Posts Tagged ‘Make Me A Supermodel’

DVR This: Make Me a Supermodel

March 4th, 2009

TV model search competition returns tonight! 


Make Me a Supermodel, which blazed onto Bravo last season and made Bronnie a household name, returns with a serious makeover. 

The weekly audience votes are out. Series star Tyson Beckford couldn’t be happier. 

"I don’t think America knew what the hell they were doing when they were doing it," he declares to the TV Fanatic. 

"One construction worker will love a chick because she’s got a nice butt, but she doesn’t fit into the standard sample size, and that messes us up. If you can’t put her in the fashion, you can’t send her on go-sees, and she won’t make any money." 

That’s right, Tyson worries if your booty is too big to bring in the dough. 

Formerly a judge, the year-old model is now fully mentoring his male catwalk wannabes. 

Tyson says there’s actually more pressure being a mentor than being in the judge’s chair like he was last season. 

"I need to know who’s fighting whom, who’s arguing with this one, and who’s not raising the bar to get to where they need to be," he says. "When they go in front of the judge, if they’re not doing it right or walking right, that means I didn’t do my job. If they look horrible, I look horrible, and my name is on it." 

Just like on the back of a pair of big booty jeans. 

Make Me a Supermodel, season premiere, airs Wednesday, March 4 at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

TV Weekly Recap: Real Housewives NYC and Tyson Beckford!

February 13th, 2009

Tune-in Alert:  Don’t miss former HTGV Design Star 2 runner-up Todd Davis get a rematch tonight on HGTV Showdown. He’s competing against Kym Myles, who took the top slot when they both appeared on Design Star, season two. 

"Yeah, I’m a little nervous," Todd tells the TV Fanatic, but is certain his redesign of a children’s playroom with Jennifer Bertrand will be hard to beat. "The parents wanted something really out there and fun for the kids. So you know, coming from me, going to be unique and daring design." 

Catch Todd work his magic on HGTV Showdown, Sunday, Feb. 15 at 9 p.m. on HGTV.

  

With V-Day looming tomorrow, I felt it was only right for this available gal to seek out advice from The Millionaire Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger. 

"Wear bright-colored dresses," she instructed. "It will make you stand out." 

So thanks to Diane von Furstenberg and a little touch-up from Salome at Paul LaBrecque salon, I looked and felt like a million when I joined The Real Housewives of New York City in for their secondseason premiere party in The Gilt Room of New York City’s Palace Hotel. 

Ramona Singer, Alex McCord and Jill Zarin all had their best accessory, their husbands, by their side. I decided to ask the men what they do to make Valentine’s special for the ladies they love.

"I always like to write a sentimental card, I think that’s important," Mario, Ramona’s husband, revealed. "When you been in relationship as long as I have, 16 years, you just talk about all the many things you’ve gone through in life and how you value your friend ship and love grows." 

Simon van Kempen, Alex’s husband, actually prefers the simple things. "Three years ago, I think it was for her birthday, we booked a baby-sitter and just went to the movies," he shared. " It was such a normal evening – no red carpets or parties or fancy dinners. Sometimes when you do something completely different, it’s nice." 

As for Jill’s husband Bobby, "We celebrate our love for each other all year long. Every day is Valentine’s Day," he declared. "That’s just the way I roll." Bobby also added this gem of advice for newlyweds. "I learned this from a wise old man years ago. Every morning when you wake up, you say I’m sorry. That covers you for the entire day." 

The Real Housewives of New York City returns Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 11 p.m. on Bravo. 

The next night I ran into Make Me a Supermodel mentor Tyson Beckford during the New York Model Management party at Grace Hotel in midtown. Being a single guy, Tyson was keeping his V-Day plans low-key. 

"I’ve had a bunch of single girlfriends say, let’s just go out and get something to eat, but anywhere you go now is going to be crowded. Plus I got to work, so I don’t know," Tyson shared. 

Well, I’m single too, so if you want to try to find the last reservation in NYC together, Tyson, holla here! 

Catch the second season of Make Me a Supermodel beginning March 4 on Bravo.  

Until next time, fellow fanatics!

