The Craigy's Twenty Sixteen!

Live from Craig's Dining Room comes the twenty sixteen Craigy Awards! Can you believe it has been a year already?! I know I can't. We have truly been blessed with some of the television we have recieved over the last twelve months. I like to champion those shows that may not get recognitions they derserve [cough - The Emmys - cough] and also some of my own damn favourites that I would like to give awards to to show my love.  So let's get on to our first category and here to present it is ... the voice in your head whilst you read it.

The Nominees

Love

Orange is the New Black

Stranger Things

Doctor Who

Pretty Little Liars

Scandal

Empire

iZombie

Girls

The Winner

Orange is the New Black

The Nominees

Veep

The Big Bang Theory

Bob's Burgers

New Girl

The Mindy Project

Baby Daddy

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Broad City
Crazy Ex Girlfriend

The Winner

Baby Daddy

The Nominees

Jean-Luc Bilodeau - Baby Daddy

Finn Wolfhard - Stranger Things

Max Greenfield - New Girls

Peter Capaldi - Doctor Who

Jake Johnson - New Girl

Paul Rust  Love

Tituss Burgess - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Simon Helberg - The Big Bang Theory

The Winner

Max Greenfield

New Girl

The Nominees

Lena Dunham - Girls

Winona Ryder - Stranger Things

Abbi Jacobson - Broad City

Gillian Jacobs - Love

Ellie Kemper - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Rachel Bloom - Crazy Ex Girlfriend

Lori Petty - Orange is the New Black

Ilana Glazer - Broad City

Jenna Coleman - Doctor Who

The Winner

Lori Petty

Orange is the New Black

The Nominees

Orange is the New Black

Scandal

Broad City

Doctor Who

Stranger Things

Baby Daddy

The Big Bang Theory

New Girl

The Winner

Stranger Things

The Nominees

Ellen's Design Challenge

The Great British Bake Off

Masterchef US

Ink Master

The Next Food Network Star

The Amazing Race

RuPaul's Drag Race

Big Brother Canada

The Winner

RuPaul's Drag Race

The Nominees

The Bad Girls Club

Catfish

MTV: Suspects

The Real Housewives of New York

Mob Wives

Keeping Up With The Kardashians

Dance Moms

The Real Housewives of Atlanta

The Winner

The Real Housewives of New York

The Nominees

Emma Willis

Arisa Cox

Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins

Caroline Flack

RuPaul

Ant and Dec

Julie Chen

Ryan Seacrest

The Winner

Emma Willis

The Nominees

Bob the Drag Queen - RuPaul's Drag Race

Sonja Morgan - Real Housewives of New York

Kourtney Kardashian - Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Kim Chi - RuPaul's Drag Race

Tiffany Pollard - Celebrity Big Brother

Nadiya Hussain - The Great British Bake Off

Nikki Grahame - Big Brother Canada

Bethenny Frankel - Real Housewives of New York

The Winner

Bob the Drag Queen

RuPaul's Drag Race

The Nominees

Ellen Degeneres

Jimmy Fallon

Seth Meyers

James Corden

Samantha Bee

Graham Norton

Chelsea Handler

The Cast of The Talk 

The Winner

Samantha Bee

The Nominees

American Idol - The Finale

The Brit Awards

Grease Live

Super Bowl Halftime Show

The Oscars

Eurovision

The Winner

Eurovision

The Nominees

Willam

Grace Helbig

Jenna Marbles

Mamrie Hart

Trixie Mattel & Katya Zamolodchikova

Jeffree Star

Hannah Hart

Colleen Ballinger

Drew Monson

The Winner

Trixie Mattel & Katya Zamolodchikova

Congratulations to all the winners!

#RIPChristina

Today was just a normal day; I went to work, did my usual thing and then I took my break. As I do, I checked my social media apps for any news or gossip when I suddenly saw the hashtag R.I.P Christina. This year alone we have lost so many legends, so I had to prepare myself for which Christina it could be. In all honesty I never even considered Christina Grimmie. And why would I? She was a young up and coming star who was only 22 years old. A lot of people we have lost over the last few months were a lot older or were living with some terrible disease, so when I clicked on the hashtag for more details I was floored to see the fallen star's full name. At first I instantly thought about who would create this disgusting joke, it didn't seem believable by any stretch of the imagination. It hit me harder than I could of expected, she was so young.

