July 2009 News Archive (Page 5)

Wes Hayden's eight-episode stint on The Bachelorette came to an end this week after a long period controversy over whether he was really on the show promote his music and actually has a girlfriend back home named Laurel.

Wes says he's the victim of deceptive editing.

In a radio interview with The Bobby Bones Show in Austin, Wes addressed the lingering rumor that he pursed Jillian Harris while dating Laurel Kagay.

"I had a girlfriend last summer. She's still a very good friend of mine. Every now and then we'll go out and do lunch or something like that," Wes said.

"I just called [The Bachelorette producers] two weeks ago, and was like, 'Look. I don't care what y'all do to me. Say I'm the worst guy in the world, I'm here for publicity, I've got a girlfriend. But don't mention anybody's name."

"As soon as you mention her name, people in Austin are going to know her. We dated for a long time. Sure enough, they mentioned her name."

Furthermore, Wes says his statement at the end of Monday's episode, in which he claims "I'm the only guy in Bachelorette history who's made it to the top four with a girlfriend" was taken out of context and untrue.

"They don't play what I say after that," Wes insists. "I said, 'Only guy in Bachelorette history to make it to the top four with a girlfriend. Get real, dude. If I had a girlfriend, I'd be home with her right now.'"

Wes acknowledges "there had to be drama, there had to be ratings" and that The Bachelorette chose him for it, otherwise "the show would have been boring."

But Wes has advice for people considering going on reality TV.

"If you do go on, don't say a whole lot, because they can pretty much do whatever they want. Basically when you sign up for a show like this you pretty much relinquish every right that you have," he said.

Following a massive delay and numerous legal battles, Project Runway is finally returning to the air.

It will premiere on Lifetime on August 20, as a diverse cast of 16 contestants - hailing from all over the globe, such as Russia, Bosnia and the Republic of Georgia - compete for the top prize.

Because season six takes place in Los Angeles, celebrities such as Christina Aguilera and Lindsay Lohan will make cameos during challenges; while the judging panel remains the same: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors.

"Look out for the girls," Klum said this week, previewing the season ahead. "The girls are very strong on season six. There's a lot of crying, there's fighting going on, there's a lot of drama going on — but especially with the girls."

Here's a look at all 16 contestants:

• Shirin Askari, 25
• Louise Black, 32
• Ra'Mon-Lawrence Coleman, 31, pictured.
• Rodney Epperson, 50
• Ari Fish, 26
• Qristyl Frazier, 42
• Gordana Gehlhausen, 45
• Mitchell Hall, 26
• Althea Harper, 25
• Logan Neitzel, 25
• Nicolas Putvinksi, 27
• Johnny Sakalis, 30
• Irina Shabeyeva, 27
• Christopher Straub, 30
• Malvin Vein, 24
• Carol Hannah Whitfield, 24, pictured.

As previously announced, Top Chef is headed to Las Vegas.

The sixth edition of this Bravo series will debut from there on August 26 - and the network has released the identities of the 17 contestants that will be competing for the grand prize, which includes $100,000.

The aspiring chefs are:

• Ash Fulk:  29-year-old from Pleasant Hill, CA
• Ashley Merriman: 32-year-old from Center Sandwich, NH
• Bryan Voltaggio: 33-year-old from Frederick, MD
• Eli Kirshtein: 25-year-old from Atlanta, GA
• Eve Aronoff: 40-year-old from Ann Arbor, MI
• Hector Santiago: 41-year-old from San Juan, PR
• Jennifer Carroll: 33-year-old from Philadelphia, PA
• Jennifer Zavala: 31-year-old from Cromwell, CT
• Jesse Sandlin: 30-year-old from Baltimore, MD
• Kevin Gillespie: 26-year-old from Atlanta, GA
• Laurine Wickett: 38-year-old from Rochester, NY
• Mattin Noblia: 29-year-old from Biarritz, France
• Michael Isabella: 34-year-old from Little Ferry, NJ
• Michael Voltaggio: 30-year-old from Frederick, MD
• Preeti Mistry: 33-year-old from San Francisco, CA
• Robin Leventhal: 43-year-old from Sun Valley, ID
• Ron Duprat: 40-year-old from Mare Rouge, Haiti

The Real Housewives of New York City has been renewed for a third season on Bravo. It will premiere in early 2010.

