A Reality Check With ... Sean Yasbeck (NBC's "The Apprentice")

Sean Yasbeck, 33, born and raised in London, was hired last year as Donald Trump’s 5th apprentice. He graduated from the Southampton Solent University with first class honors. Quickly snapped up by an international recruitment consultancy, Sean spent nine years brokering multimillion dollar deals with Fortune 500 companies in over 20 global locations. Here, he sits down with RealityCheck to discuss this Sunday’s live finale of NBC’s “The Apprentice”.

RC: What has life been like since winning?

SY: It’s been very fast-paced. I moved to New York, although it’s similar to London, so it wasn’t too much of a culture shock. I spent the first few weeks learning how you go about building a hotel. It was a huge learning curve for me. After a while, I started to lead as opposed to just getting my feet wet.

RC: You sat in on tasks this year as Bill Rancic has done many times in the past. How surreal is it to think that just a year ago, it was you on the other side of that board room table?

SY: Well, it’s a lot more enjoyable sitting on this side! Some people come back & grill too much. I didn’t have it in me. These board rooms can go 2-3 hours and you only see 10-12 minutes at home. You’re drained by the end of it. I can appreciate how they are feeling.

RC: You could say you had a little showmance with Tammy? This season, on a larger scale, we have Tim & Nicole. What’s your opinion on their situation?

SY: Well, office romance is a bad thing. It’s a real no-no. You need to think with your head. Tim & Nicole have gone way further than my flirting with Tammy. If Tim put Nicole before his team and that is why they lost, then that is a HUGE no-no. It’s like Frank said – you’re here to be The Apprentice. You can have a romance any time?

RC: How come you didn’t get in trouble for you showmance?

SY: Because I kept winning! If you stay out of the boardroom, they can’t ask you about it!

RC: In the final boardroom, you really have to fight for your life. There’s the added pressure of it being live and millions of people watching. What advice do you have for the final 4 candidates?

SY: I was so eager to be prepared for my final boardroom that I went & saw a coach in Miami. I wanted to make sure I projected in the right way. He told me one thing, “Be in the moment.” Don’t worry about what you’re going to say next – look & listen. Be in the moment.

RC: What will your role be in the final boardroom this Sunday?

SY: I’ll be sitting in the audience though I’ll have a last-minute meeting with Trump beforehand to offer my opinion on who I think should be the next Apprentice. I expect Ivanka & Don Jr. will be sitting with him at the board room table.

RC: What can we expect from you in the future?
SY: I will be with the Trump Organization until 2009 which is when the hotel opens. I also do a lot of work with the Trump Institute. We do free seminars all over the country on how to create wealth. I’ve seen about 700,000 people already and you can find a seminar near you by going to the website & typing in your zip code.

The final episode of this season's The Apprentice airs Sunday at 10pm EST

Survivor: Dreamz Did A Bad Thing (4/20/07)

I talked to Johnny Fairplay a few weeks ago who called this season "boring" in comparison to other seasons. He probably meant in comparison to HIM. It would take a lot to hold a candle to Fairplay's antics. But he DID mention to me a while back that Dreamz was going to do something very "Fairplay-esque" as he called it. For weeks now, I have been waiting for that moment. Last night, I was rewarded. Dreamz, in the shadiest of all moves, played both alliances & shocked everyone by orchestrating the torch snuffing of Edgardo. Dreamz convinced Mookie to give Alex the immunity idol. Dreamz then told the other alliance (consisting of Boo, Earl, Stacy, & Yao Man) that Alex had the idol. They decided to make a move on Edgardo since he wasn't protected, thereby gaining numbers (always essential in Survivor). The move shocked everyone as a hidden immunity idol was played, ending up as a lost cause. I can't wait to see the repercussions of Dreamz's actions on next week's episode. Let's just say ... I'm NOT rooting for him. If you missed it, you need to go watch the entire episode on cbs.com. Now.