You can be forgiven for not been too aware of the talent that was Christina Grimmie. I myself discovered her about five years ago on YouTube and became instantly hooked. She was popular for the covers she did of other people's songs, her voice was transcendent. She hit notes one could only dream of, the soul in her voice would bring out emotions and she did it with a style all of her own. She could sing amazingly, play piano like a pro and her personality added this whole other layer to her that when you saw her you couldn't help but like her. She was this mashup of gamer girl aesthetic and diva vocals - something to behold. She later released original music which I actually bought (these were the days before streaming became my number one source for music). I instantly fell for the song 'Liar Liar' on her first record, I knew she was one to watch. I followed her on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and never looked back, I had to be there for when she released new music.

Things started to take off for her, she was selling records, getting millions of views on YouTube and she was even invited to tour with Selena Gomez. As an unsigned artist she auditioned for the US version of The Voice. She blew everyone away on her first audition, no surprise there, and got all four chairs to turn around. She came third out of the thousands of aspiring singers that applied. She became more popular than ever, released more original music and was always on tour.

Then today, May 12th, I found out the horrible news. She died. Some despicable excuse for a human decided to take it upon themselves to end her life. They were able to convince themselves that this is what they had to do, a young woman who has never been the centre of any controversy, never had to apologise for anything she said or did and only supplied entertainment for the world and brought awareness to charities and causes she supported had to die. Right now there is no information on the person who pulled the trigger, I don't know if they had mental health issues, we don't know what happened to make this event unfold. We may never actually know anything because the person killed themselves straight after. After been taken down by Christina's brother he turned the gun on himself. Coward.

My heart goes out to her family and friends, this should never have happened - most obvious sentence I think I have ever written. Her brother should be known as the hero he is, if it wasn't for his quick actions who knows what other devastation the shooter could of created. I read one person compared Christina to Ali, Prince and Bowie saying she wasn't a legend - and they are right. She wasn't, she was cruelly ripped from this world before she got the chance. She was 22. She had so much to do and look forward to, it was all stolen from her. Her many fans around the world know what a special woman she was, what she brought every week on to her YouTube channel and everytime she hit the stage. She was only going to get bigger and better.

As a British person I think I have a similar opinion to a lot of my fellow Brits when it comes to gun control. I can't comprehend how it is a right to bear arms. I don't believe they should be banned as they are some people's only means for security and I get that but my god there needs to stricter guidelines and monitoring. They need to know who they are allowing to hold these weapons, they need to know that the person who is receiving the gun is of sound mind and has the capabilities to keep the gun secure and out the way of other people. In the UK I wouldn't even know where to get a gun from, I don't know how you apply to get one and I don't know when you have the right to use it, if at all. I am not saying stricter gun control would end all gun violence but it has to help the situation, it is rare to hear of gun violence here and yet it seems to be weekly if not more frequently in America - they have to know this.

I don't want Christina to only be known as a victim of poor gun control, but if anything can come from this I hope it is awareness. Christina should be remembered for her flawless vocals, her stellar stage presence, her charity work, her fight for causes and her god given talent she shared with us all.

Rest in peace Christina.

Please enjoy these performances

Wrecking Ball

Titanium

Liar Liar

Who Says

The Six Song Playlist Everyone Needs

I am constantly after new music, I get bored rather quickly. The only problem with this is that I find it hard to find new music for me to love. I wouldn't say I have a criteria, but it does have to move me; either physically or emotionally, all the awards to the songs that can do both. Normally I heavily rely on a friend to introduce me to new music, but this time I went out there and discovered some beauties myself.

Fifth Harmony - Write On Me

I have made it no secret that I love a girl group, Fifth Harmony are killing it right now. They have recently developed into a mature sound with 'Work From Home' and 'Worth It' and I am a huge fan, but for their latest single they took a step back from the thumping bass and delivered a beautiful ballad. On this song you can hear the talents of all five of the girls, Lauren in particular sticks out for me. It is just a beautiful song.

Beyoncé - Freedom

First of all a quick standing ovation for an amazing album, she did it again. It has now been a few weeks since we were gifted 'Lemonade' and my favourites from the album are starting to filter through and are been listened to more than the others. Right now my favourite on the album has to be 'Freedom' - it is stonking tune about just that, Freedom. Kendrick Lamar's verse on it is perfect, Bey's vocals are more raw and husky as she sings about fighting for herself - it is just the most perfect power song. I can't help but get angry whilst listening to it, miming the house down and punching walls. 

Alessia Cara - I'm Yours

Many know this talented singer/songwriter from her breakout hit 'Here' last year. I know I did, and I became intrigued. So onto YouTube I went and searched for a few more songs. I stumbled on to 'I'm Yours' and I haven't looked back. This is such a beautiful love song about letting someone in when you have been damaged by a past relationship. Her vocals are on point and there is a beat in the background that will have you bopping in your computer desk chair (or that could just be me). The video is kind of adorable aswell. 

Bibi Bourelly - Ego

This talented lady has been on the scene for a few minutes and none of us even realised. She has written songs for Rihanna (including the floor filler 'Bitch Better Have My Money') and Selena Gomez, she was featured on a Lil' Wayne song and also an Usher song. Not bad for a 21 year old German lass. She was one of the treasured links on YouTube under the 'Recommended for you' tab, and boy did the viral video gods get it right. Her vocals are stunning, imagine Rihanna and Sia had a vocal baby. Her writing skills are off the charts, I am going to assume english isn't her first language so to me that makes it even more impressive. I really hope big things are on the horizon for her. 

Halsey - Castle

I have been in love with her voice for some time now, her album is stellar and she is growing on me more and more everyday. I was flicking through some trailers on YouTube when I stumbled on the new one for that Huntsman film, and I realised I recognised the music - it was goddamn Halsey! This song had somehow slipped me by on the album, I knew it but I think it was one I skipped in favour of other songs -  I am ashamed of myself. The song has been slightly remixed for the film and it has become even more anthemic (which is what I require from a lot of my music). The video is beautiful and has given me major jaw envy - that might just be my issue. I like this music to play when I am walking anywhere, especially stairs; give it a listen and you will agree. You can't help but raise your chin and slowly walk towards your destination when this song is punching you in your ears. 

Chloe X Halle - Drop

These girls have the biggest stamp of approval any living person could have, they are signed to Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment label. Yes Beyoncé has put her money on these girls. And I can completely see why she has. These young ladies are incredibly talented and unique. Starting out just releasing covers on YouTube, they are now fully fledged artists in their own right. I didn't know what to expect when I clicked on their first original song - I was most pleasantly surprised to discover a modern, slow jam, R'n'B, rap song. They are experimenting with a new sound and I am excited to see what happens next.  

Back On Team Bey

I have been the biggest Beyoncé fan for almost 20 years now, from the second I heard 'Boy I know you want me, I can see it in your eyes' on the amazing single 'No No No' right through to 'Y'all haters corny with that illuminati mess' on the stand up and be counted anthem that is 'Formation'. She has had a very prominent position on my playlist for as long as I have been able to buy music. For me she is The Idol, as a non religious person she is probably as close I will get to having Jesus in my life. Through her professional and personal life she has taught me a lot, she has encouraged individuality, she speaks for those who can't get a word in and she has achieved a standard that can never be beaten - can you even imagine living in a world with a performer that rivals Beyoncé? No, me neither.

As hard as it would be to imagine a time my head hasn't been up her arse, there was. I am shocked aswell. It happened around the time of the self titled 'Beyoncé' album two years ago. Beyoncé kind of changed. We had glimpses of this change on 'Four', but she kind of flipped the script and introduced the world to Yoncé in 2014. Yoncé was much more of a free spirit, she cursed on her songs, she sang about sex and we lost the family friendly songs. A few years ago it would have been unimaginable to conceive Beyoncé 'on her knees' - as a lifelong fan it made me take a step back. I am not a prude by any stretch of the imagination but it was just a little shocking for me to hear her this way. I may have given her the side eye and thought that she was trying too hard. However I don't think ever in music the genres have blended as much, or people have experimented the way they are now. I applaud Beyoncé for the growth in her music, but I just held on to the old days too much. Don't get me wrong I have some favourites on the album - special shout out to 'Heaven' (I will be seriously pissed if someone doesn't suggest this song to be played at my funeral), just as an overall it wasn't my favourite collection she has released.

