A Reality Check With ... Dionne Walters (CW's "Top Model")

20-year-old college student Dionne Walters was the latest eliminated model on the CW's "America's Next Top Model" cycle 8. She takes time out of her schedule to sit down with RealityCheckByGina and dish about girls, her mean face, and Tyra's trick questions.

RC: Did you have any previous modeling experience before the show?
Dionne: No, I had no modeling experience so that was my first time. The casting call was in my hometown (Montgomery, AL) and they sent me to Atlanta for a callback. From there, they liked me again so they flew me out to L.A. & I had to participate in the semi-finals.

RC: Was it hard to leave your daughter for so many weeks? Were you able to talk to your family a lot?
Dionne: Of course, it was definitely hard to leave my daughter! She was almost two years old at the time. I did get a chance to talk to them but there was so much chaos with the phone – everybody was always fighting over the phone. I just thought: I’ll just talk to them whenever I have time. It kept my mind off of her.

RC: Tyra (and the others) always said you had a mean face in your pictures. Was that a result of you trying to look intense?
Dionne: I actually do know why I was doing that. That’s because it’s a natural look for me. I didn’t know I was doing that. Now that I’ve been home, I’ve been practicing on how to change that. I’ve learned how to make different facial expressions.

RC: What did your family & friends say about the photo shoot with Kim where you had to re-enact her kiss in the limo with another model?
Dionne: My mom was really ticked off about that. She thought that by the editing, it made it look like they were trying to say I liked females which is the complete opposite! Mom was saying, "If they pay enough attention, they would see that you clearly stated that you were not comfortable". That’s editing, it’s what they do! If anybody wants to know my true feelings, they can ask me!

RC: Which photo shoot was your favorite to work on?
Dionne: I think my favorite would be the first photo shoot where I was the vegan. My neck was full of fruit & I was nude.

RC: On the last episode, everyone banded together to get rid of Natasha. What was your issue with her?
Dionne: That is so untrue! We were not ganging up on her. Once again, editing! My issue with her is the language barrier. Sometimes she could understand a question I was asking and other times, she wouldn’t understand. I felt like she was being a little phony at times but that was because she didn’t understand.

RC: You were asked first by Tyra which model has the most potential. You said Jaslene. As the other girls kept saying that they themselves had the most potential, what was going through your head?
Dionne: When Tyra stated that question, she asked me “Dionne, who has the most potential out of the girls?” I thought she was asking about the girls behind me. I was thinking, "Ok well out of those 3..." When I was in the bottom two, I was thinking , "Oh s---! I just dug a hole for myself!" That was like a trick question. But there was so much pressure, you were confused. You live & you learn.

RC: When you were in the bottom 2 with Natasha, did you think she was going home for not being able to pull through her shoot while being sick?
Dionne: You know what? I didn’t really think that I was gonna go home. You think one person’s going home & it’s the total opposite. I so hate that it was me.

RC: Are you going to continue modeling?
Dionne: When we go home, we’re not allowed to do any modeling. We can do some coaching. I went back to school & my old job. Just livin' life...

Be sure to check out the season finale of American's Next Top Model Wednesday at 8pm EST on the CW Network.

For all Top Model links, check out sirlinksalot.net

Survivor: Yau Is The Man! (5/10/07)

Tonight was the infamous car reward challenge. As you Survivor buffs know, no one who has ever won the car has won the game of Survivor. Castaways must compete in teams of 3 to maneuver their way through an obstacle course to release a box which will drop into a brand new Ford pickup truck. From there, the winning 3 will individually battle each other for the truck. However, win or lose, the final 3 will get to deliver supplies to a local school.

Boo, Yau Man, and Stacy move on to the finals in an axe throwing competition. Yau Man wins but wants to make a deal. The deal is this: If Dreamz & Yau Man are in the final 4 and Dreamz wins immunity, he will give it to Yau Man. Yau Man takes Dreamz’ word (which I think is stupid) and hands over the keys without hesitation. He also sends himself to Exile Island & scores himself HUGE points with the tribe. If makes final 2, tonight’s actions were worth a million dollars. Dreamz, however, has another plan – to get rid of Yau Man before the final 4.

You need to know how to do three things in Survivor challenges – aim, balance, and swim. Tonight’s immunity challenge required two of the three. Teams must balance across beams, toss a ball attached to a rope through a hoop which pulls down the next beam, and then repeat each step. Still with me? They must finally use a grappling hook to release a buoy – and Boo is triumphant for the 2nd challenge in a row.