American Idol: Sorry, Fanjayas (4/18/07)

Wow, was I way off about tonight's bottom 3. I called Phil, Chris, and Lakisha. I was only right about Lakisha (who I wish left, can't stand her). Tonight's bottom 3: Sanjaya, Lakisha, Blake. Chris should have been standing where Blake was but no worries, he was sent back to the couch leaving Kiki & Sanjaya to stand together, awaiting the results. In the end, Sanjaya got the boot and ya know what? I felt bad for the kid. He was put in the top 24 and then voted top 12. The country went crazy hating him & he's not THAT bad. He's certainly not the worst Idol has seen. (Do you hear me, Jon Stevens & Kevin Covais?)He's a decent singer without much personality or stage experience. He tried his best & I ended up feeling for him tonight. Yeah, I have a soul. I personally think that no matter what the votes were, Sanjaya was going tonight because Idol Gives Back is next week & they want it to be a worldwide media sensation. It was very clear Simon & other Idol execs wanted him out. Conspiracy? Eh, who cares? Farewell, Sanjaya. We'll miss you ... and your ponyhawk. I might buy the shirt - I can't help myself.http://www.spreadshirt.com/shop.php?op=article&article_id=2051558

Simon Cowell: "I Wasn't Listening"

It wasn't Simon's verbal beatings on the contestants that had viewers in a tizzy after last night's episode but his apparently eye-rolling while Chris Richardson sent out his support to the students of Virginia Tech. In an exclusive interview with TMZ.com today, Cowell says he didn't realize what had happened until he watched the tape back. He was rolling his eyes at Chris's explanation for the nasal singing. I have to say - I believe the guy.

Dancing Without ... Clyde Drexler (4/17/07)

I'm so fine with it. If I had to sit there & watch Clyde Drexler mail in another performance, I'd throw myself off a building. Yes, there have been bad dancers in the past but none who cared as little as Drexler. His rumba with partner Elena Grinenko was the last nail in the coffin & he was ordered to hang up his dancing shoes. I was surprised John wasn't in the bottom 2 but his time is going. Let's go, men (and Laila) ... not you, Billy Ray.

American Idol: The Lucky Seven (4/17/07)

The show opens with a somber moment as Ryan, on behalf of Idol, expresses his condolences to the people of Virginia Tech. It was a quick, but nice, moment & I’m glad they acknowledged the tragedy that took place yesterday. Certainly, my heart goes out to everyone affected and I’m sure yours does as well. To remember & honor the victims of April 16, Virginia Tech has established the Holyoke Spirit Memorial Fund to aid in the healing process & generate financial support. Please visit & help if you can.

American Idol turns to country music tonight with Martina McBride as the mentor. I read in AOL interview with Haley that the contestants only get about 10 minutes with the mentor. I assumed they got more time … how much can you accomplish in 10 minutes? Country music has been good to previous Idol contestants but I’m not sure this is the right genre for this group. We’ll see…

Phil – “Where The Black Top Ends” – I don’t know what it is with Phil. I like the guy’s voice but not the guy. If I close my eyes, I’m alright with it. This was his best performance to date & country music really seems to be his thing. But enough to save him? I don’t know. Judges give an all-around thumbs up.

Jordin – “A Broken Wing” – Jordin turns out another great performance! I really underestimated her in the beginning but she has grown so much over the last 10 weeks. She has marketability written all over her. I’m calling her to go Final 2 and regardless of the outcome, she’ll get a record deal. The judges loved it … of course.

Sanjaya – “Somethin To Talk About” – Sanjaya is LITERALLY killing me. I died a little tonight. I was actually defending the guy in my radio interview last week but he was awful tonight. One word: RIDICULOUS … the hair, the outfit, the song, the performance, everything. I’ve had enough. Simon calls it “utterly horrendous”.

Lakisha – “Jesus Take The Wheel” – It was surprising that she chose a Carrie Underwood song and I don’t think it was a wise choice. She sounded pitchy & it wasn’t the right song for her kind of voice. She is YELLING. Judges side with Gina – thank you. I’m writing this in real time & let me just say – I’m amazing. Randy calls it pitchy, Paula says she’s yelling, Simon says the song doesn’t go with her. :::bowing:::

Chris – “Mayberry” – His stock has gone down in my book. Very early in the competition he did an amazing rendition of Jason Mraz’s “Geek In The Pink” & won me over. Slowly but surely, the love has been lost. Unless he can dance like JT, I’m not sure he has a big pop career ahead of him. He’s pitchy, too. Judges give it a big ehhhhhhh….