One week ago the world was suddenly aware of 'Lemonade' in a way we have never experienced it before, what once was a sugary citrus beverage now had a whole other meaning. 'Lemonade' will forever be synonymous with Beyoncé. I FREAKING LOVE THIS ALBUM! Maybe I have grown into a more mature listener, but something about it ticks all the boxes for me. I need a depressing song - check. I need a sad song - check. I need an angry song - check. I need a happy song - check. I need a dance song - check. This album has it all for me. The range of genres on this album is phenomenal, I wouldn't be surprised if she was nominated for a country music award for the song 'Daddy Lessons'. She is playing with her voice more than ever, she even sounds like she is attempting to rap in 'Hold Up'. My favourite song has to be 'Freedom' which features Kendrick Lamar, and one could argue some of her other songs are inspired by Lamar's previous work. Favourite line has to be 'Imma keep  running, cus a winner don't quit on themselves' - put that on a t shirt and I will hand over my notes.

The short film that accompanied the album was just stunning, I had to watch it in two sittings because it was a bit overwhelming. There is a lot going on. I applaud Beyoncé for shining a light on women of colour, they don't get the attention and admiration they deserve in popular culture. It is an emotional experience, I do feel like I want to sit her down and ask her if everything is good. Did Jay Z cheat or is this a whole story concocted for the album. On one hand if it's true then she has harnessed the emotions into a positive outcome and we have been gifted an incredible album. If it isn't true then my days what a story teller Beyoncé is, she has fooled the world in to believing her through words and images.

Underappreciated - Until Now!

There are a hell of a lot of shows on the old tele these days that cater to everybody's needs, after all we are in a new 'Golden Age of Television', so it can be forgiven that some actors and actresses can get looked over once in a while. Well I am here to shine light on five TV stars that I feel don't get the recognition they deserve. I am always a supporter of the underdog or the underappreciated and I think it is time these people were celebrated for their craft.

 Aimee Carrero

She is one fifth of the main cast of the hugely underappreciated TV show 'Young and Hungry'. A comedy shown on Freeform in America, it stars the brilliant Emily Osment as a personal chef to a millionaire playboy in San Francisco. Aimee plays Sofia, who is Emily Osment's character's roommate. She makes me laugh in every scene she does, she is a master of comic timing and over the top reactions. My favourite thing she does is when she gets frustrated or angry and speaks in the third person using her extremely long name and beautiful spanish accent. She is also a great dramatic actress, there are times on the show where we see her vulnerable side that questions her life choices, I do get choked up sometimes. I think there will be big things for Aimee in the future - fyi she was already cast as the voice for the first hispanic Disney princess. 

Bellamy Young

I have said it before and will keep saying it until she gets all the awards she has well and truly earned. Bellamy is a gifted actress, I mean for one she has made me love and want to see more of a character that is actually repulsive at times. She stars as ex-first lady Melody "Mellie" Grant in 'Scandal' - a political drama set in Washington, shown on ABC. She executes this character to perfection, showing a strong woman who takes no bullshit, stands her ground and will not go down without the most brutal of fights. She is powerful when she is on the screen. I only hope I see more and more of Bellamy because she truly is a blessing to watch, she is so believable both in her funny scenes and serious, dark scenes. I love the character, dare I say it, more than I love the main character of the show - Olivia Pope. 

Chelsea Kane

It would be easy to typecast Chelsea as the traditional beautiful blonde woman in any show, but my days does she bring more to the table than that. She is a tremendous comedy actress, and I never use the word tremendous so you know she is something.  She is laugh out loud funny, great comedy timing and reactions. For me she is the star of the show, and this quite a feat because the entire cast is brilliant. I really hope she gets a lot of attention when this amazing comedy gets its untimely end. What I love about Chelsea's style of acting is that she can make me laugh one minute and then completely draw me in to whatever emotional turmoil she is experiencing, I am not so insecure to admit that I have cried with Chelsea's character a few times.

