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. 

The 2016 Grammys - My Fashion Review

What is described as the biggest night in music, is also one of the biggest nights in fashion. We get to see our favourite stars of music and screen combine to celebrate the songs that have been littering our airwaves. I always look forward to the Grammy's red carpet because it is supposed to be the time when we see our faves show off - whether it be a crazy look or basically a 'look at how much money I have' look. This year though (much like last year) I was disappointed. It was boring to say the least. However as I do, I have picked some of the looks that caught my eye and I am here to judge them. Small disclaimer - I am not judging the individual, just simply their choice of outfit. Let's go ...

Kacey Musgraves wearing Armani Prive
One can be naive in assuming a country star wouldn't show up looking so stunning, how wrong you narrowed people are. She is living proof that just because she sings about trailers and dime stores doesn't mean she can't turn heads for all the right reasons. When looking at fashion for the Grammys I don't have a checklist as such, I just want to be excited - she did that. The violet and blue hues look rich and sumptuous and the texture is really interesting. It is fitted to perfection and hits the floor just right. I actually like the hairstyle but you know what I am not afraid for it to of been bigger.

Zendaya wearing DSquared2
This girl knows to rock a red carpet, she isn't afraid of bold fashion choices and she is one star I always look out for. At age 19 she is incredibly self aware. She knows what looks good and she makes no apologies if you don't understand it. First thing first let us talk about the hair - she has made mullets cool again, I don't know for how long, but this small space in time I am one call away from my barber. I love a woman in a suit, there is something so sexy and cool about it, she shows strength mixed with femininity - and it is tailored to perfection. I personally can't wait to see what she wears for the Oscars (especially after last years hoohaa).

Ellie Goulding wearing Stella McCartney
This just looks so effortless and cool, but I can imagine it was anything but that. Her tousled hair is a great juxtaposition to the streamline cut of the dress. This could've easily looked like a pink sack but it is cut and shaped to her amazing body just right. I really enjoy the mix and match-ness of the jewellry as well, it just emphasizes her passiveness when it comes to what a fashion critic may say. It all works for me, she has never looked more beautiful in my eyes.

Demi Lovato wearing Norisol Ferrari
Demi I love her, she is my number one. But what is this? She looks so much older than she is, she is singing about having confidence and yet this looks like she has none at all. I don't want to be nasty because I truly love this woman, I like elements of this outfit. I appreciate the body jewellery, that is a nice surprise. Plus the hair looks amazing - I have missed the long hair Demi! She just overall looks a bit meh! This is the Grammy's, we all know she has it in her to stun us - maybe if this dress was sleeveless or something - I don't know, she has done better before. For one second though let's step away from fashion - how fucking amazing was she during the Lionel Richie tribute???!!! Best vocal of the night.

Adele wearing Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci
I don't know. Does she look beautiful? Yes. Is it a well fitted dress? Yes. Does her body look slammin? Yes. Is her new bob beautiful? Yes. It is so boring though!! I don't really like the where the skirt starts on this dress, it looks a bit full right on the stomach. Of course she is wearing black, I feel her because black is also my favourite colour of clothing too. Those little slits on the shoulders do nothing for the dress, looks like an afterthought - it doesn't add anything or take anything away, they are just there. I want Adele to have her big fashion moment, and I am getting impatient. Her performance, regardless of the technical issues, was just beautiful though.

Ciara wearing Alexandre Vauthier 
Yes! Yes! Yes! This is what I want, a fashion risk! This could have bombed tremendously or become a moment. I think it was a moment! With a body like hers, that it is obvious she works hard for, she should show it off. It is sculptured by the gods. My favourite part of this whole look though is the hair, it is styled beautifully. It is simply just a low pony with a few strands pulled out - gorgeous. The makeup was tastefully done because let's face it, the star of this look is the dress. The slit right up in there, the body suit, the low cut front - tick tick tick, she won. If I had to be picky, and I have been accused of being picky in the past, is that I don't love the print. Who cares though, she isn't gonna lose any sleep over my opinions.

Selena Gomez wearing Calvin Klein
Stunning girl, beautiful, talented but I am bored with this look. There was no umph - was she trying to let Taylor have the moment? I don't know. There is no obvious wow factor. I think she needs to dress to resemble how special she is. There isn't a lot more for me to say really. I love this girl and I want her to reach new fashion levels.

