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Reality TV: Aspiring 'Idols'
Friday, February 08, 2008

The always-entertaining audition rounds wrap up on this week's double-bill of "American Idol"; 12,000 hopefuls show up in Atlanta, but only 19 make it through to Hollywood, including standout Asia'h Epperson. The 18-year-old from Joplin, Mo., auditions for the judges just days after her father's tragic death in an automobile accident. Asia'h's not only a fantastic singer, but she has passion and heart. All three judges easily send her to the next round. Simon Cowell comments, "I think your dad will be very proud of you," as Paula Abdul is driven to tears.

Another standout from Atlanta is Alexandrea Lushinton, 16, of Douglasville, Ga. The youngster has a surprisingly sultry, R&B voice. As the judges send her to Hollywood, Alexandrea's 93-year-old great grandmother is there to cheer her on.

Wednesday's episode features the best of the rest of the auditions, including plus-size knockout, Joanne Borgella, 25, of Hoboken, N.J. While Simon's not convinced she has what it takes, Randy Jackson and Paula send the model through. Chikezie Eze, 22, of Inglewood, Calif., auditioned in season three but failed to impress the judges. He makes an admirable return and gets his Hollywood papers.

So after hearing 100,000 contestants in seven cities, the judges have sent through 164 singers to the Hollywood round, which begins on next week's "American Idol."

"Idol" airs Tuesday from 8 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 to 9 p.m. on Fox.

Channel surfing

On "Project Runway," the six remaining designers are faced with a fierce challenge - they must create outfits for the WWE Divas to wear in the ring. After two days, $100, and lots of glitter and spandex, six of the Divas are dressed in sexy, sassy in-ring gear. "I'm so excited, you're so inspiring," Chris tells Diva Maria. He wins the challenge with a green leopard print top and matching hoodie, paired with sparkly black boyshorts - an outfit fashionista Maria loves and will wear in the ring during a future match. Christian comes in a close second with former Diva Kristal's leather and lace chaps ensemble. Sweet P's silver robe and two-piece number doesn't impress former Women's Champion Candice Michelle, who expects something sexier. But Ricky picks up the loss with his orange swimsuit-like gear topped with a gold tunic on Diva Layla. "To me that looked like a disco haircutting smock," judge Michael Kors scoffs.

"Project Runway" airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

On the season finale of the CW's "Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants," four mother/daughter beauty queen pairs remain after seven weeks of catty competition. The Sincere Sexy Reds Patty & Laura (who should've been named the Snotty Scary Reds), are quickly eliminated after Laura blows the talent round when she forgets the lyrics to a song. Bubbly Texans, Dream Gals Gina & Hollis, finish as second runners-up when they admit they'd only donate 10 percent of their pageant winnings to charity. The Gifted Dolls, Mindy & Rachelle, finish as first runners-up, which is impressive, considering Mindy collapses on stage after the swimsuit competition. Daredevil Divas Moya & Jenileigh are the champions, winning the Crowned pageant title, custom diamond necklaces, mother/daughter tiaras and $100,000. The pair deserves the title. As Miss Wyoming 2006, Jenileigh was the first to compete in aerials in the Miss America pageant in 2007. While mom Moya has no pageant experience, she impresses the judges with her sincerity and effort. Finally, in one of the cheesiest reality TV moments ever, host Jack Wagner announces, "The Daredevil Divas, Moya & Jenileigh, will never be de-sashed," as the pageant winners get all choked up. Are they for real?

On "Rob & Big," MTV's odd couple attempt to break as many Guinness Book of World Records as possible. Big Black knocks out two: peeling and eating three bananas in one minute, and scarfing down five powdered doughnuts in three minutes. But Rob wows the Guinness representative when he successfully breaks 21 skateboarding records in one day, including the longest 50-50 rail grind at 100 feet, 5.75 inches; and the most consecutive nollie kickflips at 73. A few days later, a giant box arrives at the friends' home, containing plaques for each record broken. Rob lays his out on the ground and says, "That's what dreams are made of." I was hoping Meaty the bulldog or Mini-horse would break a record or two, but Rob's feat of shattering 21 is impressive enough. Next week, Rob dons a fat suit to see what life is like for Big Black, and I can't wait until he hops on a skateboard.

"Rob & Big" airs Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. on MTV.

On the "Flavor of Love 3" casting special, former contestant and winner of "Charm School" Saaphyri heads out on a mission across America to search for women to woo Flavor Flav, and this season, he wants classy ladies. In Chicago, the casting directors find a woman with the tag still on her booty shorts. (She was hoping to return the clothing later.) Another shows up with the zipper on her rear unzipped, revealing a thong. Maybe Flav's future love isn't from the Windy City after all. In Detroit, they find a severely tanorexic girl, in St. Louis a bull rider/car repossesser, and in San Francisco a former phone sex operator. Hmm?? maybe his lady love will come from the online applicants. Sexy Angie, aka rapper Eve, who has paw print tattoos on her chest receives 14,000 votes to take the No. 1 spot. Previews show a romantic trip to Paris, a guest appearance by Arsenio Hall, a bikini jump rope contest, a Flavorette roast and plenty of catfights. Flav promises season three is it - he'll find his woman or die trying.

"Flavor of Love 3" premieres Monday at 9 p.m. on VH1.

Crybaby of the Week

... goes to Adrianne and Christopher on "My Fair Brady: Maybe Baby." During the continuation of his disastrous birthday in Big Bear, the newlyweds continue to argue because she gave him a book of racy photos of her posing with another woman. The argument follows them home, where they keep on calling each other names. With the magic of reality TV, their argument turns into very tearful make-up session. "You're the only person who has shown the patience for me," Chris cries to Adrianne. "I don't mean to make my scars yours," she sobs. Next thing you know, he says something about making room for each other's baggage, and she mentions that's why they're moving, they share some "I love yous," he follows her into the closet and they get busy.

"My Fair Brady" airs Sunday at 12:30 and 10:30 p.m., and 12:30 a.m. on VH1.

Coming up:

A new "Rock of Love" airs Sunday at 11 a.m., and at 9 and 11 p.m. on VH1.

A new "Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant" airs Sunday at noon, 10 p.m. and midnight on VH1.

"The Salt-N-Pepa Show" season two, Monday, 10 p.m., VH1.

"20 Most Outrageous Bravo Moments," Monday, 10 p.m., Bravo.

"Big Brother 9," Tuesday, 9 p.m., CBS.

"Baby Borrowers," Feb. 18, 8 p.m., NBC.

"The Pussycat Dolls Present Girlicious," Feb. 18, 9 p.m., the CW.

"America's Next Top Model," Feb. 20, 8 p.m., the CW.

"Oprah's Big Give," March 2, 9 p.m., ABC.

"When Women Rule the World," March 3, 8 p.m., Fox.

"The Real Housewives of New York City," March 4, 11 p.m., Bravo.

"Dancing with the Stars" season five, March 17, ABC. (The show will air Mondays at 8 p.m. and Tuesdays at 9 p.m.)

"Top Chef" season 4, March 19, 10 p.m., Bravo.

"Keeping up with the Kardashians," March, E!

"The Bachelor" season 12, March 17, ABC.

"Hell's Kitchen," April 1, 9 p.m., Fox.

"The Real World: Hollywood," May 21, 9 p.m., MTV.

First published on February 8, 2008 at 12:01 pm
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