Boo’s immunity was much needed as once again he was on the chopping block. Back at camp, Yau Man shares the immunity idol information with Earl who ends up tracking down the idol himself. Now, both Earl & Yau Man have an immunity idol each making them a pretty unstoppable duo. The plotting at camp gets tricky. Dreamz tries to get rid of Yau Man but wants to make it look like Stacy is going. Yau Man plays the idol at tribal council (a BRILLIANT move) and he received the most votes. By default, Stacy, who had the second highest number of votes, had her torch snuffed. Way to go, Survivor. That was amazing.

The season finale of Survivor: Fiji airs this Sunday at 8pm EST on CBS

For more Survivor links, check out sirlinksalot.net

American Idol: WAHOO!!!! (5/9/07)

If you heard an ear-piercing cry of exuberance coming from the East Coast tonight at around 9:58pm EST, do not worry. That was just me standing on my couch belting out, "BYE BYE LAKISHA!" I didn't smile this much when Sanjaya & his ponyhawk were voted off. It's not that the girl doesn't have a good voice because she CAN sing ... but she's limited & her eyes are dead. There is no life, no passion in them. She looks almost bored at herself when she performs and, Kiki, I share your sentiment. No worries, we can see you in one of the 50 Idol shows you'll performing in on the tour (how long before someone collapses of exhaustion?) and I'm sure you'll get a mediocre record deal out of it. You might say I'm going to hell for having no heart for her exit tonight ... but I already knew I was goin'.

A Reality Check With ... Evangelin (Bravo's "Shear Genius")

When the opportunity to attend the open casting for “Shear Genius” came about, Evangelin felt she was at a cross roads in her life, in search for a way to connect, grow and inspire. From conservative to funky folks, Evangelin's clients allow her to create and not conform, which is why she considers what she does an art form. She's married with children and hopes one day to open her own salon. She's focusing her current efforts on launching a non-profit event called Fierce Passion and Fashion, evolving as a stylist and connecting with as many people as possible is her mission.

RC: How did you hear about the show & what made you want to apply?
Evangelin: I got an email from a friend & all it said was, “The search for America’s next top stylist”. I wanted to be on tv my whole life – it was a dream come true!

RC: Tell us a little about your training & background?
Evangelin: I’ve been doing hair since I could pick up dolls. My mom was an official Miss America judge. We ran our own pageants as well. My mom did my hair in a different style every day like I was a live doll! My family didn’t want me to go to cosmetology school but it was my passion.

RC: You got what looked like a raw deal a few episodes back when you were given hedge clippers to cut hair but you pulled off an amazing cut. Why did you want to keep using them after?
Evangelin: You know, there are so many different kinds of hairdressers out there. I wanted to show the world that they underestimated me. I wanted to make a statement saying: “This is what I’m capable of.” I would never use something on a client that I wouldn’t be successful at. I would not compromise that. Plus, it pissed people off & I liked that!

RC: Yeah, Tabatha got really angry at you for using those things. What made her so mad?
Evangelin: There are different breeds of hairdressing & I crossed a line … raised some hairs. I was having fun.

RC: I did not think you deserved to go home in the day to night challenge. What do you think happened?
Evangelin: Well it’s hard to say & read the judges’ minds. It was my time. I was ready to go home to my kids & my family. There’s an old pageant saying: “Better to not win knowing you should have then to stand there holding the crown thinking you shouldn’t have won.”

RC: Was there a judge you were particularly nervous to show your work in front of?
Evangelin: I would have to say Sally (Hershberger). I knew the name, I had heard it before. But I knew her work more than her. She is one of the rare few in our field who are really famous.

RC: Where can we find you now & what are you doing?
Evangelin: You can find me behind my chair doin what I do best!

Shear Genius airs on Bravo Wednesday nights at 10pm EST

For more Shear Genius links, check out sirlinksalot.net!

American Idol: Zzzzzzzz... (5/8/07)

Last night, the American Idol top 4 contestants were given 2 chances to impress the judges and America with songs by Barry Gibb. Let’s see how the Idols stacked up:

ROUND 1

Melinda – Love You Inside & Out: The judges are not wowed by what she did tonight & I have to agree. While her vocals are always 100%, she sometimes fails to bring intensity to her performance.

Blake – You Should Be Dancing: Usually, Blake’s beatboxin’ goes over well with the judges but tonight wasn’t his night. Comments ranged from “It didn’t work for me” to “That was terrible”. Ouch.

Lakisha – Stayin’ Alive: Where as Lakisha could’ve taken this to next level performance-wise, she continues to be reserved & passion-less. It’s just not a night to impress the judges.
Jordin – To Love Somebody: Jordin is so great, so marketable, and such a standout this season. I love her energy & what she brings each week to the stage. The judges love her as well, giving her rave reviews.

On a side note, a preview for my FAVORITE summer reality show came on during the commercial breaks – Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”. New season begins Thursday, May 24th!

ROUND 2

Melinda – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart: She redeems herself with this song, winning the judges over again. They want to be surprised & wowed though. I agree.

Blake – This Is Where I Came In: Round 2 proves to be better for Blake as well but the judges are wearing tired of his beatbox skills. But remember earlier in the season, they said they missed it. Careful what you wish for...

Lakisha – Run To Me: Everyone does better in round 2 but the judges are still not jumping out of their seats over Lakisha. Simon thinks she & Blake are vulnerable to getting voted out.

Jordin – A Woman In Love: This time, the judges don’t so much love to Jordin. It’s not their favorite performance but I’m sure she’ll be back next week & make top 3 easily.

I'll go with Simon & say that Lakisha & Blake are in the bottom 2 tonight with Lakisha going home. FINALLY!!!

Dancing Without ... Billy Ray Cyrus

45-year-old Billy Ray Cyrus & his partner Karina Smirnoff were eliminated in tonight's "Dancing With The Stars" results show. I'm sure he knew his time was up as he was practically begging to go last week. Cyrus has taken a beating from the judges during his time on the show, particularly from Bruno Tonioli who called him "deliciously awful" and his mambo & foxtrot were "crap". He also predicted last night that if Billy Ray stayed in the competition, Karina would be visiting Betty Ford. Bruno, don't you hurt Billy Ray's achey breaky heart. Surprisingly, Joey & Kym (not Ian & Cheryl) joined Billy Ray & Karina in tonight's bottom two. Next week, the final 4 battle it out with two dances each.

Side Note: I bought the Dancing With The Stars: Cardio Dance DVD at Target this week. It features Kym & Maksim (as well as Ashley from a previous season) teaching you all different dances (jive, pasa doble, samba, etc) while getting a good workout. I have to say - it's a great DVD! I actually had fun working out ... and that is a hard thing to accomplish!

A Reality Check With ... Dan (MTV's "Road Rules")

RC: How did you end up becoming part of the pit crew on this season’s Road Rules?

Dan: I actually originally applied to be on Real World. I went through the process & during the finals, they said they were doing Road Rules again. They explained the show to me & I ended up getting picked for that.

RC: Did the original Road Rulers know that the pit crew was going to be part of this season?

Dan: I’m not sure. I DO know for a fact they didn’t know we were going to be at the launch special in New York. That was a surprise!

RC: This season, fans can blog their thoughts on the episodes. Does what they write affect you?
Dan: I’ve been really lucky – 90% of what people write is good. Every once in a while, you get someone who’s not a fan of Dan. They don’t attack me, they just let me know that maybe they disagree with something I said or did.

RC: You’ve got Shane (an original Road Ruler) sitting in the pit crew. Yet, you’ve been chosen to go into the pit to get back on the RV more than any of the other guys. How do you explain your personality?

Dan: I’m not sure but I’m very flattered by it. When I was on the RV, I was just honest. I wasn’t trying to sneak anything past or be shady.

RC: You have gone against David more than anyone else and have yet to pull out a win. Why can’t you beat that guy & get back to the RV?

Dan: Most people look at David and assume he’s fat. But he’s all muscle & he’s agile. I go into these as the underdog, it’s laid out in his favor. In most of our games, I’m contained so I have to go where he wants me to go. He outweighs me by 100 pounds!

RC: Would you say your military background has helped prepare you for this?
Dan: Yes, in situations like this, I’m able to make quick decisions. I’m also able to adapt & put things in perspective. I’ve learned not to let situations control me. In some of the challenges, people can’t handle it so they either: a) freak out & don’t make decisions or b) screw someone else over. I came into this to have fun & I’ve kept a level head.

RC: How has your life changed since being on Road Rules? I imagine you must get recognized now when you’re out.
Dan: Well, as you know, I’m devastatingly handsome. Joking, joking! I actually forgot I was on a tv show. What people don’t understand is – when you go & do this on an RV, it’s 100% real. You’re living in a small space with all these people in the middle of nowhere. When I got home, I was like a local celebrity. It’s been weird but it’s all been really positive!

