan, who questioned her “emotional intelligence.” Olympios—who knocked out Nolan on the infamous two-on-one date—made it all the way to the top four, yet she was sent home shortly after Viall visited her hometown. The recent rerun of her season on The Bachelor: The Greatest Seasons — Ever! has made one thing very clear: no reality star has come close to the impression that Olympios has left on Bachelor Nation. Leading with no regrets, she reflects on why she will never stop being unapologetically herself—comfort food and all. 

Why did you decide to submit for The Bachelor?

I watched the show and really loved it. I decided that I wanted to put myself out there and submit for fun. It wound up actually working out!


What did you do to stand out among the other girls on the first night?

I was just doing my own thing, whatever I could to stand out. I wasn’t afraid to be me. 


Why do you think people considered you such a controversial figure on the show?

They weren't used to someone being like that on the show. They were used to women trying to act perfect in front of the camera. I was just there acting like a normal human, so people thought, "I don't really know what to do with this."

Why did you and Taylor not get along?

Someone who tries so hard to be perfect, to be so well-liked by other people, was bothered by me not having to try so hard and still be the center of attention. She expected to be the center of attention herself. 


Is there any potential for you two to make amends in the future?

No, probably not. 

What was your opinion of Nick throughout the show?

At the beginning of the show, he was way more down-to-earth. But as the show went on, I think since he already knew he was going to pick Vanessa [Grimaldi], he got tired of all the drama. It started to show a little bit in his attitude. 


Did you feel blindsided by Nick when you got eliminated?

Everyone was kind of shocked because they thought he would at least take me to the fantasy suite, considering everything we had already been through together.


What was it like looking back years later on The Greatest Seasons - Ever?

It was definitely interesting. I was a little nervous, but it was good to go back and face it head-on. I was able to be there with people in my life now and be like, "Okay, this happened."


Did you learn anything new while rewatching?

I saw how much I changed as a woman. It was really cool to see my self-growth. I'm definitely more mature and aware of my surroundings and other people's feelings. I grew up pretty quick with all the drama I went through, which was good.

What’s your love life like now?

I live in Scottsdale, Arizona, with my boyfriend of almost a year. We’re very happy, and I'm in a really good place right now. 


What advice do you have for hopeful singles?

Be yourself, and stay true to who you are. Always communicate and be open and honest about your feelings. And before rushing to conclusions, take a step back, breathe and try to understand the other side of things.

Follow Corinne on Social Media:

Instagram: @colympios

Twitter: @corinneoly

Select Photo Credit: ABC Press