But questions still surround at least two original cast members, as the network is openly auditioning new, rich women for a role on the series.

The newest trouble maker, Kelly Bensimon, won't be replaced, however. She was actually the first to sign on again, according to insiders at E! News.

"She is considered the most hated woman in New York and will do anything to reverse that opinion," said a source, not giving any credence to the levels of vitriol aimed in NYC at Ruth Madoff.

As for Bethenny Frankel, who recently got engaged to Jason Hoppy? Count her in, as well.

"Bethenny Frankel loves being part of the Bravo family, and if invited back, she will 100 percent RSVP for the Real Housewives party," said her rep.

So, who does that leave out?

Jill Zarin and Ramona Singer are reportedly holding out for more money. These two believe they are the most integral stars on the show, though sources say Bravo isn't giving in to their demands.

"Bravo put out that press release saying they're casting for new housewives because Jill and Ramona are playing hardball," said an insider.

Should the show go on without this pair? Or do anything in its power to re-sign them? You tell us!

We aren't gonna waste too much time on this post.

After all, the last time Danger claimed she was pregnant, it was a lie.

But if a recent Twitter message is to be believed, the former For the Love of Ray J contestant is knocked up for real this time:

Here's a recent photo of Danger and a mystery man. Can you see a baby bump?

We'd have expected more of an attention-grabbing announcement from Bethenny Frankel herself. But perhaps The Real Housewives of New York City is actually taking her engagement seriously and personally this time.

A few days after she was spotted in Miami with a diamond ring on her finger, Frankel's rep has confirmed that his client is engaged to boyfriend Jason Hoppy.

"I can confirm Bethenny and Jason are in love and plan on getting married," her rep said to Us Weekly. "So I guess this is the starter ring."

It's safe to assume the actual ring will be quite a bit larger.

Earlier this year, Frankel couldn't help but gush about her new man.

"I'm in love," she said at an event in the Hamptons. "I'm pretty much certain I'm going to spend the rest of my life with him... I'm really happy."

We'd like to wish this couple the very best of luck! We'd also like to hope the engagement now means Frankel will start wearing a bra.

Four dates in Spain. One guy who had it coming.

This week’s episode of The Bachelorette was full of romance, but once again focused on Wes Hayden and whether he is dating Laurel Kagay back home.

The lovely Jillian Harris seemed to finally catch on to Wes' true intentions - or at least put him on the spot a bit. But could he weasel his way out again?

Who stayed? Who got the boot? Was Ed successful in his return to the show? Is Kiptyn still Mr. Perfect? Can Reid rise to the occasion?

For the full rundown, check out our episode recap!

Was there really any doubt that Paula Abdul would return to American Idol next season? What else is the wacky judge gonna do?!?

In an interview with The Associated Press this week, Abdul confirmed that Fox has asked her back for next year... and the year after that... and the year after that.

"I've been invited to stay the duration of the show, however long it lasts," said Abdul, whose contract hasn't been renewed after it expired this spring.

Asked about her fellow judges, Abdul referred to the panel of American Idol judges - that includes Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi - a "dysfunctional family of sorts."

"I'm the nurturing mom, Simon's the disapproving dad, and Randy's the cool brother," Paula said. "It's been an interesting journey. It's something that I'll always would want to be a part of."

We were hoping this was just a silly rumor.

But, sadly, it's true: Terrell Owens really is coming to reality TV.

The self-centered Buffalo Bills wide receiver has landed a series on VH1 titled The T.O. Show. It's a good thing, too: Owens really doesn't receive enough air time on SportsCenter.

The T.O. Show premieres on July 20. Watch a preview for it after this article's jump.

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One is a rocket scientist.

Another is a criminal defense attorney.

But there's one thing these women, along with 18 others, have in common: they're all seeking More to Love!

On July 28, the suitors below will vie for the affection of Luke Conley, the bachelor at the center of Fox's new, plus-sized dating series. Click on each photo for a larger image each contestant: