Over a considerable period, Becca Tilley, who graduated from Bachelor, eventually understood that her romantic involvements may not have always been driven by genuine motives.
The 36-year-old, who once pursued the hearts of both Chris Soules and Ben Higgins, and later dated fellow franchise alum Robert Graham, spoke highly of an ex-partner, calling them “an incredible person, someone who embodied all the qualities I was looking for on paper.
In an episode of the “Made It Out” podcast on May 2024, she admitted, “I wasn’t aware of how to maintain a relationship. His calls would confuse me because I’d think, ‘We just spent time together, why is he calling?’ My friends found it surprising and said, ‘It’s your boyfriend, what do you mean?’ Then it dawned on me, ‘Ah, now I get it.’ Being emotionally accessible is important.
To be straightforward, she believed that the idea of love was being excessively exaggerated, if her statement is accurate.
In an interview with TopMob News in February 2024, Tilley candidly confessed that he found it hard to understand when people discussed falling in love. He likened their expressions to exaggerated dramatics.
Then she met now-fiancée Hayley Kiyoko.
Tilley expressed, “I realized at last, I now grasp the excitement surrounding this artist, as he just proposed, over seven years since we began dating. Now I comprehend what it is to share such an experience with someone.
Because the “For the Girls” singer, 34, is particularly adept at conveying her emotions.
The host of Scrubbing In gushed to TopMob, exclaiming that Kiyoko is extraordinarily unique. She was particularly moved by Kiyoko’s discussion about finding healing through their romance. Interestingly, this individual usually finds it hard to articulate emotions. Yet, Kiyoko casually says the most heartwarming words.
At the launch event for her album Expectations in April 2018, Tilley initially came across as quite distant towards the Los Angeles native. As she shared on her Instagram post in April 2024 to commemorate their sixth anniversary, she had worn a shirt that read “no time for romance.” However, Hayley paid no heed to it.
It seems that once you meet the appropriate individual, you somehow manage to create or arrange the necessary time for them. As described by the reality TV show alum on Made It Out, with Hayley, it felt like, ‘When will she message me next?’
By August 2018, it was clear beyond doubt that Tilley was deeply enamored, using terms reminiscent of “The Bachelor,” as I put it. Reflecting on their swift connection, Tilley expressed amazement in her April post, “It’s almost a cosmic puzzle how someone can go from a stranger to the most significant person in just an instant.
But that didn’t mean she was prepared to fully open up to her fanbase.
Speaking to People magazine, Tilley admitted that she has started dating after her 2017 breakup with Graham. She said, “My previous relationship was quite public, and I’ve wondered if I can keep anything private anymore. As I navigate this new phase of dating, I’ve been trying to keep things more discreet… It’s challenging; the dating scene is tough.
Additionally challenging was when she took into account the thoughts and emotions of the more traditionally-minded viewers of the ABC series.
In her interview on the “Make It Out” podcast, Tilley explained that she and Hayley had multiple discussions about the balance between being open and private. Hayley expressed her pride in her identity and the effort she’s put into it, stating she didn’t want to feel like she was hiding again. Tilley sympathized, expressing her own struggle with managing her public persona as a former “Bachelor” contestant while also not wanting Hayley to feel closeted.
Although Louisiana-born Tilley was starting to accept her attraction towards both men and women (“It’s like saying ‘I have a girl crush,'” she pointed out in a 2023 Instagram Q&A, “but isn’t that just a crush on a woman?”), she was apprehensive about her budding relationship being met with unfavorable responses.
She shared on the show “Make It Out” that since most of her followers are conservative, it will likely come as a shock to them when they learn that the person they admired and looked up to as a ‘role model’ is now in a relationship with a woman. In fact, she expects there might be an awkward or negative reaction from some of them, which she referred to as a “weird backlash.
So she and Kiyoko struck up a compromise they could both cheers to.
I gave a pledge,” I clarified. “I expressed, ‘I don’t ever want you to feel overlooked or hidden.’ So while it won’t be public on social media platforms, if we’re out and someone approaches us saying, ‘Wow, I adore your podcast!’ I would proudly introduce you as my girlfriend, Hayley.
The circle of individuals privy to the romantic tale involving the duo included Taylor Swift, a 14-time Grammy laureate who invited Kiyoko to join her for performances during her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour.
On the May 2022 edition of Scrubbing In, the podcaster disclosed that it was the first person outside their friends and family who knew about Tilley’s July trip to Boston. The podcaster found this quite interesting, as they are an avid Taylor Swift fan.
Tanya Rad, her fellow co-host on Scrubbing In, vividly recalls the initial stages of their romantic relationship as well.
For years, the radio host (37) said in February to TopMob News, she believed that her friend didn’t have the capacity to love. She felt certain she would never experience deep affection. However, when she encountered Hayley and witnessed the fire in her eyes and glimpsed another side of her, there was a remarkable transformation. Now, she is an amazing partner. The way they both express their love, honor each other, and show patience towards one another is truly heartwarming and beautiful.
The sort of beauty you want to share with the world.
After spending several years under the pseudonym 95p, which symbolized her strong belief that she would wed her future spouse, Tilley gained sufficient confidence and decided to make a bold debut into the relationship.
After Kiyoko released her May 2022 “For the Girls” music video, which was a humorous take on The Bachelor with her real-life girlfriend Tilley receiving the final rose, they both posted heartfelt messages on Instagram detailing their long relationship journey.