Max Greenfield

'New Girl' for me is one of the most underappreciated shows on TV today. It brings it every single episode, it makes me giggle like the little girl I am and cry like the woman I am becoming. I could have mentioned any actor/actress from this show for this shortlist but I had to give it to Max Greenfield. He is phenomenal as Schmidt, incase you are not aware Schmidt is the roommate to Jess, Nick and Winston and fiancé of Cece. It is hard to even describe the character Max portrays - you just have to watch it. The reason I believe Max should be celebrated is because of expertly he executes this role, it is hard to believe this character exists and then on the other hand it's hard to believe that it is acting. He commits so much to the role that it is incredibly hard to see Max and Schmidt as two different entities. He brings the most laughs to the show and it is high time that he gets the awards.

Troian Bellisario

'Pretty Little Liars' have done an expert job of casting for this suspenseful teen drama, all the main females are believable as their characters and bring so much to the roles that it is hard to separate character from actress. However, I have to tip my hat to one particular actress on this show - and this is of course Troian Bellisario (points to anyone who can tell me how to pronounce her name without being offensive). She plays Spencer, an intelligent, beautiful little liar, on the show. I get so drawn in to Troian's scenes because she is so talented, she can do dramatic, funny, sarcastic - well everything you need from an actress, but she does it with a style all of her own. Apparently the show only has one more season left, but I have heard Troian will be starring in the American version of the fantastic french horror film 'Martyrs' - which I am just chomping at the bit to see, she was perfectly casted and she will get a lot of long deserved attention for her craft. 

My Top 10 Queens from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

The new season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' is well underway and I am really enjoying it so far. This season seems to of gone back to what made it brilliant, season 7 definitely took a small detour and it seemed to be a lot more about fashion and looking like a woman - this season is about entertainment, we have the fashion and beauty but every Queen seems to bring something new.

In honour of 100 Queens stomping down the runway I will introduce you to my top 10 Drag Queens, I haven't included any of the new Queens because it seems a bit too early. I do however have a strong feeling Bob The Drag Queen and Thorgy Thor are going to be something special. Lets get this list on the way.

10. Manila Luzon

She is such a beautiful Queen and she always brought it to the runway, She designed and made all of her looks. Since the show I have fell in love with her even more from seeing her on social media. She is a sweetheart, a true professional and beautiful in and out of drag.

9. Sharon Needles

I didn't know a lot about the drag community when I first watched the show, I thought drag was simply dressing to resemble a girl. Then season 4 came around and in walked Sharon Needles. She was the horror, gore, monster beauty. As I am obsessed with horror you could only imagine my excitement. She really opened my eyes to what drag can be. 

8. Shangela

I never quite understood why some of the girls didn't like her on the show, yes maybe she was a little less experienced and needed a hand every so often - all they had to say was no, they didn't need to assassinate her behind her back. For me an unpolished look is forgivable when there is talent - I mean you can buy a better wig, you can pay for a makeup artist, but talent is from within. Ever since the show I have been keeping up with her and I am always impressed and entertained with everything she does. 

7. Raja

Drag is dressing to resemble a girl, Raja took that and lifted it to a whole other level. Incorporating her fashion knowledge she became a force on the runway. I was always excited to see how she interpreted a brief. My favourite looks would be her Marie Antoinette, Native American and Tribal. This girl can dress and stomp a catwalk like she was born to do it. 

6. Jujubee 

She was robbed not once, but twice for the crown. She is one of the most naturally funny queens to walk into the work room. What I love about her is that she didn't have a gimmick, you will find a comedy queen will have a gimmick that they think will make them funnier. She brought the glamour and the laughs, she wasn't afraid to make a fool of herself. It takes a lot sometimes to physically laugh out loud (at best you will get a chuckle) but she did it multiple times.

