Over the past couple of years there have been a couple of romances between country singers dating much younger women who are reality TV stars.

Now the cynic in me would think these romances would not last, but I was wrong.

One was popular country singer Adam Brand who met girlfriend Jade Hatcher who is 20 when he was on last year’s Dancing With The Stars. They won the series, and their relationship is still going strong. He is teaching her to sing and they are working on some projects together. (Source Daily Telegraph)

Also James Blundell created controversy a few years ago when he left his wife for singer Jesse Curran. Jesse was an Australian Idol in 2007 when the scandal broke, and it did not help her get into the top 12 with James who is 20 years her senior in the front row.

However appear to be very much together at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and will perform together today. Full story Daily Telegraph

If the rumour is true that former Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands is to become a judge on Australia’s Got Talent, Channel Seven have proved just how canny they are.

With news Australian Idol won’t be on our TV screens this year Australia’s Got Talent is looking to grab some of the younger demographic who previously have not watched the show.

I must confess if Kyle is on it I will definitely watch it, not sure I fit the younger demographic they are looking for! Full story on Daily Telegraph.

They suggest that if Kyle signs on either Red Symons or Tom Burlinson will get the flick.

In other Australia’s Got Talent News, judge Danni Minogue is pregnant with her first child. The Sunday Telegraph has a nice article about her and how she is now famous in her own right.

Sabrina Batshon was one of the more intriguing individuals on this year’s Australian Idol, and I have been wondering what she has been up to and in the clip above she talks about what she has been doing.

In summary:

• She has been writing songs,
• Scouting for a record company,
• Got engaged, and
• She will be touring.

No dates are out yet but if you are interested in seeing her perform keep an eye on her website http://sabrinabatshon.com.au/

In nonsurprising news, Australian Idol will rested for 2010 according to the Daily Telegraph..

Even though the show had been announced in the Channel Ten 2010 line up, it was always unlikely it was going to go ahead.  As I suggested in a previous blog post that Channel Ten did not want to kill it off last year at a time they were making the positive announcements of the next year’s programming.

This season’s finale only garnered 1.4 million viewers.

Dicko confirmed he has not renewed his contract and is looking around for other TV projects.

Though hopefully it will be back bigger and better in 2011 as Ten has asked Fremantle to think about ways to re-launch it.

Poor Jay Dee Springbett, he was a last minute replacement judge on Australian Idol for disgraced radio personality Kyle Sandliands in 2009, and it would appear he is about to be dumped from the show.

An article on news.com.au suggests the judge is not coming back to the show, and that Channel Ten are looking for bigger and better replacement.

Australian Idol has not been officially signed yet, but it is believed it will be. It has been suggested that Kyle might be coming back to the show.

Jessica Mauboy’s publicist muAst have been the only one working this week as every paper I picked up over the past few days there has been a story about her in it. Today was no exception with this article in the Sunday Telegraph saying she wanted to win three or four Aria’s this year.

Also she was mentioned in this article in the Saturday Daily Telegraph about Australians who will shape 2010. The Australia Idol runner up will be in a movie called Bran Nue Dae. She has also said she hopes to do further acting work.

In other Australian Idol alumni news Kate DeAraugo is actually dating producer and guitarist France Millo, they met when he was a “roadie” for the Young Divas. They have been dating three years, and are apparently close to getting engaged.

Guy Sebastian has also had a great year and he tweeted today “Desperate Housewives and Brothers and sisters are also using Like it Like That in the US!! Unreal!” and “Thanks to everyone for making Like it Like That the highest selling single of 2009!! Im blown away.”

Ajay Rochester is again getting bad PR because of alleged bad debts. This one is about a non-paid hairdressers bill. She claims it was meant to be a “contra deal” whatever that means. (Source Sunday Telegraph)

Susan Boyle the runner up of Britain’s Got Talent has the highest selling album of 2009. She also has said she would like to tour Australia this year. (Source Herald Sun)

Mark Holden thinks that new Australian Idol judge Jay Dee Springbett will get better. Somehow I doubt he will get a second season. There is no news yet on whether Australian Idol will get the go ahead this year. (Source: Herald Sun)

I was a bit perplexed about this article in the Sunday Telegraph where it said that Australian Idol winner Stan Walker’s mother would be negotiating his record deal with Sony Music.

