Lauren Wanger, the 27 year old teacher from Florida and former Ms. United States, was one of the more outspoken Bachelorettes on this season of The Bachelor. She was eliminated along with Megan and Shannon when Jason Mesnick decided not to hand out 'the final rose' at the rose ceremony on last week's episode of The Bachelor.

Lauren recently answered some of our questions about her experience on the reality show and how she was portrayed, as well as her connection with Jason. Lauren also shared some of her thoughts on the final four ladies---Molly, Naomi, Melissa and Jillian--still vying for Jason's heart and her own plans for the future.



Reality TV Soup: What did you think about Jason not handing out the last rose the night you were eliminated?
Lauren: I was surprised that Jason did not hand out the final rose because he gave me the impression that he wanted me to stay. He was actually the one who asked for the kiss. Even though I was surprised, it wasn’t a total shock. I think it was obvious that Jason and I did not develop a romantic chemistry. At this point I started to doubt my decision to stay in the house and contemplated going home. Other women in the house knew this as well. I was relieved when Jason was upfront and honest because I was very homesick and happy to be returning to my real life.


Reality TV Soup: Did you feel he did the right thing in not leading anyone on or do you think he should have kept 6 in the competition?
Lauren: I feel he definitely did the right thing by not leading anyone on. All these ladies put their lives on hold to be here and if he did not feel a connection, then the right thing to do would be to let them know so they can get back to their normal routine, such as work, family, and friends. Likewise, if I was certain there was no connection, and was offered a rose, I would not have accepted it. It works both ways.

Reality TV Soup: Do you feel you had a genuine connection with Jason?
Lauren: I think Jason was a really great person, but unfortunately, I did not spend enough time with him to gain a genuine connection.

Reality TV Soup: What made you decide to go on The Bachelor?
Lauren: Prior to The Bachelor, I was in a three year relationship that I thought would end in a walk down the aisle. Unexpectedly, my boyfriend decided he no longer wanted to be in a committed relationship and he broke it off. Later I found out that he had been unfaithful. Needless to say, I was completely heart broken. Then I had heard that they were casting bachelorettes for the new season of The Bachelor, and I decided to apply. I had been a fan of the show for quite sometime and I thought it would be a good opportunity and perhaps a new chance at love.

Reality TV Soup: Was the fact that Jason was the Bachelor a factor as it was for some of the other women on the show? Or was it more for the adventure?
Lauren: I signed up for the show before I knew it was Jason. I figured I had nothing to lose. At least it would be an adventure and there was the chance of meeting an awesome guy.

Reality TV Soup: Ok, you were very direct with Jason on the show about what you wanted and didn't want....do you think Jason had trouble with someone being so direct with him? Or do you think he liked it?
Lauren: At first I thought he didn’t mind my being so direct. He was the one who asked me what I thought about the other ladies. And, he asked me if I thought Megan was there for the right reasons. After watching the show, I realized he did value my opinion, but often thought I was giving him a hard time, which he didn’t like. When I was there, he told me that he had a really unique relationship with me and a connection with me like no one else in the house. At the time, I assumed this was a positive thing, but after watching, he didn’t seem to like how demanding I was. At least I know, as he watches the show, he will see that I was being honest. Also, he was right about my wanting to be “spoiled” by the person I am with. I do enjoy the attention and affection from my partner, and in return, I spoil the person I am with as well. I think that is the way it should be.

Reality TV Soup: Are you seeing anyone now? We received a tip you were seeing Nach Hernandez ---any truth to that?
Lauren: Lol! I cannot confirm that tip right now. I am very happy with my life after the show and I am sure I will get everything I dreamed of….marriage, kids…the whole thing! Nach and I were really good friends before the show and sometimes being apart from someone, you realize you have stronger feelings for them.

