If you haven't heard the news, one of the contestants on the new season of ABC's 'The Bachelor' hails from Iowa! Her name is Mercedes Northup, and although she currently lives in Nashville, she's definitely still an Iowa girl at heart. The 23-year-old Bloomfield-native made quite the first impression on bachelor Zach Shallcross during last night's season premiere!

About halfway into episode one, Mercedes finally gets to meet Zach for the first time. Dressed in a sparkly red dress with silver high heels, out walks Mercedes and Henry. Who is Henry, you ask? Oh, just a pig on a leash. No big deal!

The reason Mercedes brought out a pig for her first meeting with Zach is because she grew up on a farm and used to show pigs at the Iowa State Fair as a kid. She told the camera, "Henry honestly stole the show. He wowed Zach, I think. So, hopefully that will lead to a first impression, maybe. I don't know!"

According to the Des Moines Register, ten contestants were eliminated on night one, but Mercedes was not one of them! She ended up receiving a rose from Zach, which means we will definitely be seeing more of her this season. In fact, during the season sneak peek that aired after episode one, we get to see quick shot of Mercedes saying, "I don't trust Jess. She's manipulative," and we also get a shot of her shedding a few tears! Like all seasons of 'The Bachelor,' we are bound to see a LOT of drama these next few weeks!

The Bachelor, YouTube
The Bachelor, YouTube
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The Bachelor, YouTube
The Bachelor, YouTube
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Mercedes' bio on the official Bachelor website says that she is a "fun-loving, bubbly woman ready to spread her wings!" She apparently has four jobs, is very close with her mom, and has previously been in two "serious relationships." The rest of her bio reads:

"While Mercedes loves a night out on the town in Nashville, she also enjoys staying in and cuddling with her dog. She says she's looking for a man who will make her laugh and is someone she can bring to family dinner on Sundays. Mercedes says her love language is giving and receiving gifts, so hopefully, Zach is ready to be showered with tokens of her love!"

We can't wait to see what this season of 'The Bachelor' has in store for her!

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