TV Recap: Make Me a Supermodel’s Ben and SVU’s Tamara Tunie

August 1st, 2008

This week, it was all about the clothes.

Wednesday night I attended Gen Art’s SHOP NYC, a killa shopping sale featuring pieces from hip, emerging designers and stores. 

I scored a sweet bubble skirt by Hunter Dixon (love the name!). One Tree Hill’s Sophia Bush is also a fan of their girly designs.

Where there are cool clothes, there’s usually hot models, so it wasn’t too much of a surprise to  spot Make Me a Supermodel finalist Ben DiChara milling around.

But it was a shock to see him with his wife April. The couple actually survived the Bronnie bromance, yeah!

April revealed to me that she has relocated to New York City so her hubby can keep pursuing his modeling career. She’s now working as a music teacher.

I also learned that the former corrections officer might be returning to TV. He worked the New York City open casting calls last week for Make Me a Supermodel 2.

Unfortunately, the runner-up wasn’t that impressed with the turnout.

“We [the contestants from season one] were all hyper and crazy, and we’re trying to find somebody to fill that void.” he told me.

“So far we haven’t had anyone like that yet.”

Better luck in Seattle, Bravo!

Earlier in the week, I attended a designer clothing swap fundraiser for the Obama campaign, sponsored by Steel Petal Media.

I ran into Law and Order: SVU’s Tamara Tunie, who was totally psyched about having 90210 alum Luke Perry guest star on the series.

“I think he’s still a hottie," she exclaimed.

Tamara donated a fierce Carmen Marc Valvo gown to the swap.

“It has this ’60s retro feel that’s very much about a woman’s body, the way it hugs the curves," she explained.

You know I had to snag it. Check out my new designer duds in the pic.

Until next week, fellow fanatics!

TV Recap: Bravo A-List Awards

June 6th, 2008

Making reality TV my own reality is one of the best parts of my TV gig.

And I got a heaping dose of it when I attended the first ever Bravo A-List Awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Wednesday night. Host Kathy Griffin was outrageous! I’m not sure they’ll have enough clean footage to cut together an entire show.

At the after-party at the Cellar Bar in the Bryant Park Hotel, I made a beeline for some of my fave winners of Bravo’s hottest reality series and got an update on their lives.

Project Runway season two winner Chloe Dao was wearing a dress of her own design. She told me was moving into retail, so we should be seeing a lot more of her on the shelves of our favorite stores. Since she and I are both barely five feet, I know her stuff won’t be on the highest rack!

Top Chef season three winner Hung Huynh made my mouth water as her revealed his next culinary challenge. "I’m opening my own restaurant in [New York City's] Murray Hill. It will serve seafood." Yeah, so you’ll be seeing more of me, master chef!

But I may be convinced to skip dessert once in a while after seeing Holly Kiser, winner of Make Me a Supermodel, looking modelesque in a slinky gown in the VIP section. She had just walked the A-List runway for a UNICEF dress auction (get more details at bravotv.com) in a Project Runway alum Chris March creation, and it was pretty obvious she has trimmed down since claiming top prize on the series.

"I joined a gym," Holly revealed. "I’ve always liked to run so I run on the treadmill. But I think my real workout is running to castings every day."

Hey, I run all over New York City for events, and I never lose a pound!

Malan Breton, who’s carved out a nice career for himself since appearing on Project Runway season three, got his chance to prove that every body is fantastic. He dressed Hairspray’s Nikki Blonsky to appear in the UNICEF charity fundraiser.

"I wanted to do something different from all the bias cut dresses she gets from other designers, but would still flatter her beautiful shape," he told me.

Did she like it? "Nikki’s mom was crying. She said, ‘You made my daughter look so beautiful.’"

And mama can’t be wrong!

Until next time, fellow fanatics!

Ben and Ronnie Speak on Their Bromance!

April 10th, 2008

Holly may have won Make Me a Supermodel, but the real drama came courtesy her male competition. After watching the season’s final episode I just had to know what’s going down with Ronnie and Ben and his adorable wife April. Did a reality TV bromance kill their love?

