Clay Most Loved Reality Star: Bravo and TV Guide Magazine

"AMERICAN IDOL'S" CLAY AIKEN IS THE MOST LOVED REALITY STAR OF ALL TIME!

NEW YORK - August 8, 2005 - In a recent poll commissioned by Bravo and TV Guide magazine to determine viewers' tastes regarding reality television, "American Idol's" Clay Aiken is number one in the hearts of reality fans, while "The Apprentice's" Omarosa is the most hated reality star. The Internet omnibus survey was conducted by TNS in conjunction with Bravo's premiere of "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," the cable channel's homage to the great 70's original "Battle of the Network Stars." The series will premiere on Bravo on Wednesday, August 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. In addition, the results from the poll will be printed in the August 14 issue of TV Guide magazine on newsstands on August 11.

"These are real people who allow the American public to experience their raw emotion and quirks as they embark on their own reality - taking us with them every step of the way," said Andrew Cohen, VP, Production & Programming for Bravo.

"Love it or hate it, reality television is here to stay. Reality stars have made their mark on the pop culture landscape, and they won't be leaving any time soon," says TV Guide Senior Editor Rich Sands. "This poll is a fun tribute to the best and worst of the genre---the villains, the heroes, the drama divas--and ultimately a celebration of the very reasons we all keep tuning in."

Following are highlights from the Bravo/TV Guide Poll results:

IN A POPULARITY CONTEST, CLAY COMES OUT ON TOP AND OMAROSA HAS VERY FEW FRIENDS: Clay Aiken (35%) barely edged out fellow "American Idol" contestant Kelly Clarkson (34%) as the most loved reality star of all-time, with half of those polled agreeing that Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth of "The Apprentice" is the most hated.

MOVE OVER WHITNEY AND BOBBY; OVER HALF OF AMERICA CHOSE NICK & JESSICA TO RAISE THEIR CHILD: Viewers and readers have officially spoken - when it comes to entrusting a reality star couple to raise their child, an overwhelming 54% trust Nick & Jessica, over more experienced parents Whitney & Bobby, Sharon & Ozzy, and the expectant couple Britney & Kevin!

"THE AMAZING RACE" TAKES FIRST PLACE: When asked to choose which reality series they would be a contestant on, 31% of respondents would sprint to get on "The Amazing Race," but only 17% feel rosy about "The Bachelor"/"The Bachelorette."

"SURVIVOR'S" RICHARD HATCH GETS SLAMMED BY AMERICA WITH DODGE BALL: Richard Hatch would have a tough time surviving in dodge ball, with 42% of people taking aim at him first. Wendy Pepper from "Project Runway" would remain fairly unscathed with just 13% pummeling her with the dodge ball.

WHO DESERVES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES OF FAME? "AMERICAN IDOL'S" WILLIAM HUNG CAME OUT #1: "American Idol's" William Hung is the most deserving of his own TV series according to 31% of respondents. But, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth of "The Apprentice" should simply stick to her day job.

IT'S THE BATTLE OF THE BEAUTIES IN A GAME OF TUG O' WAR: "America's Next Top Model" Brittany Brower and "The Swan's" Rachel Love-Fraser are favored 37% by respondents to drag each other through the mud in a tug o' war match-up. Only 18% want to see duo Charla Faddoul and Mirna Hindoyan from "The Amazing Race" duke it out.

The Bravo/TV Guide poll was conducted among 1,000 adults ages 18+ from July 14-15, 2005.

Update: This is in the latest issue (Aug 14-20) of TV Guide: "Page 12 of the TV Guide shows a picture of Clay and the "Who is the most loved reality star of all time" caption. "