5.  Bianca Del Rio

Okay, I know I just made a big thing about Jujubee been a funny Queen, and Bianca is aswell - but she brings a new type of comedy, one I didn't know I needed. Bianca is a hateful comedy Queen. She can destroy you in a second flat, think Joan Rivers with a tan and more glitter than can be found on the floor of a Kesha gig. I both fear and love Bianca, she always brings it and it baffles me how she can spit out her venom so fast. I can't even say my name quickly without stuttering. 

4. Willam

Just like a lot of Queens on my list, she introduced a new type of Queen in to my life. She is a self titled 'professional Queen who doesn't have to show for a dollar'. She has quite the resume before she even stepped in to the work room, she is a professional actress and singer. She didn't come to play. I have fallen more in love with Willam since after the show. I tune into her show on YouTube every week, her music parodies ae insanely brilliant and her shows are something to be seen to be believed (fisting). 

3. Alaska Thunderfuck

I love this woman, she makes me laugh, she leaves me in awe and she is a true artist. On the show she was what you could say unpolished (her first runway look was herself wrapped in blue cellophane), but she grew into her signature look, her big hair, her crazy outfits and her talent shone even brighter. She is definitely one of the girls on the top of my list to see live. 

2. Katya

After giving my heart to too many Queens in the 6 previous seasons I didn't think anyone else could compete, then Katya Zamolodchikova walked in. I love this woman. She is everything I look for in a Queen. Is she funny? Yes. Can she lip sync? Yes. Do she have great fashion? Yes. She is perfection. And now she has multiple shows on YouTube and I look forward to them everyday. If I could be cool enough to be friends with one Queen I think I have my best shot with her.

Notable Mentions

These Queens may not have made my top 10, but during the show and beyond they have kept my attention and I admire them all.

Raven

Trixie Mattel

Miss Fame

Phi Phi O'Hara

Alyssa Edwards

NUMBER ONE

ADORE DELANO

I find it hard to put into words why I loved Adore so much, she wasn't the most polished Queen to walk into the work room, but she made up for it 10 times over with what else she offered. She was endearing, she was loveable, she was both your friend from down the street and the kid you were scared of from around the block. She is the girl you can't have a problem with, she is innocent yet she has the mouth of a sailor and isn't afraid to stand up for herself. 

She inspired me because she was a real human, she had these flaws and she was aware of them on the show, it got her down but she powered through -  and she won challenges, including a sewing competition against a previous Broadway seamstress. She is the epitome of someone who dreamed of something and went for it. Since the show she has had major success with her music career, which includes entering the British charts. She isn't releasing gimmicky songs, she is a bonafide popstar.

Super Women - International Women's Day 2016

In honour of International Women's Day 2016 I thought I would talk about five women that have inspired me, entertained me and who I think are just five amazing people. There are thousands, millions of women to choose from, but I tried to limit it to five women from the world of entertainment that have impacted on me personally.

Beyoncé

I have been a major fan of this woman since the first time I heard 'No No No (Part 2)'. She has been a trailblazer in the music industry for nearly 20 years, she has shown strength in the face of adversity and she goes out and gets what she wants. You think everything in her life was handed to her? No, how wrong you are. She is one of the most hardworking women in the industry; a legion of fans, a discography to rival your favourites, an IMDb page filled with great roles and hands in multiple other pots testify to that. She never shies away from controversy, but she never creates it for petty matters. It is time to get in formation behind this great women and to enjoy the show.  She has taught me to be myself, I don't need to bend to public opinion because whatever you do you will always have people that love you, and those are the only people that matter.

Victoria Beckham

As an original Spice Boy I feel I have the right to talk about my Queen Victoria. I was there from the beginning when she was still Victoria Adams and 'a real lady' ('Wannabe' reference). She has since made the jump from international pop star to fashion darling. It can be quite shallow to say but I really believe she has it all. This isn't said to diminish the work it took, but I look on her with her beautiful children, happy husband and ever growing empire and I can't help but turn green with jealousy. Back when my sexuality was a grey area she was my ultimate crush, she is classy, smart, funny and savvy. I would lay my coat over a puddle for my Queen V. She has always been an inspiration to me because when she made the career swap it could have failed, she worked hard - not to change people's opinions, she worked hard to achieve her dreams and it just so happened that people loved it.