The good news is that Stan is determined to get some money for his album of the songs that he performed on the show, something previous winner Damien Leith, and runner-up Jessica Mauboy did not get.

However is his mother the right person to do this?

The article states:

Walker, 19, has set up his own company – Stan Walker Music Pty Ltd, headed by his mum, April – to negotiate his record deal with Sony Music so he doesn’t end up like Leith.

I am always a bit wary about relatives getting involved in business deals, especially when they have no experience in the area. Yes she would have Stan’s best interest’s at heart,  but will that be enough?

The Sunday Telegraph are hinting that all may be forgiven with fallen Australian Idol judge Kyle Sandilands, and they may be trying to tempt him back to the show.

The article states that “confidential” research taken by Fremantle Media showed the viewers did not take to new judge Jay Dee Springbett and they found Marcia Hines “bland”. Yes they paid for that, I would have told them that for free.

It would appear they were unphased by the snarky tones of the pair twittering during the show this year and could welcome him back into the fold.

I wonder if they will also get rid of Marcia, maybe they could replace her with Julie Zemiro. Now that would be a positive thing.

If you are reading this blog post on TV.com please come through and check out my blog www.realityravings.com

TV Week, God bless them, this week did a huge story on where reality stars are now, see my previous blog posts on Long forgotten reality shows and Big Brother contestants.

This blog post is about a where are they now from the more popular reality TV shows. Again a big thanks to TV Week.

So You Think You Can Dance:

Jack Chambers (Season 1) –

The show’s first-ever winner has been based in New York for nearly six months and has found his talents in demand.

“I’m loving it here!” he says. “I’ve been teaching dance at the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School, as well as teaching and choreographing for studios in New Jersey.”

He’s also been doing a few performances including dancing for upcoming pop star Killian Wells.  “I’m still waiting for a Broadway audition to come my way, though!” he admits.

Jack says the most exciting experience he’s had in New York – other than celebrating his 21st birthday – was meeting actor Ben Stiller at a film premiere. “My friend and Ben were roommates when they were younger, so we were Ben’s guests that night. I also met actress Famke Janssen and Entourage’s Adrian Grenier!” he says.

As for romance, Jack says it’s “non-existent” at the moment. “I’ve been too focused on actually settling in and finding work,” he explains.

For now, the dancer is planning to stay in New York. “I will always come back to Australia to visit family and friends or for work reasons,” he says. “but New York is where I am based now.”

Kate Wormald (Season 1)

Kate’s wedding to high school sweetheart Michael in May was attended by her SYTYCDA friends. “You couldn’t get anyone off the dance floor!” she laughs. As well as starting motion-capture work on the film Happy Feet 2 , Kate will soon be back on TV in a new Norsca ad.

Rhys Borbridge (Season 1)

Despite having an international hit with his song “Hot Summer”, Rhys is now turning his focus back to dance. he made the final cut in Cirque du Soleil’s recent dancing auditions in Sydney. “My hope is that they’ll send me to Las Vegas for a show called Zumanity,” he says.

Australia’s Got Talent

Smokin’ Joe Robinson (Season 2)

The guitar virtuoso, now 18, is currently performing solo  concerts around Europe. He’ll be coming home to spend Christmas with his family but next year will be back in the US recording another album.”there are so many opportunities over there I need to go and chase,” he says.

Bonnie Anderson (Season 1)

Just 12 when she won Australia’s Got Talent, Bonnie is now 15 and in Year 9. She’s been writing songs, learning piano and guitar and playing some “chilled” gigs in cafes around Melbourne. “I’m hoping to maybe do an EP next year,” she says.

Australia’s Next Top Model

Gemma Sanderson (Season 1)

Season three winner Alice Burdeau is usually touted as the big success story of Australia’s Next Top Model, but Gemma Sanderson is the quiet achiever. Since winning the first season of the show, Gemma, who’s signed to Chic, has been working full time as a model and is currently based in London.

She filmed a TV ad with star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, shot the worldwide cover of Stuff magazine and done catwalk shows for the Victoria Beckham Collection.

“Besides Sydney, London has been my favourite market to work in,” Gemma reports. “The clients are friendlier, less critical, more laidback and welcoming than in New York or Milan. I’ve met some amazing people. Spending the day with Victoria Beckham and flying in a helicopter with her was possibly one of the most surreal experiences of my life, but London is all about doing things you never would anywhere else!”

Jordan Loukas (Season 3)

Despite finishing third in ANTM, Jordan has turned her back on modelling and is now focusing on a career as a TV presenter. “It was such a great place for me to start, but I’m probably not a great model,” she admits. “I’m better when I speak, maybe because I have an opinion.”

As well as doing a presenter’s course at NIDA, Jordan is gaining practical experience as the face of entertainment website The Fix. “I do interviews for them every week,” she says.

She’s also made the top three of the Channel [V] presenter search.

As well, Jordan is about to make her movie debut in the low-budget thriller Next Door To the Velinsky’s. “I’m the main guy’s wife – she cheats on him,” she says. “I’d like to try some more acting but I’m loving presenting right now.”

For the past two years Jordan has been dating another well-know TV face, Burgess Abernethy from H2O Just Add Water .

“My little sister is his biggest fan, so she was stoked,” she laughs.

Eboni Stocks (Season 2)

According to her agent at Scene Model Management, the ANTM winner is currently with her family in Tasmania and is  “not actively pursuing modelling at the moment”.

Cassi Van Den Dungen (Season 5)

The ANTM runner-up, who made headlines by knocking back a contract with Chic in New York, recently signed to Cameron’s Models in Melbourne, but heragent says she’s “press shy”.

Clare Venema (Season 5)

After finishing third, the Adelaide schoolgirl was signed by Chic. She has a major Impulse campaign and is off to Japan or New York to model. “But I wouldn’t mind studying law,” she says.

Project Runway Australia

Helen Manuell (Season 1)

Helen gave birth to her second child in late October this year – and three days later was back at work, overseeing a photo shoot! “Life’s too short to miss out on things,” says the fashion designer and single parent.

Baby Chloe is a sister for Sophie, seven. “I look at Chloe and I think, ‘Thank God I had her’,” Helen says. “It makes it complete. I wanted two girls.”

Since going on Project Runway, Helen has expanded her business, developing a ready-to-wear collection, Helen Manuell, in addition to her couture label, Manuell & Moore.

She couldn’t be happier about the exposure that came with being on the show. “The timing was fantastic,” she says. “Thank God I did it with this economic climate, because we’re just sitting here watching colleagues close their businesses left, right and centre, which is a bit hard. But we’re still going.”

Julie Grbac (Season 1)

Since winning, Juli has launched a second line of clothing and secured stockists across Australia. She also married her fiance, Paul, in a huge ceremony in August this year, attended by several Project Runway  designers. “Married life is great,” she says. “Starting a family? You never know.”

Leigh Buchanan (Season 1)

Leigh has started his own label, making wedding dresses, but is still working for Easton Pearson. “So I have no spare time,” he says. Despite becoming  famous through the show, he’s still “very much” single. “It’s mainly people’s mums that love me, not late-30s eligible bachelors,” he laughs.

Australian Idol

Bobby Flynn (Season 4)

Bobby Flynn says the birth of his daughter Indigo las year was truly life-changing. “I guess it’s a little stereotypical, but it’s the best thing that’s happened to me,” he says. “The important  things come into focus.”

Recently, Bobby was the support act for US singer Toni Childs on her national tour. “She’s a lot of fun,” he reports. He hasn’t been doing much “heavy-duty touring” over the past year, however, spending more time at his Melbourne home with Indigo and his partner Jade. “I’ve just been getting into the rhythm of family life, and working on a new record,” he reveals.

Bobby’s debut album, Out Front  was released early last year, and he’s hoping his new one will be out next year.

“I don’t feel like I have to rush with this one,” he says. ” I’m waiting until the songs are really there. I’ve been working with a few different producers and a heap of different co-writers, just getting it really redefined.”

Chris Murphy (Season 4)

Chris is currently co-hosting an evening radio show in Perth. He’s also working on a duets album, featuring Adam Brand, Hank Marvin – and Courtney Murphy. “I couldn’t do a duets album without singing with my brother,” he laughs.

My Restaurant Rules

Ash Huish and  Amanda Thomas (Season 1)

Season one’s winning restaurant, Perth’s Room Nineteen, closed in 2005. Ash is now working back on the wharf while Amanda looks after the pair’s “gorgeous girls”, Caitlyn, nearly three, and Summer, one. “We may revisit the restaurant industry once they’ve grown up,” Amanda says.

John and Justine Hall (Season 2)

Adelaide’s Greedy Goose was doing so well that the Hall’s opened a second restaurant. “It basically sent us broke,” Justine says. The Greedy Goose shut in March this year and the pair now manage the St Kilda Beach Hotel. They’ve had two daughters since the show – Cicly, three, and Sophie, one.

Evan Hansimikali and Bella Serventi (Season 2)

One of the losing restaurants from season two, on the other hand, is still in operation. Young Sydney duo Evan and Bella relocated Pink Salt in 2006 from its original beachside spot at Manly to its current home at glamorous Double Bay – and the pair are happy to report that it’s flourishing.

Lola Van Vorst From Australia’s Next Top Model To Be in A US Billboard Campaign

Lola Van Vorst who was in this season’s Australia’s Next Top Model will get some good US exposure, as she will appear in a billboard campaign for Chrissy Leighton’s jewellry and accessory range. (Source: Daily Telegraph)

Interviews with This Week Reality TV Winners

With most of the mainstream reality TV shows finishing up this week the winner’s interviews are now online.

Who Mag has an interview with Celebrity Masterchef winner Eamon Sullivan, he says his competative mental toughness made him keep on going in the final when he thought he was out of it from the botched taste test.

I had not realised he was only 24 years old, I thought he was 27, I hope I was not perving on him..

Also Who Mag is an interview with Australian Idol winner Stan Walker.

And Who Mag has an interview with Idol runner up Hayley Warner. Also last week Sony Records signed her.

Adam Lambert The Controversy Continues

The Punch has an article by Australian expat in New York Joel Meares who has a good article about the hypocrisy that occurs when boy on boy choreography occurs. He also thinks the boy on boy action in the performance may have been a way of generating ticket sales, as said in my blog post Adam Lambert the greatest PR Campaign ever to Coincide With An Album Release?

Fremantle Media Going Ahead With The East (Semi-Scripted Reality TV)

An Australian semi scripted reality TV series may be on ours screens next year.

It is understood The East will be a reality show that is structured in a way that replicates a drama. While The East plans to draw inspiration from shows like The Hills, FremantleMedia is not replicating that format.

An article on IF also states:

The series, yet to be green-lit and tentatively called The East, will “follow the journey of young women as they blossom in the Eastern suburbs” according to FremantleMedia director of digital media and alternative programming, Chris Culvenor.

“We are looking at a soft-scripted series, which is in the same sort of vein as The Hills,” he told INSIDEFILM.

“It’s about the twenty somethings that are just about to get that first job, just about to get that first relationship.”

Speculation on who will be in the cast can be seen in here by me, they include Ruby Jacenko, April Pengilly (I think she may have declined), and Paola Cracknell.

Shannon Noll To Do Concerts In Remote Australia

Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll will be performing in remote areas as a part of  Christmas In The Outback Journey on the Indian Pacific. There will also be a free concert at Central Station on December (Source: Daily Tele )