Amazing Race’s Taylor and Kyland make dating debut and admit they’re working through ‘issues’ on show’s premiere

Amazing Race’s Taylor and Kyland make dating debut and admit they’re working through ‘issues’ on show’s premiere

The latest season of "The Amazing Race" is already generating buzz, and a significant portion of it revolves around former "Big Brother" stars Taylor Hale and Kyland Young. This dynamic duo has not only joined the race but has also unveiled their past relationship, adding an intriguing layer to their on-screen journey.

Season 38 of the long-running adventure competition features Taylor and Kyland as a team, forcing them to navigate grueling challenges and complex travel logistics together. However, their participation isn't just about the race; it's also about confronting and working through issues from their romantic past.

The season premiere shone a spotlight on Taylor and Kyland's relationship, confirming to viewers that they were, indeed, a couple. This reveal was significant because, prior to the show, the timeline of their romance was a topic of much speculation among fans and online communities. The couple’s presence on the show together served as an official acknowledgment of their relationship.

Two contestants from The Amazing Race are being interviewed in a park.

Adding another layer of complexity, Taylor and Kyland openly discussed the "communication issues" that plagued their relationship. They explicitly stated that these challenges were a major motivator for participating in "The Amazing Race." The high-pressure environment of the competition, they hoped, would force them to confront and resolve their communication breakdowns.

The story of Taylor and Kyland began after their respective appearances on "Big Brother." Kyland competed on season 23, where he finished in fourth place. Taylor, meanwhile, emerged as the winner of season 24. Their paths crossed after their time in the "Big Brother" house, sparking a connection that eventually led to a romantic relationship.

In a candid revelation, Taylor and Kyland shared that their relationship status, while "strong" at one point, was also fraught with "communication issues." This honesty resonated with viewers, adding a relatable human element to their competitive journey on "The Amazing Race." It also set the stage for a season filled with both thrilling challenges and personal growth.

Two contestants from The Amazing Race smiling.

Interestingly, the timeline of Taylor and Kyland's relationship has been a source of confusion for fans. To address the speculation, Kyland took to social media to provide clarity. In a video message, he confirmed that they had dated, but were no longer a couple. This transparency aimed to clear up any misconceptions and provide a definitive answer to the questions surrounding their romantic history.

Kyland emphasized that their decision to participate in "The Amazing Race" was intentional, viewing it as an opportunity to work on their relationship, both before, during, and after filming. This commitment to growth and understanding underscores their desire to strengthen their bond, even if the relationship ultimately didn't last.

Furthermore, Kyland dispelled any rumors of a dramatic breakup involving "huge fights" or infidelity. He stressed that their split was not the result of a scandalous event but rather the culmination of ongoing struggles. This denial of sensational narratives aimed to protect both himself and Taylor from unnecessary harassment and misrepresentation.

Two contestants from The Amazing Race, a man and a woman, standing outside.

Kyland openly acknowledged his shortcomings in the relationship, admitting that he had "let Taylor down" and caused her pain. This willingness to take responsibility for his actions reflects a mature and introspective approach to the breakup. It also demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and learning from past mistakes.

The stakes are high for Taylor and Kyland, as they are competing against 12 other teams composed of former "Big Brother" contestants. This all-star cast creates a highly competitive environment where alliances, rivalries, and personal relationships are all put to the test. The added layer of their past romance adds an intriguing dynamic to their interactions with the other teams.

Adding another twist to the narrative, Taylor's ex-boyfriend, Joseph Abdin, is also a contestant on this season of "The Amazing Race." This unexpected reunion creates a potentially awkward and dramatic situation, as Taylor navigates the competition alongside both her former partner and her ex-boyfriend. The dynamics between these three individuals are sure to be a focal point throughout the season.

Man wearing a black beanie and purple shirt, smiling.

Despite their on-screen presence and clarifications, some viewers remain skeptical about the authenticity of Taylor and Kyland's relationship. On social media threads, some fans have speculated that their romance might have been more of a "showmance" designed to boost their visibility and secure a spot on "The Amazing Race."

The concept of "showmances" is not uncommon in reality television, particularly in shows like "Big Brother" where contestants are confined to a house for extended periods. These manufactured or exaggerated romances can be a strategic move to gain favor with viewers and advance in the competition. However, they often lack genuine connection and dissolve quickly after the show ends.

Throughout the history of "Big Brother," numerous on-screen relationships have captured the attention of viewers. Some of these romances have blossomed into lasting commitments, while others have fizzled out shortly after the cameras stopped rolling. The success rate of these "Big Brother" relationships varies greatly, depending on the individuals involved and the circumstances of their connection.

Two contestants from The Amazing Race wearing purple.

Examples of "Big Brother" relationships include Mike "Boogie" Malin and Krista Stegall (Season 2), who broke up shortly after their season ended, and Jordan Lloyd and Jeff Schroeder (Season 11), who got engaged while filming the show and are still married. These contrasting outcomes highlight the unpredictable nature of relationships formed under the pressure of reality television.

Other notable "Big Brother" relationships include Daniele Donato and Dominic Briones (Season 13), who are still married after tying the knot in 2013, and Jessica Graf and Cody Nickson (Season 19), who got married in 2018 and went on to win "The Amazing Race" together. These success stories offer hope for couples who find love on reality TV.

However, not all "Big Brother" romances have a happy ending. Amanda Zuckerman and McCrae Olsen (Season 15) split in 2014 in a messy social media breakup, while Hayden Voss and Nicole Franzel (Season 16) ended their relationship after 18 months of dating. These failed romances serve as cautionary tales about the challenges of maintaining a relationship after the intense scrutiny of reality television.

Similarly, Nicole Franzel and Corey Brooks (Season 18) split shortly after their season ended, and Angela Rummans and Tyler Crispen (Season 20) got engaged but broke up in 2022. These breakups underscore the difficulty of translating a connection formed in the "Big Brother" house into a sustainable real-world relationship.

Recent "Big Brother" relationships include Taylor Hale and Joseph Abdin (Season 24), who are no longer dating but became a fan-favorite showmance, and Jared Fields and Blue Kim (Season 25), who split post-show. These more recent outcomes further illustrate the complexities and challenges of "Big Brother" romances.

The varied outcomes of these "Big Brother" relationships demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success. Factors such as genuine connection, shared values, compatibility outside the house, and the ability to navigate the pressures of fame all play a role in determining whether a "Big Brother" romance will last.

The skepticism surrounding Taylor and Kyland's relationship is fueled by the perception that some contestants may be motivated to create a "showmance" for strategic purposes. This suspicion highlights the complex interplay between genuine connection and calculated strategy in reality television.