Reality TV Soup: Do you have any regrets about doing the show? Or do you have anything you'd like to do over or different? How do you feel about your edit? Was it on target? Fair? Was there anything viewers didn't see about you that you wish they had?
Lauren: I don’t have any regrets about doing the show. I really had the chance to meet some wonderful people. All the ladies there were awesome. They were all educated, successful, and accomplished women and I know we will remain friends. However, I do not think I was portrayed accurately or fair. Being that the show airs an entire week in only 2 hours, it is impossible to show everything. And while I obviously said the things that were aired because they came out of my mouth, I think only one side was shown and it wasn’t my best side. A lot of the time I said things in jest and it came off looking sometimes arrogant or mean. I would want viewers to know that I am an open and sometimes downright blunt person, but I have a good heart and would never intentionally hurt anyone. My friends and family know who I really am, and I know they would never “judge” me for the way I was on the show. The ladies in the house also knew me and likewise, I know they are not judging me either.

Reality TV Soup: Did the women 'really' all get along as it appears they do for the most part on the televised episodes? Was there alot of cattiness or did everyone truly support the other as it seemed?
Lauren: The ladies in the house all really did get along. This season more than ever, the show selected ladies that were more mature than previous seasons. I think this has a lot to do with the fact that Jason was the bachelor and he has a small child. All the ladies in the house had great qualities and would be great around Ty. The show couldn’t risk having women there that could negatively influence Ty should they have the chance to meet him. As far as cattiness or drama….it can happen. Even if you were with your best friend, if you live with someone for 24 hours 7 days a week with no distractions, you are bound to butt heads sooner or later. We all worked it out in the end and I have nothing but good feelings towards everyone in the house.

Reality TV Soup: Will you stay in touch with any of the women from the show? Anyone you absolutely would not stay in touch with?
Lauren: After the show is through, I will most definitely keep in touch with all the ladies in the house. We share a very special bond and I think we will always stay in contact with one another.

Reality TV Soup: Melissa is the one who's strongly rumored to win Jason's heart in the end........did you see a connection with the two of them from the very beginning? It seemed alot of people voted for her to be the one to leave that first night, but it wasn't clear as to 'why'.......other than a few have said she was competition.
Lauren: Melissa is a sweetheart and she really is that nice in real life as she is portrayed on the show. I wasn’t really sure if there was a connection when I was there, but now watching them on TV, I see a huge connection. I have no idea if she will win Jason’s heart in the end, but it certainly looks like she may.

Reality TV Soup: Who do 'you' think will ultimately win Jason's heart or 'seemed' best for Jason? And do you think it will last?
Lauren: I am not sure who will win Jason’s heart. I could see him with Melissa, Molly or Jillian. Jillian lives really close to Seattle and is the oldest of the 3 (I think 29), so I think the transition for her would be the easiest. She has a wonderful personality as well. Molly is young (24), but I think she is ready for marriage and children. Her sister was married at a young age and just had a baby, so I think she could follow suit. However, she loves her job and I am not sure if she would be able to move locations and keep her current job, which may pose a problem. I think Jason is really attracted to her. Melissa is so cute and sweet. It is clear Jason really likes her. I could see her having a relationship with Jason too. I mean, it’s really a shot in the dark. I do believe you can fall in love in 6 weeks.

Reality TV Soup: What are you plans for the future? Focusing on your singing? More pageants? Anything in the works?
Lauren: I signed up for the bachelor because I wanted to fall in love, get married and start a family. I’ve always wanted this. As far as my future plans, I am focusing on my family, friends, and love life. I would love to continue writing songs and record more as well, but I would really like someone else to sing my songs (I don’t have a great singing voice). As far as pageants go, I think I am too old to compete, but I would love to stay involved in pageants as a host, judge, and trainer.

Reality TV Soup: One last question....was there anyone there you are surprised he kept this far? If so, why?
Lauren: I am not surprised about the remaining ladies on the show. I am not sure if I see the chemistry with Naomi yet, but it is clear they have developed a friendship. I can clearly see the connection with Molly, Melissa, and Jillian.

Here are a few other facts Lauren shared with Reality TV Soup---(she talked about them on the show, but these conversations didn’t air)

"I wrote the song “Famous” for a movie soundtrack called “The Legend of Tillamook’s Gold”. I did not want to sing this on the show! (editor's note: this is the song they showed Lauren singing with the girls at the end of the 'write a song for Jason' episode as the credits rolled)
By the way, I really did write the song on the show for Jason in 30 minutes.

