Lana Del Rey’s former fiancé is trading heartbreak ballads for reality TV roses. Clayton Johnson, who was briefly engaged to the “Summertime Sadness” singer, has officially joined Season 22 of “The Bachelorette,” where he’ll compete for the heart of Taylor Frankie Paul alongside 21 other hopeful suitors.
From Heartbreak Ballads to Roses
Clayton Johnson was reportedly engaged to Lana from 2020 to 2021. Now, he is single and ready for marriage, as he found himself competing to win the heart of Taylor Frankie Paul.
The men competing on “The Bachelorette” 2026 include men ranging in age from 28 to 43. They all performed their best dance moves in the video, as they all vie to get a rose from Taylor.
When Clayton appeared on the screen, he gave fans some feedback on why he chose to participate on “The Bachelorette” season 22.
“People say they want to grow old with somebody. I want to stay young with somebody.”
Lana & Clayton’s Relationship
DisneyThe romance rumors between Lana and Clayton started in August 2020. Just five months later, their engagement was revealed.
Then Lana went on “The Tonight Show,” where she was spotted wearing sa simond ring on that finger. A little after that, Clayton marked his birthday on Instagram with pictures of himself kissing Lana, writing, “Happy birthday to me.”
Just one month later, Lana told Mojo Magazine that she was living with Clayton on his parents’ farm.
“We’re in, like, the guest house. It’s pretty idyllic: Northern California, pretty cold, 40 degrees, and a little fireplace,” Lana said. “We had a sweet little night singing all the old Disney and holiday songs—not what I expected after a long car ride, but everyone was in a good mood.”
However, things eventually fizzled out. By June 2021, the pair reportedly called it quits. Lana has since married Airboat Tours captain Jeremy Dufrene in 2024.
Now Taylor’s Chance at Finding Love
Lana moved past her ex and found love and marriage, which is what Taylor Frankie Paul is hoping to do on “The Bachelorette” 2026.
Taylor is the mom to Indy, 8, and Ocean, 5, with ex Tate Paul, and Ever, 23 months, with ex Dakota Mortensen. The Salt Lake City native is still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she could find true love with Clayton or one of the other season 22 contestants.
During an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Taylor told host Alex Cooper, “It has not hit me. It’s not real. It’s not gonna be until like, the limo is pulling up and I’m meeting the people.”
“The Bachelorette” season 22 premieres on Sunday, March 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. New episodes will be available to stream the following day on Hulu.
