Seven East Tennesseans - a record number at one time - have been vying on reality shows since the beginning of the year. They range from singers wanting their big break to women wanting to drop weight.
Some are still in the running; others have been cut.
Here's a look at the seven and where they stand as of today.
'American Idol'
Contestants: Sevierville policeman Bryan Walker and Vonore, Tenn., resident Vanessa Wolfe are entering the Hollywood rounds, which begins Feb. 9. In the past two editions of "Idol," two other East Tennessee singers have barely missed the final cuts in the Hollywood round.
'Shark Tank'
Contestant: Knoxville resident Jill Quillin earned $105,000 to get her "LipStix Remix," a creative way for women to save money and recycle lipsticks to create new ones, off the ground. In exchange for the investment money, three "Shark" judges got 50 percent control of her product.
'The Bachelor'
Contestant: East Tennessee single mom Ella Nolan was eliminated last week. After she and Jake Pavelka talked about what Nolan wanted in a relationship, especially how her son plays into it, Pavelka decided he may not be up to the commitment. She told BuddyTV.com of her experience: "I didn't see it as a competition so I didn't get catty with the other women. Honestly, I didn't really see that there was that much drama because I kind of stayed out of it."
'Survivor'
Contestant: Knoxville native Ben Wade returns to play the game in a "heroes vs. villains" edition, slated to start Feb. 11. Wade was raised in Knoxville and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. He is one of the show's more colorful contestants, referring to himself in the third person and often going by the name "The Dragon Slayer."
'Biggest Loser'
Contestants: Knoxville residents Ashley Johnston, a 27-year-old manager/esthetician, and her mother, Sherry Johnston, a 51-year-old nonprofit administrator also from Knoxville, came close to being eliminated last week, but were able to stay in the game.
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/.
© 2010, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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