2010 will have at least two Knoxville-area residents starring on network reality shows.
Ashley Johnson of West Knoxville will be a contestant on the upcoming edition of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” Meanwhile, Ella Nolan of LaFollette will be among the 25 women vying for pilot Jake Pavelka on the next season of ABC’s “The Bachelor.”
What can these ladies learn from Knoxville-area folks who appeared on reality TV during 2009? Let’s stack them up and see:
n CAROL SCOTT
Show: Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”
A local chef, Scott got through her harrowing experience under the thumb of abusive bleep-master Gordon Ramsay. She was eliminated after the midway point of the season because Ramsay said her heart wasn’t in the game anymore.
Lesson learned: “You know, you learn what you are capable of in certain situations, and overall I learned so much about myself,” she said of the experience. “It was a tough journey. I was very happy with how it all came out.”
n BEN WADE
Show: CBS’s “Survivor: Tocantins”
Born and raised in Knoxville (where his parents still live), Wade left his mark on “Survivor: Tocantins” almost a year ago. He embarrassingly referred to himself in third person and created a wacko persona. He made it to the final five but not with his dignity intact.
Lesson learned: Wade said his actions on national TV hurt his friends and family. “They said it was too hard for them to watch, seeing me being made basically a fool out of on national television. So that was tough on them. That grieves me,” Wade said.
n JACKIE LEE MIDKIFF
Show: “American Idol”
The Alcoa High School junior made it to the Top 50, but was one spot short of making it to the Top 36. He got little air time up until he was eliminated.
Lesson learned: Even fleeting fame can add up. “It’s like becoming a pop star mega-time on steroids,” he said about being on “Idol.”
n JASON MESNICK
Show: “The Bachelor”
The former Knoxville resident starred on ABC’s “The Bachelor.” He lived in Knoxville with his parents in the late ’70s and early ’80s. His family moved from Knoxville to Seattle.
Lesson learned: By the time “The Bachelor” ended, Mesnick was one of the most hated reality show contestants of the year because he crushed the heart of the woman he chose.
n PARKER NORTON
Show: “Jeopardy!”
The Holston Middle School student appeared during its “Kids Week.” Parker was a seventh-grader when he shot the show. “His father and I are very proud,” says Stephanie Norton, his mother.
Lesson learned: Pay attention in class and listen to what your parents teach you.
n JOSEPH BENTON
Show: Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”
The 20-year-old Knoxville native wowed the judges during the first round of competition. “I’ve watched it from the first season,” Benton said of the show. “The first two auditions are the hardest auditions. You have 10 seconds to improv. If they don’t like what they see in those 10 seconds, you’ll be eliminated.”
Lesson learned: Never let them see you sweat — or you’re dead in the water.
n CHRIS WEBBER
Show: MTV’s “Gone Too Far”
The Halls resident got help from the late DJ AM for a drug addiction, but Webber said he was angry at first when he learned DJ AM died of an overdose. “I was grateful he saved my life, but he got mad at me for wanting to leave rehab once or twice. (After I heard he died) I thought, ‘Why did he care? All he wanted to do was get high,’” Webber said.
In the series, DJ AM helped drug addicts get clean and into rehab.
Lesson learned: Webber has had time to reflect on DJ AM’s real legacy to him. “I know how powerful the disease is,” Webber, who is attending support meetings, says. “Every day is a struggle. Sometimes it is a minute at a time ... I’d be dead if it weren’t for DJ AM.”
Terry Morrow may be reached at morrowt@knoxville.com or 865-342-6445. His blog can be found at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/telebuddy/. He contributes to “Live At Five At Four” on WBIR, Channel 10, and “The Marc & Kim & Frank Show” on WWST-FM, 102.1.
Knoxville native Ben Wade made a name for himself earlier this year on “Survivor” — but his reputation took a beating.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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