Amy Poehler

Amy was well on her way to the top of her outstanding career way before she was on my radar. I was slightly late to the SNL party and she was on her way out when I fell in love. Then came 'Parks and Recreation', and I don't think it would be naive to say that it was one of the best television shows to grace our screens - a jewel in the new golden age of television's crown we are currently experiencing. Her book (Yes Please) is one of the best memoirs I have ever read and it is filled with great life advice and mantras we should all be saying to ourselves everyday. I still get excited about any project I see her name connected to and I can't see it ever changing - I am shaking with excitement for whatever she does next. There are so many things to learn from Amy but I think she says it best herself; 'There's power in looking silly and not caring that you do'.

Taylor Swift

When I first saw her music video for 'Tim McGraw' way back in 2006 I suddenly fell. There was this young 16 year old women, writing her own songs and spilling her emotions out to the world, I was intrigued from the get go. It was just when I first started getting in to country music, she was the perfect bridge in to the genre as it was easy listening with the country grace that I have come to love. She has since evolved into an international pop star, she made the leap from country to pop with huge success. In a selfish way I am gutted I will never get another country album from her ('Fearless' is still one of my favourite albums of all time) but I am so happy for her and what she has achieved. What I have learnt from her is that you should never give up, people will try and put you in a box but that is what they want, doesn't mean it has to be something you want. 

Lena Dunham

It seems like Lena is in pop culture news a lot lately, just today she has apparently took a stance and decided she never wants to be photoshopped again - she wants to see herself whilst looking at herself. And bravo to her. There is one quality I have always admired about Lena and it is her courage. I don't think it is unfair of me to say, or even that she would disagree, that she doesn't fit the mold of what a TV star normally is. She didn't break the mold, she just took a left and ignored it. People were shocked when she revealed herself on her hit HBO show 'Girls', some people found it weird because it was so rare to see a 'normal' woman in a state of undress, having sex and not just been the 'best friend' or the girl who takes her glasses off to reveal the hot girl she always was. She is unapologetically herself through and through. She sees a problem and she addresses it, I crave her confidence - I am guilty of seeing something and not saying anything. I want her career, I want her bravery, I want her talents and most of all I want to be comfortable just once not to edit my own photos. 

My New Reality

I am a huge reality television junkie. It is often thought of as the lower class of TV but I am here to tell you that whoever thinks that is wrong. I watch a lot of it and I can confidently say it supplies some of the best moments in television history. We get some characters that just can't be written, we get the shock value that some shows can't even fathom and the one liners are endless; these reality stars are the kings and queens of the sound bite.

My history in reality TV is long and varied. Like everyone I started with Big Brother UK, which is when I ventured into the US and Canadian versions. Then I started watching the likes of The Hills and The City on MTV and Keeping Up With The Kardashians on E! This grew into a love of reality shows that followed 'normal' people around, then the world gifted us the "Real Housewives' franchises (I must say I only watched 3 of them, even I can't keep up with all of the cities). I love these shows for the drama and the escape they provide. I also developed a love for the reality/competition hybrids like Project Runway and America's Next Top Model, which has developed into me practically watching any competition show for every industry in the world, whether it be cooking or make-up.

As a gift from me to you I have found new reality shows that need to be celebrated for their greatness (before their untimely demise, which happens a lot in the reality world). Let's go.

The Real Housewives of Potomac

I always said I will only watch three franchises of the 'Real Housewives' brand (New York, Atlanta and New Jersey), but I decided I would try this one out. I started this year so I thought I would get into this one from the word go. It obviously follows the premise of the all the others, I mean if it ain't broke why fix it? This time it is set in Potomac; yep, I have never heard of it either - but this is something they are very proud of it.
Two of the wives have taken the spotlight so far. We have Gizelle, she is a single divorcee with 3 daughters - she has the sass of Nene (Atlanta) and take no shit attitude of Bethenny (New York), she could definitely be the star of this residence. Then we have Karen, she is the epitome of old money and the only wife who seems to be an actual wife. She doesn't take to newcomers and she makes no apologies even if she is in the wrong. She has a stare that could turn my heart to ice.
So far this show has peeked my interest, it has the right amount of drama that it doesn't seem fake - I mean some of the drama is petty but we need that. Also if you're into your drinking games you should take a shot everytime 'etiquette' is mentioned - you will be wasted within the first 10 minutes.