Tilley clarified on the show Scrubbing In that they were aware the video would create discussion and curiosity. He pondered, “How can we disclose our relationship in the video without explicitly revealing it?” It seemed logical to them to unveil this together.
Just as they’d done pretty much everything during the previous four years.
Tilley emphasized that Hayley and he were always open about their relationship. “In fact,” he added, “we were quite open with our displays of affection, holding hands in public, even kissing. If I were with Hayley, I would proudly introduce her as ‘my girlfriend, Hayley.’ Never did I use terms like ‘friend’ or ‘best friend.’ I always made it clear that there was a difference between our private life and what was kept secret.
Similarly to a newlywed couple basking in the joy of being public, Tilley shared with TopMob News weeks after their debut, “I feel fantastic,” he said. “It’s an odd sensation because we’ve been together for four years and have been open about our relationship. However, it hadn’t been shared on social media until now.
Although the thought of sharing her romantic life with her 1.1 million Instagram followers seemed daunting, she recognized that this was far beyond just her relationship and personal experience. If it could help anyone feel more comfortable or courageous about who they choose to love, then that impact outweighed her fears and apprehensions significantly.
Regarding my strong belief that Kiyoko is my forever love, I can confidently say, “I’m quite optimistic that the odds are even more in favor of this assumption.
As in 100 percent.
In 2024, Tilley informed TopMob that they had no immediate plans to complete the necessary paperwork. Regarding the possibility of wearing a stunning Neil Lane diamond herself, she expressed contentment and said, “I’m all set for now” in February. Eight months later, Kiyoko echoed her sentiments, telling TopMob, “We’ll wait and see what the future holds.
Indeed, she did share a sneak peek of her beachside proposal that was reminiscent of a scene from The Bachelor, featuring a breathtaking diamond ring. Kiyoko described the special moment as, “My soulmate agreed to spend eternity with me…
Regarding their future wedding plans, she and Kiyoko have discussed the specifics to ensure they both agree, so neither is caught off guard by a big event while the other desires an intimate one. As Tilley shared with TopMob in 2024, they might consider traveling for a destination wedding, inviting close friends and family, and keeping the gathering smaller.
Intimate, yet, fully open is their preferred vibe.
On the show “Scrubbing In,” Tilley expressed how Hayley had made him feel courageous, stating, “Hayley encourages me, and she would often say, ‘The fans are going to adore you. The fans appreciate you and they want to see you content.’
After revealing their relationship in 2022, the overwhelmingly positive responses took her by surprise and brought her joy. However, she pointed out that disclosing her relationship wasn’t merely about revealing a secret; it was about expressing truth and authenticity.
According to Tilley, it’s not a matter of declaring, “This is who I am and this is my sexuality.” Instead, it’s more about expressing, “I’m in a loving relationship and I can’t wait to openly share this joy with everyone.
Indulge in a glass of champagne and savor every moment of the seven-year romance that demonstrates a record release event is an ideal setting for finding love.
Hayley Kiyoko shared a photo on Instagram, taken five minutes after their meeting at the April 2018 release party for her album “Expectations”. Becca Tilley was there, and her shirt read ‘no time for romance’. It seems that four years have passed since then, indicating that maybe she did find some time after all.
Back in 2018 at NYLON’s Annual Young Hollywood Party in May, this new duo struck a pose together – just weeks after our paths crossed! For years that followed, you wouldn’t find us sharing joint selfies on Instagram. But let me set the record straight on my podcast, Scrubbing In: Hayley and I were never keeping secrets. We were openly ourselves, strolling hand-in-hand in public, even locking lips occasionally.
On Instagram, June 1, 2022, Tilley posted nothing out of the ordinary, following the release of their joint “For the Girls” music video, themed around the Bachelor show, a few days prior.
When Kiyoko unveiled her second studio album, “Panorama,” in July 2022, her partner was present to shower her with accolades. On Instagram, she expressed, “I can’t wait for everyone to hear and immerse themselves in the stunning universe you’ve crafted on this album!” She added, “You are amazing & I adore you so deeply!
In their conversation with TopMob News, the performer expressed that the chorus of his performance was remarkably alike to what he’s experienced in real life with Becca. He shared, “I feel immensely thankful for Becca being part of my journey. She has been more than just a partner; she’s been an outstanding pillar of strength, encouragement, and comic relief during challenging periods.
Wowzers! Look at them, they aced their debut as an Instagram official couple, dressing up as Velma and Daphne from “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!” Isn’t it fantastic?
At the 2023 Grammy Awards, when Taylor Swift won another award, expanding her collection, Tilley and Kiyoko aided in making the entire venue sparkle at her post-show party. Notably, Kiyoko posted on Instagram that they had gone out together the previous night.
They can’t imagine anything being better than this. Six months following their party with Swift after the Grammys, Kiyoko and Tilley continued their romantic journey at the L.A. leg of her Eras Tour on August 4, 2023.
In simpler terms, Tilley expressed on the Made It Out podcast in May 2024 that they felt inspired by a partner who is confident, leading them to question if they should diminish themselves to please others. However, they no longer wish to compromise their authentic self for others’ happiness. Instead, they desire companionship with people who appreciate every aspect of them, as Tilley has always admired this quality in their partner.
Acknowledging April 3 as “the FIRST crucial milestone in our paths crossing,” Tilley penned a touching 2024 tribute, expressing his affection for Kiyoko’s zest… for life, her career, food, the people she cherishes. He admired her compassion towards others and her unwavering support for those who needed it most. He loved how eager she was to share with him, and show him, all that excited her and brought her joy.
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