Golden Bachelor Shocking Elimination: Mel Owens Sends Home Fan Favorite in Emotional Episode

Golden Bachelor host Mel Owens shocked fans with a tearful and heartbreaking elimination ahead of next week’s finale. During the October 22 episode, the 66-year-old bachelor faced his toughest decision yet, choosing between Debbie, Cindy, and Peg after emotional hometown visits. The stunning exit left both Mel and viewers emotional, with the reality star admitting, “My heart doesn’t feel okay.”

The episode marked the final rose ceremony before the season finale, where Mel will decide which woman he’ll propose to. Each of the remaining contestants opened up about their lives, families, and hopes for love, setting the stage for one of the series’ most heartfelt moments yet.

Mel Owens’ Shocking Elimination Before The Finale

Mel Owens spent the week traveling across the country to meet the families of his three finalists — Peg, Debbie, and Cindy. The visits brought out deep emotions and difficult conversations about love, loss, and readiness for commitment.

In Las Vegas, Peg introduced Mel to her daughter Dakota, who voiced doubts about his feelings. “Are you in love with my mom?” she asked directly. Mel admitted he wasn’t yet, saying he needed more time. That hesitation cast uncertainty over their relationship heading into the rose ceremony.

In Austin, Texas, Cindy poured her heart out, confessing she was falling in love. Mel, however, stayed cautious. “I don’t use the word love lightly,” he said, explaining that his past divorce made him hesitant to rush into another engagement. Despite the tension, their connection remained strong.

Debbie’s hometown in Denver delivered the most emotional storyline. She opened up about losing a former partner to suicide, sharing the years of pain and healing that followed. Her vulnerability deeply moved Mel, who said their future together looked “bright.”

But as the night ended, Mel faced the hardest choice of the season. Fighting back tears, he eliminated Debbie, telling her she was “genuine and deserving of love.” Debbie broke down in the car, saying, “I put myself out there in such a giant way, only to have yet another disappointment. It’s beyond painful.”

Image: AI generated

Emotional Fallout and What’s Next for The Golden Bachelor

The elimination shocked fans, many of whom believed Debbie was a frontrunner for Mel’s final rose. Online discussions quickly lit up with sympathy for her emotional exit, calling it one of the most gut-wrenching moments in Golden Bachelor history.

Mel, visibly shaken, said he struggled with the decision even after filming. “To say goodbye is very, very difficult,” he admitted. “My heart doesn’t feel okay with it.” The finale will now see Mel choosing between Peg and Cindy as his potential fiancée — a decision that promises to be just as emotional as this week’s elimination.

The Golden Bachelor finale airs next Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the following day on Hulu. Fans are bracing for a finale filled with love, heartbreak, and one final rose that could change Mel’s life forever.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who did Mel Owens eliminate before The Golden Bachelor finale?

Mel Owens eliminated Debbie in an emotional rose ceremony during week 6, just before the finale.

Q2: Which contestants are left in The Golden Bachelor finale?

The final two contestants are Peg and Cindy. Mel will choose between them in the finale.

Q3: What time does The Golden Bachelor air?

The show airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.

Q4: Why did Mel say his heart didn’t feel okay?

Mel said his heart didn’t feel okay after sending Debbie home, reflecting how difficult the decision was for him emotionally.

Q5: Where were the hometown dates filmed?

Mel visited Peg in Las Vegas, Cindy in Austin, and Debbie in Denver during the week 6 episode.