“My wife and I are fantastic,” Ben declares, brushing off his casual greeting when April arrived on the models’ doorstep during the finale. “Some people made fun of me for that, but that’s how I am with my wife… April is a part of me, and she’s been really strong and courageous. She said I was brave for going on this show, but I think she was brave for letting me go for three months.”

More than brave! April and the rest of the Supermodel viewing audience watched Ben and Ronnie, who is openly gay, get mighty close in many an episode. Ronnie cops up to having a puppy crush on the former prison guard and admits it was a little awkward when he finally met the objection of his affection’s spouse. “But it was helpful when she said, ‘I want a Bronnie T-shirt too,’" Ronnie says. "She thought it was adorable. She’s such a cool lady.”

Solo Ronnie won’t have to worry about being single much longer. “I’ve definitely gotten a lot of proposals for marriage from guys and gals all across the world. It’s very flattering, to say the least,” he tells me. For interested parties who also want to pop the question, Ronnie says he’s looking for a partner who is, “self-motivated, takes initiative and is passionate about life.”

Ronnie and Ben both plan to continue their modeling careers, most likely with New York Models, the company that worked with them on the show. Ronnie’s hoping that he’ll be able to travel more and appear in an Abercrombie & Fitch ad campaign. Ben will know he’s truly arrived when he can once again model for his favorite designer Dolce & Gabbana. (He wore their clothes in the finale.) “That is my trophy right there. If I can do that, I’d be a very happy young man. They’re so edgy and their clothes are fantastic. Although I was a jail guard, I knew a little bit about fashion,” he laughs.

Best of luck guys!

Holly’s Supermodel Success

April 4th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

Bravo’s modeling competition show Make Me a Supermodel came to a close last night with a surprise twist: lone female finalist Holly Kiser took home the $100,000 prize and a contract with New York Model Management, beating out top boys and crowd favorites Ben, Ronnie and Perry. OK! talked to Holly hours after her win to find out what it was like to win it all.

 

Were you surprised you won?
Of course I was surprised! I think that the boys didn’t have a personality as much. People can relate to me because I am a genuine southern girl. But I really wasn’t sure. I mean, they were three nice-looking guys.

What’s your next step?

Hopefully I’ll be on the covers of all the magazines. For me winning was about just knowing that I’ll be able to work after.

Are you going to try and finish your education?
I was in school just to waste time. Modeling wasn’t happening for me. I had to wait a year because my face was burned. I went to the dermatologist and I had a treatment for acne and it burnt my face. I had third degree burns on my face. And that’s why it’s crazy that I’m able to be here.

Are you planning on moving to New York?
I’m going to move to New York next week. But I also want to travel, and not just be in New York.

How did your family react to you winning?
My family is so proud of me. Finally I had done it. I had been told "no" my whole life. “No you’re not right for us.” I feel that everything happens for a reason. All the stuff I’ve been through was for a reason. Every "no" I heard.

I’ve been modeling since I was 12 or 13. I would do bridal shows or bridal catalogues. I actually had an agency but was dropped last year. I was told by them that I was a pretty girl but I couldn’t take a good picture.

It was a complete shock for my family. I’m from such a small town from Virginia. I never let that stop me.

How does it feel to have the support of the voters behind you?
It’s crazy. I can’t believe that America thinks I have what it takes over the boys. The guys have really great personalities. I just can’t believe they saw something in me.

 

Do you think you’ll stay in touch with show hosts Niki Taylor and Tyson Beckford?
Oh yeah. They really care about us. I am definitely calling Niki. And Tyson really helped us.

Do you think that Tyson played favorites with Perry?
Tyson loves Perry but it’s because he reminds him of himself. I guess the other judges had favorites too. I had no problem with it.

What was the hardest challenge for you?
I think the hardest challenge was the snake shoot in the tank. It was 17 degrees and I had bronchitis!

What do you think of Ben and Ronnie and their Bromance?
I’m over the bromance. Ben and Ronnie were really good friends. It was a good example of people that could stay friends and be competitive.

Who do you think was your biggest competition in the final four?
I thought my biggest competition model-wise was Perry. He did really well. He knows how to act, he knows how to make people laugh.

