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The Golden Bachelor<\/em> is back for a second season, with former NFL player Mel Owens<\/strong> at the center of the season\u2019s drama amid his quest to find love.<\/p>\n And drama there certainly was. Owens got a jump start on creating controversy this season when he revealed on an episode of the MGoBlue Podcast<\/a> ahead of the show that he only wants to date younger women.<\/p>\n \u201cThey asked me what your preference is, so I just said, 45 to 60, just being honest,\u201d Owens, who is 66 himself, said on the podcast. \u201cThe process went and I was selected and then we had lunch with the executive producer [and] I said, \u2018if they\u2019re 60 or over, I\u2019m cutting them.’\u201d<\/p>\n Owens seemed aware that he may have a rocky start with the ladies due to his abrasive podcast commentary<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI have anxiety,\u201d Owens admitted at the beginning of the episode before meeting the women. \u201cIt\u2019s sort of overwhelming. Age doesn\u2019t matter. When they walk out, I\u2019m not thinking age. I\u2019m looking at feelings for connections. It\u2019s the chemistry. I hope these women don\u2019t judge me on what they heard, but they probably do.\u201d<\/p>\n Owens turned out to be correct, and several women called out his podcast commentary to his face, the camera, or both. \u201cJust because someone might be 50 doesn\u2019t mean they are more attractive than someone who is 62,\u201d one contestant, Carla, 62, said to the camera.<\/p>\n In typical Bachelor<\/em> style, the ladies had an opportunity to make their grand entrances and make their first impressions on Owens.<\/p>\n One contestant, Diane, 65, wasn\u2019t afraid to get right down to it. \u201cI gotta ask you \u2014 what the \u2018puck\u2019 was that interview about on that podcast?\u201d she asked, in a play on words that revealed she was a hockey player.<\/p>\n Owens apologized to Diane for his comments and apologized again to the entire group after everyone had arrived and they all went inside for cocktails.<\/p>\n He then mixed and mingled with all 23 of the initial contestants before making some very important decisions. At the end of night one, Owens sent home six women: Maia, 58; Susie, 62; Lily, 72; Andra, 77; Lisa, 66; and Tracy, 62.<\/p>\n During the first night in the mansion, in addition to sending six women home, Owens gave a \u201cfirst impression\u201d rose to Gerri, 64, and the first solo date rose to Cheryl, 66. But that was only the beginning of what was in store for the premiere.<\/p>\n The following day, Owens enjoyed his solo date with Cheryl before attending a football cheerleading-inspired group date with all of the remaining ladies, with Paula Abdul<\/strong> and the Rams cheerleaders making guest appearances.<\/p>\n Then the group enjoyed a pool party together, during which Nicolle, 64, daringly kissed Owens in front of the rest of the ladies, much to the other contestants\u2019 shock.<\/p>\n Then it was time for a second rose ceremony, where Owens sent home Alexandra, 67, Carla, 62, Diane, 65, and Mylene, 61, bringing the total number of eliminations for the episode to 10.<\/p>\n \u201cSaying goodbye to any of [the women] is tough,\u201d Owens said. \u201cBut the group of women that I have left is just spectacular. They\u2019re all beautiful and they\u2019re all smart. Is my wife here? Yes. I feel it in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n The next episode of The Golden Bachelor<\/em><\/a> airs Wednesday October 1 on ABC.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n