“Just super sweet and stuff” — Sam McKinney reveals his crush on Bachelor in Paradise

Sam McKinney from Bachelor in Paradise | Image via Instagram/ @sam.mckinney.23
Sam McKinney from Bachelor in Paradise | Image via Instagram/ @sam.mckinney.23

Sam McKinney returned with a newfound purpose as Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 gets ready to reach the beach, but his early reference to a particular admirer grabbed everyone's attention. Sam, who is notorious for causing drama on The Bachelorette, acknowledged that he had a certain person in mind when he arrived in Paradise, which gave his journey a rather sober tone.

He reflected on his connection, explaining, "[Alli Jo] was somebody who — we spoke a little bit before Paradise and she was just super sweet and stuff. I thought, 'That would be a great girl to go meet out there.'"

The remark showed that Sam's motivations were based on sincere appreciation and previous conversations rather than being wholly impulsive. It signaled a change from his typical presentation and a more deliberate approach to romance this time.


Sam McKinney’s Bachelor in Paradise focus: A second-chance pursuit

In Bachelor in Paradise, Sam McKinney has specific reasons for arriving. Beyond romance, he wants to change the story of his history. Sam, who came in as a controversial character on The Bachelorette, is now forthright about what and who he is truly interested in in Paradise.


Seeking redemption through love

Missing no opportunity to redefine himself, Bachelor in Paradise's Sam explained why Paradise was the right next step,

"I felt I owed it first and foremost to my family and my friends… I felt I owed it to myself."

He described how his previous stint took a toll on his loved ones, affecting their well-being. This season isn’t just about getting a rose; it’s about restoring trust and showcasing his true character.


A real connection beyond the hype

Sam came to Paradise with a sincere desire to build a lasting relationship, despite the negative perception that his previous season had given him. Despite mentioning Alli Jo as a potential match at first, he made a suggestion about another person he had intended to get back in touch with early on,

Bachelor in Paradise star said, "There were some people that I was really excited to meet on ‘Paradise’ and I think that’s where my head had to be at first."

His assertion implies that beneath the dramatic editing is a dedicated person looking for genuine connection and perhaps atonement.

This Bachelor in Paradise season, Sam's plot is straightforward: he must repair his reputation, embrace his true self, and discover true love. Fans and the cast are waiting to see if Sam can change his persona from that of a "villain" to that of a sincere suitor as he makes his way through the uncertain waters of Paradise. If he succeeds, he will not only get a potential partner but also a new position in Bachelor Nation.


Head to ABC to watch Bachelor in Paradise Season 10 on June 7th, 2025.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh