Former Reality Show Contestants

Austin, it's all ENTIRELY his fault. Fans having your personal information? Being able to talk personally with you whenever they want? That's not right.

I do agree that they put his personal well-being above themselves and loved ones. They protect him more than they do their own children. When someone who you've been talking to for 2 years on a message board and been friends with them and fangirled together and they say that he didn't treat them right and 50 women all gang up on HER and call her a HATER? Wow. It's like I'm embarassed to be a woman. Like everything men say about how women are to other women is true and that hurts.

I don't think throwing all that passion into loving or hating someone is healthy for anyone. Especially when that someone is a 6th place loser on a reality show.

Quote :

I don't think throwing all that passion into loving or hating someone is healthy for anyone. Especially when that someone is a 6th place loser on a reality show.

I think we are all in agreement about that. I can remember when I was a teenager and I "loved" certain bands and would play their albums over and over and maybe fantasize a bit about being one of the guys in the bands' girlfriend. But, it did'nt consume my life. I never wrote letters to anyone. I never sent presents to them either.

I do think some of what we have all experienced with going off the deep end about a reality show contestant that we liked who got voted off the show (perhaps prematurely?) is some kind of a mid-life crisis phenomenon.

Most of the fans I know who got caught up in all this are women in our late thirties to early fifties. Maybe we are all "cougars" who like to prey on much younger men and use them as sex toys. *Just kidding* heh.

Luca, the point is, we loved these guys from AFAR.

Imagine what would have happened if you had DIRECT access to these guys. What would happen? Scary thought, isn't it? Take it further: what if you and EVERYONE WHO FANTASIZED ABOUT HIM had access to your fantasy? What then. Take it even one step further. What if you KNEW your fantasy went looking for fans to sleep with and all it took was a letter and a picture?

Scary thoughts. The reason our other fantasies were just healthy fantasies is because they were unattainable and thus a FANTASY.

I think fantasizing about a star or a singer or whatever is fun. Being fangirly is lots of fun. Talking about how hot a guy is, is fun. When it goes from being a fun fantasy to an obsession to feeling like you have a personal relationship and need to protect that person from anything bad that's ever said about him and rip apart anyone who does, well THAT is when it gets a tad unhealthy.

Wow, I'm learning a lot just by sitting back and reading all these posts! I never participated on any boards of his nor looked any further of his career after Idol was over. I did find him very cute and attractive, but never had any obsession to follow his career. Interesting chatter.

When I was in 8th grade I sent George Harrison a lock of my hair thinking that would move him to come find me.

Where I sent it, who knows, but I did believe he'd receive it and was perplexed that I didn't hear back.

I was a Paul girl in my early life, but I ended up really liking George.
Ah, George. I was so sad when he got sick.

One day when I was little, my day camp bus was driving near JFK airport. All of a sudden the camp counselors started screaming, "It's Paul, it's Paul!' They all ran to one side of the bus. I looked out. I saw a black limo. I could barely see someone inside. But I just can't remember, or just don't know....

That's my whole memory. It seems weird that Paul may have been by himself back in those early days, but I just don't know.

Luca wrote:

I do think some of what we have all experienced with going off the deep end about a reality show contestant that we liked who got voted off the show (perhaps prematurely?) is some kind of a mid-life crisis phenomenon.

Most of the fans I know who got caught up in all this are women in our late thirties to early fifties. Maybe we are all "cougars" who like to prey on much younger men and use them as sex toys. *Just kidding* heh.

It's embarrassing, but yeah, I believe I did fall into that phenomenon. And I think part of it was definitely a good thing. Not giving him the credit, but I look and act younger than I did 2 years ago. I'm thinner, my skin is better, I dress better, and I do more interesting things. And I know it started with watching a stupid TV show. It was the catalyst. So I'm grateful for that. I mean I wasn't a total slug before, but there is a definite difference.

I've never tried to use him as a sex toy though. My husband is my younger man (2 years).

Funny: When I went to NYC in Feb., my DH said, "You can have sex with ANYONE in NY. Except Constantine."

Funnier: A couple of weeks ago, he told me, "You can have a lesbian affair with ANYONE you want, (I don't know WHY he even said that), except Constantine." DH can be strange at times.

austin wrote:

Funny: When I went to NYC in Feb., my DH said, "You can have sex with ANYONE in NY. Except Constantine."

Funnier: A couple of weeks ago, he told me, "You can have a lesbian affair with ANYONE you want, (I don't know WHY he even said that), except Constantine." DH can be strange at times.