A lot of people thought Perry had it in the bag — thoughts on that?
I think competitively at the end is when everyone’s true colors came out. They just started to show what they were really like. I don’t know.

Do you think you’ll keep up with the other contestants?
I loved Stephanie, and I can’t wait to keep up with everyone.

How did you feel when the casting agent said you needed vocal coaching?
I think I agree. It’s something that will take a lot of time to change. It’s where I grew up — I can’t help it. I’m gonna have to get rid of it.

What was it like to see your fiancé after so long? Did you get a sense of what was going on with Ben and his wife, or Perry and his girlfriend?
I was kinda more focused on my own situation. We hadn’t seen [our significant others] in so long. I was fortunate enough to stay in Europe for five months, and I knew what it was like to be away from my fiance. But Ben and Perry hadn’t been through that so it was hard for them.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do with the $100,000 cash prize?
Really, I just want to pay back my parents. My parents have really supported me throughout and they really have paid for everything whether it be an outfit for a casting or my rent. I really want to pay off their credit card bills.

What advice do you have for other aspiring models?
I think that you should follow your dreams. Don’t let the opportunities that you think you might not have limit you. I never took "no" for an answer. I kept hearing "no" a lot but I kept going.

While You Were Sleeping

March 6th, 2008 / Author: cwillett

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but Patrick Swayze’s doctors are optimistic about his prognosis. And the Dirty Dancing actor’s agent says his A&E pilot, The Beast, is still being considered for possible pick-up by the network. Swayze stars in the show about an unorthodox FBI agent. A&E issued a statement Wednesday stating The Beast was still in contention to become one of the network’s new original drama series and wished Swayze a speedy recovery.

Serial hot lady dater Brandon “Greasy Bear” Davis says he was mugged in Barcelona, and lost $4,000 in cash recently. How or why he was carrying so much dinero is anyone’s guess, but that may be why The Bear was allegedly “begging random people at bars to buy him drinks” while in South Beach recently, reports Page Six.

When reality and reality TV collide: Britney Spears former boy toy Adnan Ghalib was spotted recently with a new woman — waitress Amanda Pagel. Ghalib’s dalliances with Pagel broke he and Brit-Brit up — and also ruined Pagel’s relationship with her boyfriend, Make Me a Supermodel contestant Perry Ullmann. Pagel called Ullman to tell him about Ghalib, and the phone call will air on tonight’s episode of the show. "There is a huge story that has blown up about me and it’s not true," she tells him. "I can’t talk right now… this is over," reports Page Six. Harsh breakup!

DVR THIS: Make Me A Supermodel

January 10th, 2008

If TV has taught me anything, it’s that everyone needs mentor, even models. Niki Taylor and Tyson Beckford are sharing the secrets to their signature runway struts as hosts of Make Me a Supermodel – premiering tonight on Bravo. The duo are guiding 14 guys and gals from across the country and giving them the chance to be the next big thing on the catwalk. But the judges for these would-be supermodels aren’t the only ones deciding their fate. That’s right! We, the devoted viewing audience, get to vote for who goes to the next round!

I caught up with Niki and Tyson as they prepped for the show’s first photo shoot outside in New York City’s Times Square – on the coldest day of the year so far. “Talk about a rude awakening: ‘Welcome to your first photo shoot,’” Niki says.

That’s probably a good thing since I’ve learned that some of the competitors have already copped a bit of an attitude before the show has even had a chance to air! “I’m the squasher of that,” Tyson laughs. “I’m the Simon Cowell of this whole show. They’ve already said they don’t want to do certain things, and I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, you’ve got the opportunity of a lifetime. You don’t have to go on no go-sees like I did. You’re basically on a pedestal in front of America. If I had that opportunity and they said go put that thong on and this purple wig, it’d be, ‘What time do you want me to do this?’” Niki agrees. “One thing Tyson and I want to do with these kids is keep them humble because it’s a different generation than when we modeled. Kids can be spoiled these days. They got to learn to work for it.”

