If you watched “The Bachelorette” this season, you saw Kenny Braasch, 39, the boy band manager from Chicago. Braasch talked to Emme Magazine about his Chicago roots and how he’s navigating love and work in the midst of a pandemic.
I love seeing “Bachelor” and “Bachelorette” contestants from Chicago! Do you still live in Oak Lawn?
No, I live in the Loop. I’ve lived downtown for seven years now.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I grew up in Oak Lawn. I went to Oak Lawn High School. I lived in New York for a short time, too. After that, I moved to downtown Chicago. My parents just moved out of Oak Lawn two years ago. Now they live in Palos Hills.
Tell me about your life and career before going on “The Bachelorette.”
My main gig has been working at 115 Burbon Street (3359 W 115th St., Merrionette Park). It’s a bar/ restaurant that has entertainment. I book the entertainment there. I started the Boy Band Night in 2014. It started out as an event I did, and it went really well. It has become a regular [staple] at the bar. Modeling has always been a side gig for me. I’ve been modeling for about 10 years.
Why did you want to go on “The Bachelorette?”
The show contacted me to see if I was interested. At the time, Clare and I were the same age. I thought it was intriguing and I went along with it. I went on the show with the same intentions.
Your season was wild because it was delayed due to COVID-19, and then it had two bachelorettes! How did it feel when Clare left for Dale?
It was pretty early on that something didn’t seem right. When Clare left, it was good. Everybody wanted answers and wanted closure.
Do you think Clare and Dale knew each other prior to filming?
I did ask Clare that question. Obviously, I wouldn’t expect them to admit it. My gut told me that there was some kind of communication beforehand. But, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter.
What did you think would happen to your season after Clare picked Dale?
Our first thought was that the season would just be over! Then, everybody did think the season would become “Bachelor in Paradise.” We went a full 24 hours without knowing what was going on.
Did you want the bachelorette to be Tayshia?
At first, I didn’t know Tayshia. To be honest, I didn’t follow the show too much. I didn’t know the girls on previous seasons.
Do you feel like you had a good connection with Tayshia?
We hit it off pretty good at the beginning! However, it was very surface level. Our conversations were a lot of joking around and laughing. They didn’t get very serious. At some point, she had to look at things a little more seriously. Also, I’m 10 years older than her. She asked if I would leave Chicago and move to L.A. I didn’t say I wouldn’t move, but she could tell I was hesitant.
In my opinion, I think she’s the best bachelorette that the show has ever had.
She was very genuine and real. Clarky [Zac Clark] is the same way. They worked out pretty damn good. It’s pretty real.
Did you feel like Tayshia was going to pick Zac Clark?
When I left, I didn’t see Zac in the picture at all. I thought Brendan [Morais] and Ivan [Hall] were the front runners. Watching it on TV, everything that came out of Zac’s mouth was genuinely Zac. He didn’t play for the cameras. He was being himself.
How have people reacted to you now that you’re home in Chicago?
I honestly haven’t been out in public due to COVID! I’m either at home, at the gym, or the grocery store and I’m wearing a mask. Around Christmastime, I was downtown looking at lights and some people recognized me. I’ve been working from home. I haven’t even been to the bar.
Social media wise, it’s been cool. It’s been positive. The only time I got something negative was from Noah [Erb’s] fans after “The Men Tell All.” People thought I was defending Bennett [Jordan].
It must be strange getting into a confrontation on TV! People are judging and don’t know the situation.
Yep! The funny thing is that I’m friends with Noah and Bennett. I’m friends with everyone. But, the arguments were real. I was just trying to make a point and he was coming at me.
Do you ever talk to Joe Amabile since he’s a fellow Chicagoan and “Bachelorette” alum?
I haven’t talked to him. I’ve talked to Chicagoans Clay [Harbor] and Dustin [Kendrick]. Joe and I have a mutual friend, but we’ve never connected. It would be different if we could go out to the bars right now, but our connections are just left to social media.
What does the future hold for you?
Right now, I’m trying to maintain my business. I’m still doing some modeling too.
Have you found love?
No. I can’t meet anybody due to the pandemic.
Kenny’s Chicago Favorites:
Sports: White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks
Pizza: D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub (752 N Ogden Ave, Chicago)
Date Spot: Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse (1028 N Rush St, Chicago)
Pasta: I don’t eat pasta! But I like my mom’s lasagna.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
i loved you on the bachelorette i was rooting for you i love that you are from my hometown Go White Sox’s!