RC: What’s in your future – maybe another challenge?
Dan: Yes, I would like to do another challenge … at least one! I have time to make up with the Marines after doing this but I’d like to do another challenge. I’ve met so many unique people, different people. In the military, I’ve been to other countries & seen other cultures. But right here in America, we’re very diverse. We’ve got people from the East Coast, West Coast, people who were brought up differently.

RC: Dan, I’m so glad we got to talk! I wish you so much success & I really hope we see you on the RV soon.
Dan: Well, let me just tell you guys – if there was ever a night to watch Road Rules, tomorrow night is the night!

Road Rules airs on MTV tomorrow night at 10:30pm EST

For more Road Rules links, check out sirlinksalot.net

Sanjaya Loves New York?

In what may be the oddest Idol venture after getting the boot, rumors are flying around the internet that Sanjaya may be showing up on I Love New York 2 on VH1. Isn't he only 17 years old? By the time the taping would begin, I suppose Malakar would be of age. I'm hoping this isn't true but according to VH1.com, Sanjaya is the most popular guy with viewers to join the show. :::shudder:::

The Bachelor: Hometown Dates - The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

It’s time for Andy Baldwin to make a cross-country trip to visit the hometowns & families of: Tessa, Bevin, Danielle, and Amber. It’s bad enough when you have to meet your girlfriend’s family but to meet FOUR families in the span of a week or so? I don’t envy Andy & the decision he’ll have to make once he meets everyone.

Up first is a trip to Seattle to see Bevin, who has been waiting to share a secret with Andy. She sits him down to drop the bomb – she has been previously married & divorced. Andy tells her that he appreciates her honesty but confesses to the camera that he’s worried. The trip home proves to be very emotional for Bevin, who worries about getting her heart broken. Any leaves Seattle feeling comfortable with Bevin’s family & hopeful for a future with Bevin.

He then heads clear across the country to Connecticut (yay for my home state!) to see Danielle. Danielle’s family expresses concern that their daughter will want to move to Hawaii to be with Andy but Danielle says she just wants to be where she is happy. Though Andy & Danielle seem to be having fun together, it doesn’t seem like there is a huge spark between them – but maybe I am missing something.

The good times don’t last too long as Andy heads to Washington, D.C. to see Tessa and gets grilled by her family. What are your faults? What’s it like to date so many people? Do you see yourself living in the suburbs or city? Are there qualities in the other girls that Tessa is missing? Ouch. While their intentions are good & they’re just trying to protect her, my heart goes out to Andy. Besides going through the gauntlet of questions, he also worries she’s not here for the right reasons.

Side note: If I have to hear Andy use the phrase “go the distance” one more time, I’m going to throw myself off a building.

Andy’s last stop is Sugar Land, Texas to see Amber the schoolteacher. They meet at her school where Andy gets to see her classroom as well as meet her students. Amber sits Andy down, also to drop a bomb. Andy won’t be meeting Amber’s parents or aunt & uncle. Amber has a very rocky relationship with her family, who are unsupportive of her being on the show. Andy finds a different dynamic when he goes to Amber’s apartment with her roommate. At the last minute, Amber’s aunt shows up to surprise her & save the date from going downhill.

At the rose ceremony, Andy finds it particularly difficult to let one woman go. Tessa is the first to receive a rose, much to my surprise. Next, Bevin is called to accept her rose. Finally, Danielle is called leaving an emotional Amber out in the cold. Andy pulls her aside before sending her off in the limo. He plays the age difference card which upsets Amber further. Next week, Andy takes the 3 remaining women to Hawaii. My money’s still on Bevin.

For more Bachelor links, check out sirlinksalot.net!

Ty Pennington Arrested

According to TMZ.com, Ty Pennington was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs & alcohol while driving. I'm sure ABC/Walt Disney Co. loved that. You can read the whole story HERE.

A Reality Check With ... Kristine Lefebvre

Kristine Lefebvre may have failed to snag the job at Donald Trump’s apprentice but she won the coveted front cover of the June issue of Playboy. What many fans may not know is that Lefebvre had gone through cancer, a hysterectomy, and a failed adoption attempt only 6 months before filming The Apprentice: LA. She sits down with RealityCheckByGina to talk about her appearance in Playboy, what Donald Trump thought, and how she persevered through dark times.

RC: Like many people, I had no idea you were a cancer survivor when watching The Apprentice: LA. Was that your choice to not talk about it or was that just editing?

