Sarasota's 2008 Reality TV Stars

In American Idol, Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars and Gladiator

May 27, 2008

Four Sarasota residents have become reality TV stars this season. Meet the Floridians on American Gladiators, American Idol, Big Brother 9 and Dancing with the Stars.

Thanks to the 2007-2008 writers’ strike, reality TV kept Americans entertained this winter and spring television season and four Sarasota residents have been welcomed into living rooms across the country. These almost-ordinary Floridians have appeared in NBC’s American Gladiators, Fox’s American Idol, CBS’s Big Brother 9 and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Meet Sarasota’s 2008 reality TV stars.

De was a contender on the May 26 episode of NBC’s American Gladiators. The 29-year-old mom of two displayed her strength and endurance during the 90-minute show hosted by Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali. The 5’3,” 119 pound blond held her own during the Tilt competition, a tug-of-war over water on platforms, and managed to toss the 6’1,” 205 pound American Gladiator Hellga into the water. But, it wasn’t enough for the Sarasota resident to win. De’s competitor, Tiffaney Florentine, ended up being the winning contender.

Out of thousands of wannabe pop stars who auditioned for Season Seven of Fox’s American Idol, Syesha made it to the final three and was the last female eliminated from the competition. The 21-year-old made her Sarasota hometown proud. During the American Idol Hometown Visit in May, Syesha received the Medallion of Excellence from the State of Florida, the highest honor a citizen can receive. Proclamations and praise were also given by the City of Bradenton, the City of Sarasota and Sarasota County. Syesha rocked out a concert at the Ringling Museum of Art and afterwards, the mayor of Sarasota (and former student circus performer), Lou Ann Palmer, showed her enthusiasm for the American Idol hopeful with three handstands.

Sarasota’s 2008 Reality TV Star in Big Brother 9: “Crazy” James Zinkand

Pink, Mohawk-haired James attended school in Sarasota and prior to entering the CBS Big Brother House on February 12, the 21-year-old HouseGuest was bicycling around the world on $100. Unlike the other 15 HouseGuests, James was voted out of the Big Brother House twice, once on Day 35 in the house and finally on Day 63. (On Day 35 in a typical Big Brother twist, CBS gave HouseGuests the option of letting James return or let a previously evicted houseguest return.) Although James did not win Big Brother 9 and the $500,000 prize, he won $25,000 for being voted “America’s Favorite Juror.”

Tennis champion Monica Seles was already a star before she fox-trotted and mamboed on Season Six of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Although the 34-year-old has shown the world her fancy footwork on the tennis court, America and the Dancing with the Stars judges weren't in love with her dance moves. Monica was eliminated after the second round of dances on March 25. That’s alright; she’s still a favorite star in Sarasota.

Who Will Be the Next Reality TV Star from Sarasota?

Each television season, hundreds, if not thousands, of ordinary Americans live their 15 minutes of fame on reality TV. Appearing on American Gladiators, American Idol, Big Brother 9 and Dancing with the Stars, 2008 seems to be the year for Sarasota residents. Who’ll be next?

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