I was Ms. United States 2007 and I am currently a 7th grade Social Studies teacher now and have been for 4 years.
I started pageants when I was 22 years old, not as a child.
I did talk about politics and religion with Jason. Jason and I are the same religion and have the same views on raising children with regard to religion. "

Much thanks to Lauren for taking the time to answer our questions! The Bachelor airs Mondays on ABC.

The new season of America's Next Top Model is almost here. Paulina Porizkova, Nigel Barker and "Miss J," J. Alexander join Tyra Banks at the judges table again for cycle 12. The following 13 contestants will compete to win the grand prize:

Allison, 20, artist; New Orleans
Aminat, 21, student; Union, N.J.
Celia, 25, designer fashion sales; Cynthiana, Ky.
Fo, 19, student; Albuquerque, N.M.
Isabella, 19, aspiring model; Barboursville, Va.
Jessica, 18, student; Bradenton, Fla.
Kortnie, 24, nonprofit organizer; Houston
London, 18, student; Arlington, Texas
Natalie, 19, student; Palos Verdes, Calif.
Nijah, 18, aspiring model; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
Sandra, 19, student; Rockville, Md.
Tahlia, 18, student; Phoenix
Teyona, 20, loss prevention representative; Woodstown, N.J.

America's Next Top Model premieres February 25, 2009 on The CW.

Hosted by Danielle Fishel, "The Dish" takes an irreverent look at this week's best and worst in the world of fashion and lifestyle news, events and television, including lots of reality tv....here's her take on Shannon from The Bachelor.




Check out The Dish on The Style Network.

Yes, the title is correct---although it was American Idol that lead to Clay Aiken's successful career path, Aiken will be appearing this season on another hit reality show, America's Next Top Model, according to Entertaiment Weekly.

Aiken is set to participate in an acting challenge with the Top Model contestants and act as a guest judge on the Model panel in an April episode.

America's Next Top Model premieres February 25, 2009 on The CW.

Bravo's newest creative competition series, "The Fashion Show," is looking to cast its final contestant and is putting the designer's fate in the hands of America.

Starting today, viewers can vote for one final designer to join the competition - voting closes on February 13. "The Fashion Show" will follow professional designers as they strive to make their mark in the dog-eat-dog world of fashion and compete for a chance to have their designs sold for the mass retail market.

Vote for The Fashion Show Contestant

The two designers up for public vote are:

Andrew, 35 - Resides in: Los Angeles, Calif.
Known as the "Panty-Christ," Andrew has already conquered the world of designer underwear. A self-described perfectionist and "gaylebrity," Andrew has been known to throw an entire rack of samples across the room if it's not up to his standard. "Don't be caught off guard by my cute smile, I'm a bitch."

Elise, 24 - Resides in: Chicago, Ill.
Elise is a designer with determination and a flair for business. She is creative, talented and hard-working, and in a competition setting, she loves to wins. Taught to sew by her mother and grandmothers, Elise is the owner of her eponymous label "Elise Bergman." Before starting her business, Elise took time off to care for her mother who was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Vote for your fav now!

She may be famous for her hit “Hands,” but folk singer Jewel will soon be known for her fancy feet! Sources tell In Touch that the crooner cutie has signed on to the eighth season of the dance competition series. “Jewel is so excited about being on the show. She loves to dance,” a friend says. The songstress, who wed retired rodeo champ Ty Murray last summer, is also looking to shape up as she boogies down. “She’s thrilled because of what the show has done for past contestants’ bodies,” the friend adds. The complete list of stars on the ABC reality show will be released on February 8.

How will the Nashville Star judge do on the other side of the judging table? Find out on the premiere of Dancing with the Stars--March 9 with a live, two-hour special.

For more on all the latest celebrity news, check out this week’s issue of In Touch Weekly, on newsstands now!

Reality stars Denise Richards and Jackass wild man Steve-O are set to join the new season of Dancing with the Stars.

Life & Style has learned exclusively that Denise, 37, star of Denise Richards: It's Complicated, has already been prepping for her TV dancing debut. “She's super excited and has lost a few pounds to tone up and get in shape,” an insider tells Life & Style.
“She's ready and thinks she can go all the way!”

The London-born Steve-O (real name Stephen Glover), 34, became famous on the Jackass TV show, which ran from 2000 to 2002. He specialized in stunts that involved gruesome forms of self-injury — experience that could be helpful for Steve-O if he's paired with an aggressive partner!

Dancing with the Stars premieres in March on ABC. DWTS contestants are to be announced this Sunday throughout primetime shows. Stay tuned for more Dancing with the Stars contestant news!

With only 6 remaining chef’testants still standing, the pressure is on to make it all the way to the finale. The heat of the kitchen especially amps up when legendary chef Eric Ripert appears for the quickfire to judge the chef’s techniques in fish filleting. When Eric then hands over his restaurant —NYC’s renowned Le Bernardin— to the chefs for the elimination round, will they be able to live up to its standards or will they fall short?

Check out these preview videos to get a taste of what will happen:

“Underestimated”:


“Technique and Precision”:


“Clearly, Something’s Gone Wrong”:


Catch the rest of this episode of Top Chef tonight at 10pm/EST on Bravo!

Coming up on the next episode of The Bachelor: "Episode 1306" - The stakes are high for Jason as he leaves his Los Angeles home for an exciting, emotionally-charged journey across the country to visit the final four women's hometowns. Jillian's family secret is revealed; Molly's quirky and conservative family puts the Bachelor to the test; Naomi is mortified by the turn of events on one of the most bizarre hometown dates ever, and a huge disappointment awaits Jason when Melissa's parents fail to meet him. Finally, a confused Jason must make one of the most difficult decisions of his life, sending one woman home in tears, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Family is very important to Jason, so he's looking forward to having the final four bachelorettes take him home to meet their families. First, Jillian gives Jason a romantic tour of a winery in Kelowna, British Columbia. She opens up and reveals a long-held family secret to him, one that gives him greater understanding of her behavior. But how will it affect his decision? Her family welcomes him with open arms, but the real test occurs when Jillian's grandmother pays a surprise visit.

On his next stop, Molly treats Jason to a few rounds of golf on her favorite course in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a romantic picnic. She is adamant that she won't get involved with a man without her parents' approval and prepares him to meet her conservative sister, dad and quirky mom. When the family puts him to the test, Jason realizes how different his family is from hers.

In one of the craziest hometown dates ever, a baffled Jason finds himself in Lake Elsinore, California, giving a eulogy at the funeral of a dove, as directed by Naomi's mother. The humiliated Naomi can only look on, and when the dust settles, her father expresses his concerns about his daughter's relationship with the Bachelor. Then her mother corners Jason to discuss past lives and spirituality.

Jason's final hometown visit takes him to Dallas. After an intimate picnic by a lake, Melissa drops a bomb: Jason won't be meeting her parents. He is crushed but meets her best friends instead - two married couples. Will this have any bearing on his next choice? At dinner, her friends share the failure of Melissa's past relationships, citing the wrong men they feel she has dated.

With only four women and three roses, Jason makes one of the most difficult decisions of his life, dispatching one broken-hearted bachelorette in tears as he prepares to take the final three women on fantastic overnight dates to New Zealand.

The four women are:
Jillian, 29, an interior designer from Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Melissa, 25, a sales representative from Dallas, TX
Molly, 24, a department store buyer from Grand Rapids, MI
Naomi, 24, a flight attendant from Carlsbad, CA

ABC Media

Ex Bachelorette contestant, Jesse Csincsak, confirmed that he is dating former Bachelor contestant, Holly Durst, from THE BACHELOR LONDON CALLING, on his myspace blog. Jesse, who split with Deanna Pappas from The Bachelorette a few months ago, says he and Holly met on their own and are not affiliated with ABC in any way. Csincsak told Extra that they met at a club and a mutual friend intro'd them.