Janelle Monae wearing Jean Paul Gaultier
Girls find a seat, sit down, take out your note book and get a pen that works. This is an education in how to do the Grammys! I am not saying to copy her look, copy her bravery. Stand out from the crowd without looking like a fool, know what colours suit you and push boundaries! Janelle I salute you, you never fail to please me on the red carpets of the world. This look is slightly cookie compared to previous looks so some people may give a slight side eye when she walks by, but nethertheless you're looking at her! She is art.

Taylor Swift wearing Versace 
I have been a Swifty since 'Tim McGraw' and 'Teardrops on my Guitar', I was pushing for people to listen to her in this country before they even knew what a Taylor Swift was. I was, and still am, a huge fan! I have followed her career for close to ten years now. I just had to say that so people know that I am coming from a place of love. I hate this look. I really don't get it. It cheapens her so much, I can appreciate the simplicity of the outfit. I don't like the colours, they are so jarring. I was so disappointed and I really don't ever want to be with her because I never have been. She is a phenomenal performer and songwriter, she has inspired me and millions others. I just hope this isn't a sign of things to come - LET ME STYLE YOU TAYLOR! If I can be a bit sketchy for a second though - her body is banging!

Please Come Back!

I have a hard time of letting go. When a certain musical act comes into my life, and rocks the crap out of it, I want them to stay forever. However they decide for some reason or another to just abandon me. I know they may have personal issues, management issues or bigger dreams - but how dare they! You can't delight me and then disappoint me; that is not how it works. I invest a lot of time into listening to music, it has taken me a lifetime to perfect the unskippable playlist.

Call me selfish, but I want more. I need more. They create this magic and I don't think it is unreasonable of me to want them to make more, they have it in them and I believe in them. So it is now 2016 and I would like to put forward the six individual acts I would love to make a comeback, in fact don't even call it a comeback - call it the next phase of their brilliance.

Michelle Branch
Last Single - 'Loud Music' released June 10, 2011
Last Full Album - 'Hotel Paper' released June 24, 2003
I know she has released 2 EPs since 'Hotel Paper' but I need more. I want a full album, with music videos and a tour. Since her last full release she has had a family. She has had a life outside of music and that's all great but please come back!! I need her beautiful voice breathing new music into my life.

Stacie Orrico
Last Single - 'So Simple' released January 26, 2007
Last Full Album - 'Beautiful Awakening' released August 14, 2006
Where did she go? What happened? She released three great albums, songs that sung for a generation and then poof nothing. Having a quick stalking session I can see she has released an EP in 2014 on Soundcloud - thanks for letting me know Stacie! Now I need the full album and a tour thank you very much.

Avril Lavigne
Last Single - 'Fly' (Charity Single for The Special Olympics) released April 16, 2015
Last Full Album - 'Avril Lavigne' released November 1, 2013
I feel kind of bad for demanding new music from her, we all know about her recent health issues and I wish her nothing but the best. For selfish reasons I really want to hear new stuff from her. She is a gifted songwriter and a beautiful singer in my eyes. She should be back on top where she belongs and teach these other wannabes how it is done.

Vanessa Carlton
Last Single - 'House of Seven Swords' released October 2015
Last Full Album - 'Liberman' released October 23, 2015
Okay, so it wasn't until I started to research where she was that I realised that she released some stuff recently (really need to get on the ball more). However I still want a 2016 comeback - a comeback of the Vanessa I loved. I want piano ballads and pop hits again. I guess she has grown and developed as an artist and I still love her - I just can't let go of '1000 Miles' and 'White Houses'.

N-Dubz
Last Single - 'Morning Star' released March 14, 2011
Last Full Album - 'Love.Live.Life' released November 29, 2010 
Scoff at me, turn your nose up, I don't care. I loved this group so much! My guilty pleasure. They had a sound all of their own and they did all on their own. There is a respect that they deserve because they were a completely self made band. They paid for their own music videos, they produced/wrote all their own stuff and paid for distribution. They never apologised because they worked hard to create their sound. After all the trouble they have gone through in their lives it is time to go back to their roots. These guys need to get back in the studio together again, dust off the blueprints of their original success and start all over. I would love to hear a new N-Dubz song!

The Saturdays
Last Single - 'What Are You Waiting For?' released August 10, 2014
Last Full Album - 'Living for the Weekend' released October 14 2013
I called it as soon as they took their break - they weren't coming back soon. It has been nearly 2 dark years. They are all distracted with their solo projects that they haven't even discussed a comeback. I am going to be 40 and be surprised to see The Saturdays 20 Year Reunion Special on TV somewhere aren't I? Since they have left us behind Little Mix and Fifth Harmony have taken the reins (I ain't mad), The Saturdays will get forgotten about by a lot of folk - not me - if they don't do something soon!