Ellen's Design Challenge

I love anything that Ellen Degeneres does, so of course when she announces she is creating a furniture design program of course I was going to be watching. I would actually watch any competition show that features anything creative, and I have. I am in awe of some of the things that are created on this show, and I never thought I would be so excited over a well executed chair! 

One thing this show is missing is drama, you can tell with some reality competition shows that the cast is half chosen for the fire they may bring, regardless of their talent. This show does not do that. Their competitors are very serious, very hard working and very talented. And I love that about this show, there is no distracting hissy fits here just amazing work. I love a show that I can learn something from, and I honestly believe that given the right tools I may be able to whittle a table leg!

Dance Moms

I am a little late to the party with this one, I have only watched the new season and this is the fifth season. It was already on my radar but I honestly thought I would have no interest in this show. However, my favourite Youtuber (Mamrie Hart) is obsessed with it so I thought I would give it a go - so glad I did. It is is cringe TV. How can these grown women act like this? In front of their kids? They have no filter, they will slam each other's daughters, act like they are this little clique that we are all desperate to get into. Some of their actions are embarrassing, but it is great TV! Abbie Lee (the owner of the dance company) frustrates the crap out of me sometimes, but I understand she is going through some legal issues right now so I'll step back. 

The true stars of this show are the dancers, through all the crap the mothers are putting them through they stay concentrated on what they are doing, they compete and they win. The dance competitions at the end of each episode really showcase the talents of these kids and it is inspiring, really need to work on my alignment. 

Pitch Slapped

A reality television show about competing high school acapella choirs? Yes! This is what our TV schedule was missing. When you see this advertised you just know that I will be the one watching. I enjoy live performances on TV shows, combine them with competitions and drama then you have a hit. This show features two competing school choirs, Stay Tuned from Cherry Hill and Highlands Voices from Allendale. Stay Tuned always come second to Highlands Voices whenever they have competed in the past. 

So now with the help from a guy called Deke Sharon they plan to win the next acapella tournament, Highlands also have a new leader in the shape of Diana Preisler. Deke and Diana are sworn enemies in the acapella world so it's become personal for them to beat the other. 

This show is a lighthearted look at the fierce world of acapella competition, we see tears and triumphs. I am completely absorbed into this show and I cannot wait to see who wins the finale next week (my money is on Stay Tuned). 

Honourable Mention

Mob Wives

I have watched this show from the very beginning, from the first episode I became obsessed with these women and their lives. You think 'Real Housewives of anywhere' has drama? They should find a seat and sit down. These women are actually related to the mob one way or another, so their drama is of the highest calibre (mixed with the petty stuff we come to expect). 'Loyalty', 'Rat' and 'Fuck' are just some of the terms that you will have to get comfortable hearing about a million times an episode. By the way 'loyalty' is the most important thing, a 'Rat' is the scum of the earth who may have cooperated with the police in their time - so don't call someone one without the truth to back it up, don't compare anyone to one and don't judge someone because they may be related to one, and 'Fuck' is used in almost every sentence spoken, it slips in nicely anywhere.

The reason I mention it is because it is on its last season, VH1 have pulled the plug or the ladies have decided to shut it down - I don't know, but I will miss this show. It had everything I could need from a reality show. It definitely taught me some things about the mob I never knew, it entertained me and at times it shocked me. 

Today we lost a great, beautiful woman. Angela "Big Ang" Raiola lost her battle to cancer this morning. She was the runaway star of the show. She supplied the laughs we all need in our lives, she consoled the other women during their hard times and most importantly she was a great woman. She never started an argument on the show, she was the peacekeeper. Credit to how great she is that she is the only star of the show that go their own spin off.

I hate that we were only aware of her for the last few years because of the success of the show, I wish she was on television years ago. She gave us golden moments and she will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Angela.