This week on The Real Housewives of Orange Coungy, the OC ladies hit Sin City and boy are they acting naughty. Gretchen blows the "hottie whistle" to try to catch some men while hanging out by the pool, meanwhile Jeana says that Lynne is "pretty freaking boring but we're tolerating you". OUCH.

Also, Jeana takes her kids to Wisconsin to visit her parents, where seeing what a good father her dad is reminds her of her mistake in marrying her husband. Tamra treats her mom to a post-face-lift dinner where she insists on signing her up for online dating since it's “new and improved”.

Check out these preview videos to get a sneak peek at the drama:
What Happens in Vegas:


Jeana's Hometown


Post Facelift Night Out:


This episode airs tomorrow -- Tuesday, February 3rd @ 10/9c only on Bravo.

Rock of Love Bus 2 contestant, Ambre Lake, won Bret's heart last season---how are they getting along now and what does she think of the new Rock of Love Bus? In a recent myspace blog, Ambre confirmed her break up with Bret Michaels and answered questions about their relationship, saying "We still and always will love each other very much. We were always amazing friends and support each other personally and professionally."

Ambre says she does watch Rock of Love Bus even though it's difficult to "watch your ex date on national TV." She supports Bret and his quest to find love. Ambre says the girls on this season are much more confrontational which makes for some great tv. She is scheduled to appear on Rock of Love Bus later in the season.

Bret recently answered questions about Ambre in an interview:

AP: What happened to Ambre (season two's winner who was thought of as more conservative than her competition)?
Michaels: The truth is nothing at all bad happened. ... It's hard to even say we had a breakup. We just both came to the realization being on the road is tough. Ambre's very intelligent, an extremely great kisser, very smart and she's driven.
AP: What does she think of you doing a third season?
Michaels: She wasn't like, "Great! This is awesome." When you like somebody it's tough especially to physically watch them date on TV-_ that's tough to do — but at the same time she's been my best cheerleader as well.

Ambre says, "He and I will always love and support each other. I support him and Rock of Love Bus and he supports me in my pursuit of my own happiness. I love him for that."

Rock of Love Bus airs Sundays on Vh1.

American Idol is moving into the Hollywood round this week, where the Idol contestants will be narrowed down to the top 36. --Joesplace, who correctly identified last season's American Idol top 24 contestansts has listed the names of the rumored top 36 contestants for this season of American Idol. The list includes:

Adam Lambert, age 26, Los Angeles-- Myspace
Alexander --Alex--Wagner-Trugman, age 19, Studio City, Ca
Alexis Grace, age 20, Memphis, Tn.
Allison Iraheta, age 16--LA/Puerto Rico
Ann Marie Boskovich, age 22, Nashville, Tn. Myspace
Anoop Desai, age 21, NC
Arianna Ayesha Afsar, age 16--San Diego
Brent Keith, age 28 Ohio
Casey Carlson, age 20, MN--http://www.myspace.com/caseycarlsonmusic
Danny Gokey, age 28, Wisconsin-- Myspace
Jackie Tohn, age 27, CA- Myspace
Jasmine Murray, age 17, MS
Jeanine Vailes
Jessica Langseth, age 25, MN
Joanna Pacitti, age 23, PA--http://www.myspace.com/joanna
Jorge Nunez, age 20 Puerto Rico
Junot Joyner, age 26, Baltimore, MD
Kai Kalama, age 26, CA
Kendall Beard, age 23, Austin Tx.
Kristen McNamara, age 23, CA
Kris Allen, age 23, AR
Lil Rounds, age 23, Memphis TN
Matt Breitzke, age 27, Ohio
Matt Giraud, age 23, MI
Megan Corkrey, age 23, UT
Michael *last name unknown*- possibly Michael Sarver or Michael Tristan
Mishavonna Henson, age 18, CA
Nathaniel "Nate" Marshall (mcGee)
Nick Western Hendrix
Ricky Braddy, age 25, Nashville
Scott MacIntyre, age 23, Arizona
Stephen Fowler, age 26, Ohio
Stevie Wright,age 16, CA-
Taylor Vaifanua, age 16, SLC
Tatiana Del Toro, age 24, PR
Von Smith, age 23, MO--http://www.myspace.com/vonleesmith

Hollywood week will run for two weeks this year starting Tuesday February 3, 2009 on Fox. On February 11,the final 50 American Idol contestants will face the judges for the final time and the season's Top 36 semifinalists will be officially named.