Well, these kids are learning from pros in the know, which means they shouldn’t make the same mistakes Niki and Tyson did when they started off their careers. “I’m just naturally a clumsy person,” says Niki. “Anytime I was on the runway, I would twist my ankle in the shoes or trip.” As for Tyson, it’s all about the moisturizer since he once showed up at a shoot without it. “I was being told to strip down to my underwear, and it was, ‘damn, I got no lotion on my feet!’ Now I walk around and keep my lotion in my bag.”

Smart lesson for all of us, even if we aren’t getting photographed!

Make Me a Supermodel premieres Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

Should You Watch: New Shows 2008!

January 1st, 2008

Not sure about what to watch in 2008? TV Fanatic previews three new shows making their debut this month.

 

Make Me a Supermodel: (Wed., Jan. 2 at 11 p.m. on Bravo)

At 4 ft. 11 ½, I’ve already learned I don’t have what it takes to be a model from America’s Next Top Model. So listening to Tyson Beckford tell me that the first thing he was looking for from the seven men and seven women who compete on this show was height was like, duh… Of course, Supermodel has something ANTM doesn’t: boys. Granted, I’d probably be arrested if I tried to date this barely legal eye candy, but it is a nice change of pace. Supermodel has another big difference: viewers can vote for their favorite contestant to move to the next round each week. This behind-the-scenes preview offers up the garden variety parade of characters who show up for a reality TV open casting call, including So You Think You Can Dance two-time reject Sex. We then meet the 35 contestants who are desperate win one of the 14 slots on the series. After cat walk-offs, bathing suit body inspections (the judges aren’t nice — to the boys!) and a photo shoot, we’re introduced to the lucky winners. It will be interesting to see if the finalists change their strategy during the competition once they see who America is voting off. The series continues Thursdays, starting Jan. 10 at 10 p.m.

Cashmere Mafia (Sun., Jan. 6 at 10 p.m. on ABC)
Four 30-plus best gal pals with glam gigs, major digs, killer wardrobes and men-a-plenty keep each other afloat and in check New York City. Yep, it sounds like that show. No, the other one. Coming up one month before NBC’s similar concept, Lipstick Jungle, Cashmere follows four best friends from B-school who are at the top of the Big Apple’s professional and social food chain. Lucy Liu plays Mia Mason, a media mogul who’s up for the most important position in her company. Forget that sprinkle of freckles that make her look so sweet and innocent — when it comes to business, she’s determined and ruthless. Of course, her drive may cost her in other areas of her life, but she’s woman enough to handle it. Then there’s  Juliet Draper (Miranda Otto), who’s husband has a wandering eye, but Juliet comes  comes up with an diplomatic way of  leveling their sexual playing field. Zoe Burden (Frances O’Connor)  is trying to have it all with career and family, and finds it’s a delicate balance. And then there’s Caitlin Dowd (Bonnie Somerville). She hasn’t had much luck with love, so she’s expanded the dating pool. The lives are ones we’ve seen before, so the reason to tune in will come down popping dialogue and showing the all too familiar Big Apple in a new night. Though I think CM missed its mark in the pilot, it seems to get its swagger on in episode two. My analysis: Just like a New Yorker, it’s not going down without a fight.

In Treatment: (Mon., Jan. 28 at 9:30 p.m. on HBO)

If you’re searching for a new drama with a large ensemble cast or major special effects, this ain’t it. Heck, it’s really just two talking heads, one psychotherapist named Paul (Gabriel Byrne) and his weekly roster of the consciously confused. His motley group includes an involved woman who fantasies about having sex with her doc; a naval officer who claims he feels no guilt over a bombing that killed innocent civilians in Baghdad and a teenager who may be having suicidal tendencies. Each night of the week, Paul tries to guide a different patient towards recovery. I thought this would definitely be a show I could just phone in to while I did something else since most of the story takes place in the doc’s office. Heck I was cleaning my bathroom when I popped in the DVD. But it was hard not to be pulled in to the heady dialogue as Paul slowly pulls the truth out of his patients, and it’s interesting to watch how much of a fight we put up when someone is leading us to see the error of our ways. This show will take some commitment, but could offer viewers some insight on their own idiosyncrasies. And it’s a lot cheaper than finding a doctor in midtown. 

 

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