Melinda – “Trouble Is A Woman” – Kudos to her outfit tonight since last week she looked like somebody’s 40 year old mother. She’s also toned down the fake humility. Looks like somebody did a little research. HA HA! Simon just called her on her fakeness. All judges pleased with her performance, as am I.

Blake – “When The Stars Go Blue” – Blake, if you’re going to win this thing, you’re going to need to turn out solid performances week after week. Good song choice, good arrangement, good look. Everyone but Simon liked it.

Now, time for my bottom 3 predictions for tomorrow night. I was 3-3 last week so I’m feelin’ the pressure. This is tough. Of course, I want Sanjaya in there as much as you do but I don’t think it’s happening. I’m going with Phil, Chris, & Lakisha … scandalous!

P.S. Haven't you always wanted a Sanjaya bobblehead? This made me laugh:

Random Updates - You Know You Want It!

Every now & then, it's nice to hear how some of our favorite former reality stars are doing. This week, I've got a trifecta of updates for you:

Brian Worth - "Average Joe"

Thank you for the nice message Gina! As far as an update, I have teamed up with Ashly from Dancing with the Stars in distributing scientifically advanced wellness and anti-aging products. So that is what I am up to and I finally found something that I am passionate about! We support anyone that wants to be on our team.

Jennylee - "Beauty & The Geek"

Hi Gina ... you asked if I've "kept" my changes? Change is inevitable. Who I am today is not who I will be tomorow... at least I hope not. People are ever growing and changing and that is no exception for me. Yes, me and Nate are still friends, but no, we are not together. I am single and working alot, which I love.

Kenny - "DanceLife"

Hey Gina... since DanceLife I've been touring with Justin Timberlake and teaching all over the country. Other than that, just meeting up with Ashley (my girlfriend) who is a PCD. They are on tour opening for Christina Aguilera who I recently worked with on the "Candyman" video.

The Bachelor: Andy Doesn't Show Love For Texas (4/16/07)

Last night's episode began with a Bachelor boot camp session. Bevin looked promising until she fell and seriously injured her ankle. Not the worst thing in the world since she got a rose & some serious 1-on-1 time at the hospital with Andy. Peyton was the first one sent home as Tessa claimed the rose on a 2-on-1 date aboard a navy ship. Group dates featuring a mud treatment at a spa and high speed car races led to Stephanie (Kansas) & Erin getting some 1-on-1 time with him. At the rose ceremony, with Tessa & Bevin safe, Erin & Amanda found themselves without a rose. Andy kept trying to get both girls to open up to him through the episode but they held back & got a limo ride home to show for it. I thought maybe Stephanie (SC) would go but she'll be around to play the villain a few more weeks. Every season's gotta have one!

American Idol Preview: Sanajya Won't Win

Sanjaya Malakar will not win American Idol, executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz says in this week’s Entertainment Weekly cover story. Apparently trying to bait those who think the show is rigged, she said, “It’s not gonna happen. Trust me. Eventually America gets it right. We’re not worried. We love Sanjaya, but he’s not going to win.”

For the entire story, check out RealityBlurred.

A Reality Check With ... Alexis from ABC's "The Bachelor" (4/16/07)

We check in with Alexis, the 26 year old attorney from Southlake, TX who did not receive a rose on last week’s episode of ABC’s “The Bachelor”.


RC: On paper, it doesn’t seem like a home-schooled virgin would be too interested in being on “The Bachelor”. What made you want to do the show?
A: Everyone always thinks that there is a certain type of girl who goes on the show but everyone was apprehensive. These girls don’t need to go on tv to get a date. We all did it for fun & to meet this great guy!