On the next episode of True Beauty: "Natural Beauty" -- In week five, contestants are tested on patience and persistence, on "True Beauty," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The contestants will spend two days partnered with each other to shoot a video clip for a natural beauty product. After a long, taxing hike with just a map and a bottle of water, the group find themselves roughing it overnight on the beach. They're awakened before dawn by Dave, the owner of an organic products company, who tasks them with recording a 30-second promo for a new line of natural products. With no make-up, no hairstylists and no mirrors, the promo must exemplify the contestants' ideas of natural beauty. They direct their own videos and write their own scripts, each operating the camera for their partner's video. The experience should give them a chance to show their creativity, their teamwork and their take on natural beauty.

Coming up on the next episode of The Bachelor with Jason Mesnick: "Episode 1305" - The pressure is really on, as Jason struggles to decide which four women he'll escort home to meet their families. But first, a surprise visit to the Bachelor's hometown of Seattle awaits the five remaining bachelorettes - a chance to check out their potential future home. Jason takes one woman on a romantic one-on-one date on a houseboat and escorts three of the bachelorettes on a ferry ride around Seattle and then to a revealing live radio interview. On the final crucial individual date, the handsome single dad chooses one of the ladies to take a fanciful flight on a seaplane over Seattle before sharing some intimate alone time together. However, Jason has more surprises in store for the women and breaks the rules at the rose ceremony to come to his difficult decision, on "The Bachelor," MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

After a brief reunion with his son, Ty, Jason welcomes the women to Seattle. The lucky woman, who receives the one-on-one date card, is delighted that Jason will show her his hometown in style. However, Jason's parental duties take precedence when Ty needs him at home and he must make a last minute change in plans.

The next day, three of the bachelorettes meet Jason on the deck of a ferry for a sunset cruise around Puget Sound. The Bachelor offers some special alone time to one of the ladies to join him in the captain's quarters to steer the boat and steal a kiss. But Jason seeks some outside help with his decision, taking the group to KISS-FM to be interviewed on one of the top-rated radio shows in Seattle. The Bachelor enlists the help of the two local DJs, Jackie and Bender, a married couple, to get some frank advice on love, marriage and intimacy. They quiz Jason and the women on love and romance and even set up a kissing contest - much to the shock of the other two women listening back at the hotel. Jason rewards the three women with a wonderful late night meal, attempting to have an honest talk with one bachelorette about their relationship. He pulls another woman aside for a romantic walk by the bay.

On a picturesque seaplane ride over Seattle, Jason points out to the fortunate woman who gets the last one-on-date the highlights of the city she might one day call home. The bachelorette also demonstrates her more adventurous side as she races Jason to the top of a giant climbing wall, where they share a mid-air kiss. Later she opens up to him about her family and her feelings for him. A "hot" fireside snuggle ends the evening.

Still unsure of his decision, Jason pays a surprise visit to the ladies' hotel and pulls one woman aside for a heart-to-heart talk. Then at the rose ceremony, Jason breaks the rules and seeks out another bachelorette for a final talk. In the end, he must narrow the field to just four women - the four who will invite him into their families' homes - while one woman leaves in one of the most emotional rose ceremonies ever.

The five women are:
Jillian, 29, an interior designer from Peace River, Alberta, Canada
Melissa, 25, a sales representative from Dallas, TX
Molly, 24, a department store buyer from Grand Rapids, MI
Naomi, 24, a flight attendant from Carlsbad, CA
Stephanie, 34, a single mom (daughter, Sophia, age four) and a medical marketing representative from Huntsville, AL