Clay mention in NY POST

Surviving Reality TV
Sunday, October 10, 2004
By Michael Starr


PHOTOS


Click image to enlarge

So you wanna be on a reality show.

You sure about that?

After watching "The Apprentice" reject Jennifer Crisafulli self-destruct on TV and in real life last week, you might want to reconsider your own shot at C-level stardom.

Crisafulli's meltdown highlights the inescapable fact that reality show fame could quickly disintegrate into infamy - and even that's not everything it's cracked up to be (see chart at right).

There are exceptions, of course. For every reality show phenom who doesn't realize that no one cares anymore - yes, that's you, Omarosa - there's someone who bucks the odds to actually accomplish something.

Ex-"Survivor" cutey Elisabeth Hasselbeck is the prime example.

The perky, brainy blonde segued from "Survivor" to a permanent co-hosting gig alongside Barbara Walters on "The View," proving that a lot of good can come from a reality show - provided there's actual talent involved.

But for every Elisabeth, there's an Evan Marriott, the poor schlump who went from "Joe Millionaire" stardom to a berth in the "Where are they now?" bin -- right next "American Idol" runner-up Justin Guarini.


The Winners and Losers



The losers

Jennifer Crisafulli

Then: Fired from "The Apprentice"

Now: Fired from real job

Justin Guarini

Then: "American Idol" runner-up

Now: Since bomb, "From Justin to Kelly," nada

Evan Marriott

Then: "Joe Millionaire"

Now: Host of canceled "Fake-a-Date"

Omarosa

Then: "The Apprentice"

Now: Anywhere there's a camera

The winners

Ereka Vetrini

Then: "The Apprentice"

Now: Co-host of "Tony Danza Show"

Clay Aiken

Then: "American Idol II" runner-up

Now: Successful singing career toured with "Idol" Kelly Clarkson

Kyle Brandt

Then: "Real World: Chicago"

Now: "Days of our Lives" cast member

Sean Kenniff

Then: "Survivor"

Now: Medical correspondent for Florida station

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