KL: It just became an editing thing. I did give my teammates a heads up because it was the first time I had really tested myself – emotionally, physically, mentally. I didn’t want anyone treating me any differently though.

RC: I could not tell that you had been going through so much. How did you keep yourself on track & get through those hard times.

KL: For me, it did show. I could tell physically, looking at promotional photos of myself, that I looked like a sunken in remiscence of who I was. During the Trina Turk bathing suit challenge, which was the 2nd episode, I was sitting with Jenn and everyone around me was having a meltdown. I just looked at Jenn and said, “Are you kidding me?” At that moment I thought, “If I’m doing better than them, then I’ll be okay.”

RC: You have had a long-standing relationship with Playboy, having negotiated contracts for Pamela Anderson & Deborah Gibson. Did you ever think that you would grace the pages of the magazine?

KL: Maybe 15 years ago! I’m an old hag now. It never considered my mind during my professional career. There was always a discussion of me joining up with Playboy in one sense or another. Marilyn Grabowski, the West Coast editor, had been telling me for the last 7 years she was going to get me in Playboy. She just retired Friday after 43 years of working on the magazine – the day after my issue hit stands.

RC: I heard that Hef called you himself to get you do the shoot. Were you surprised?

KL: I didn’t even believe my secretary when she told me he had called. But he left me a voice mail and everything!


RC: By posing for Playboy, what were you hoping to accomplish?

KL: There are multiple facets to posing for Playboy. Cancer awareness was definitely part of it. When you get diagnosed with cancer and lose the only organ that really distinguishes you as a woman, it really is a mind twister. It takes a while to understand – am I still a woman? Will my husband still love me even though I can’t bear his children? What I wanted to get across was: you ARE still a woman. I hope that sends a positive message. Go back to your lingerie, do it for yourself, you are still a woman!

RC: You are not the first reality contestant to pose for Playboy. What was Trump’s reaction?

KL: He knew at the finale. He came up to me and said, “I kept telling you – you had potential!” He was always talking about my body! He was great, completely supportive.

RC: What has the reaction been from your fans?

KL: It’s really been 98% positive. There’s that 2% of people who just like to be mean. A lot of people didn’t know I had had cancer. It just didn’t come up. I didn’t go to the hospital during the shoot so it became very non-factor. When I really started talking about, it was already week 10 and to introduce it at that point is sort of too late. I was 100% comfortable talking about it but I wanted it to come from a point of strength & knowledge, not from a point of wanting people to pity me.

The June issue of Playboy is on stands now.
For more Apprentice links, check out sirlinksalot.net

The Amazing Race: Not My Ideal Ending (5/6/07)

Last night’s Amazing Race: All Stars finale has Charla & Mirna, Dustin & Kandice, and Eric & Danielle in the race for a million dollars. The Beauty Queens were the first team to arrive at the last pit stop so they leave first. All teams are traveling from Guam to Hawaii via Tokyo. Upon reaching Tokyo, Charla & Mirna snag a better connection flight, putting them in Honolulu 40 minutes earlier than the other two teams.

All teams head to the Kamaka Air Hanger where they must sign up for helicopter rides. Charla & Mirna arrive first followed by Eric & Danielle and Dustin & Kandice. They drive themselves to find a Detour – Under or Over. In Under, teams must swim into an underwater cave to retrieve their clue. In Over, both team members must stand on paddleboards & paddle their way to their next clue. Charla & Mirna choose Over while Eric & Danielle and Dustin & Kandice choose Under.

Teams have to drive themselves to Shipwreck Beach to get their next clue with Charla & Mirna in first – but not for long. The other teams catch up, even passing them in a foot race to the next clue. They all must choose kayaks and paddle to retrieve their next clue. All teams struggle against the current but Eric & Danielle complete their task with greater ease than the all-female teams.

The final destination city is San Francisco & when teams arrive, they must head to the Old Mint. On the way, a breakdown in communication between Dustin & Kandice erupts while Charla & Mirna try to push their way through exhaustion. Teams catch up at the airport & everyone is together on the flight to Oakland. At the Old Mint, the teams find their final challenge which tests how well they know their partner. Surprisingly, Eric & Danielle finish first and teams must now head to the finish line – the San Francisco Botanical Gardens.

And the winner of the Amazing Race: All Stars is … Eric & Danielle. I can’t freakin’ believe it. Dustin & Kandice came in 2nd with my girls, Charla & Mirna taking a 3rd place finish.