RC: By the 2nd episode, though, some girls already seemed to be emotionally invested. They acted jealous, spoke of getting married, said he was theirs. Can it feel real in such a short amount of time?
A: It didn’t feel REALLY real. It feels just like you have a crush on Jude Law. I don’t think everyone was personally invested in it at that point, no one was catty about it.

RC: So we can assume you weren’t too disappointed after the rose ceremony?
A: Oh no, not at all. They show me saying, “Of COURSE I’m disappointed!” but the question I was asked was, “Weren’t you disappointed AT ALL?”

RC: You got some 1-on-1 time with him while a few others didn’t who made it through. Did that bother you because it seemed like Andy understood you?
A: We all got time to talk to him & I actually didn’t talk to him until the very end of the night right before the rose ceremony. After, I went & sat with Amanda and said, “We did not have a connection. I think I’m going home tonight.”

RC: Many girls seemed to go to extreme measures to get Andy’s attention (backflips, singing, etc). Were they encouraged to do that or did they decide to do that on their own?
A: Whether or not they’re encouraged, that’s up to each individual girl. No one forces anyone to do anything although maybe there was some peer pressure. I made it a personal choice not to act like that. I’m not going to TRY to get his attention. He’s a 30 year old man, if he wants to talk to me, he can come up to me.

RC: Did you make friends there or were you not there enough time to establish personal connections?
A: I definitely made friends! We were together 24/7. They were super nice girls. I am good friends with: Amber, Peyton, Erin, Tiffany W. and Stephanie from Kansas.

RC: Who do you think would be a good match for Andy?
A: Amber or Bevin would be a good match so I’m rooting for them!

RC: What’s on the agenda for you now?
A: Just back to normal life for me.

Thanks to Alexis for talking with RealityCheck!
For all things reality, check out http://www.realitycheckbygina.com/

The Bachelor airs TONIGHT (Monday) on ABC at 9:30EST

The Amazing Race: The Standby Fairy Doesn't Like Us (4/15/07)

There's a conspiracy to get rid of the blondes & it's being led by the "other blondes" - Charla & Mirna. Seems nobody would mind getting rid of Dustin & Kandice so teams join forces to try to oust them from the top 3. Teams need to head to Hong Kong & all flights are full. Ozzie & Danny secure themselves on standby before all other teams despite coming in 3rd on the last race. When they get the earliest flight, they give their priority code for the 2nd flight to Charla & Mirna, putting them ahead of Dustin & Kandice (who have a hissy fit). Once again, Eric & Danielle are left behind, ending up on the 3rd flight & hours behind.

Upon arriving to Hong Kong, Ozzie & Danny find themselves the 2nd of only 2 Fast Forwards in the game where they must complete a movie action stunt. After rolling in a car, they have completed their task & head first to the finish line. As the winners of this leg of the race, they receive a trip back to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year (note: I'm jealous).

The others must continue along on the Detour choosing between Kung Fu Fighting & Lost In Translation. The Beauty Queens head to kung fu and after hemming & hawing, Charla & Mirna opted to do the same. The decision is not a wise one as their taxi driver gets lost, costing them precious time. You would think a little person would have troble climbing an 11 story ladder fighting off ninjas but Charla never ceases to amaze me and Too Hot To Handle finishes without further problems. However, it doesn't last as they get lost heading to Hong Kong Island.

Eric & Danielle finally arrive in Hong Kong & head to kung fu fight. All remaining teams find themselves kicking down doors Hong Kong style in their detour. One more stop to complete a task & teams can head to the finish line. (Side note: The Travelocity gnome had a nice cameo tonight.) Dustin & Kandice finish 2nd. Hours behind, and after day has turned to night, Charla & Mirna (having gotten lost for the BILLIONTH time) make it to the pit stop to check in 3rd. Last to arrive is the fake team - Eric & Danielle but it's a non-elimination round & they are now marked for elimination.

Next time on The Amazing Race, Charla rises 660 feet above the ground & teams must make a decision regarding a Yield. The Amazing Race airs Sunday nights at 8pm EST on CBS.