I'd say your hubby IS FUNNY!!!!

Austin wrote:

Quote :

It's embarrassing, but yeah, I believe I did fall into that phenomenon. And I think part of it was definitely a good thing. Not giving him the credit, but I look and act younger than I did 2 years ago. I'm thinner, my skin is better, I dress better, and I do more interesting things. And I know it started with watching a stupid TV show. It was the catalyst. So I'm grateful for that. I mean I wasn't a total slug before, but there is a definite difference.

I agree with you Austin, that some of us did get get good things from this mid-life infatuation. It was rejuvenating for me to have a "crush" on someone again and feel like that. I know my husband, co-workers, and my friends thought it was hilarious and "cute". Yes, I am slightly embarrassed that I did get so openly fangirly, but at least it only lasted about 6-8 months in the obsessed mode.

I have met some really interesting people via the internet because of my weird interest in Constantine. That in itself has been worth it!

Fraz! I love your lock of hair story!!!!

It was really quite a let-down for me because I crushed HARD. I did deliver a gift because it felt naughty and fun (hey, I made it all the way into the AI offices!) and yeah, maybe I was too goody-goody when I was younger and this let out the fun side of me I didn't ever set free with abandon at that time.

I finally did get to meet my big high school fangirl crush (that lasted much longer than my C crush) and it was wonderful and respectful.

Sky, you would not BELIEVE what this guy has done. It would boggle your mind. However, if it meant meeting my Frazz then it was all worth it.

Well, I NEVER crushed as hard on "him" as Clay and that has a lot to do with Clay's charity work. His heart and dedication to children with disabilities and his work with Unicef touch me deeply. I guess because children have been my life for 18 years. Humor, wit, intelligence, kindness, and love for children are what makes a man sexy and appealing to me. After AI I saw VERY little of those qualities in Con. In fact he just seemed sleazy and I lost interest. Most all of the posters I became friends with came as a result of the Rockstar thread and my move to a "non-fan" board. I am very grated to Con for these friends he brought into my life.

I am going to put this here since so few go to Clay's thread - Say what you want about Clay fans, but what they donate to his causes amazing me. Clay has spent the last week working as Unicef Ambassador in Afganistan (I will be putting beautiful pix in Clay's thread) anyway, last night Clay posted info about his trip and the need for the children there and especially for schools. His hope was to raise $100,000 in ten days. In 24 hours Clay fans have donated $75,000 and it is expected that the $100,000 will be reached by tomorrow. This has happened several times before. I think Clay has some pretty amazing fans. It's a shame most of us have to be lumped in with the OTT, which most of us aren't. I have never written an email or letter, called a DJ, wore a T-Shirt, traveled to multi-concerts and so on. I have however donated to charity more in the last 4 years than all the other years of my life put together. So Clay and his fans have helped make me a better person in that way. Sadly, unlike Austin I have gained weight instead of losing it

I will however go all Clay Aiken fan on the likes of people like Perez Hilton if they ever do anything that prevents that sweet man from being able to work for and with the children he is dedicated to. That I couldn't handle. So yeah, I get pretty defensive about that crap. OMG, I cannot believe that as I typed the name PH he shows up on my TV!!! On that "Identity" game show. How weird is that??

Now, come on Green Eyez, spill - who was your HS celebrity crush that you got to meet and how did you meet him???!!!!

FC, that IS weird.

Look, here's what happens with ANY group: the most fanatical are who become representative of the whole. They're the most vocal so they get the most press, etc. We know logically it's not indicative of the ENTIRE fan base.

So, I'm not talking about the Perez Hiltons or whatever, I'm talking about the people who FORBID YOU from saying you don't like (insert idol's name here) haircut. That it makes you a non-fan and a HATER. I'm not just talking in Clay's group. Like I said, I've been on other fan sites where my post is edited and, let's face it, I'm outspoken, but I know how they are so I REALLY toned it down and still came back an our later to find I'd been edited.

My mom is a Claymate and Clay makes her happy. I feel he's a positive role model and the fact that women do good things in his name is awesome! If you're gonna be a pied piper, better you should be a do-gooder than a David Koresh.

OK...OK... damn...here goes...

Not sure who that is Steve Perry maybe?

Oh, I know you were not just talking about Clay fans. I just wanted to talk about all the good that they do, something that doesn't get talked about anywhere near as much as the emails and calls to DJs. It's nice that Clay makes your mom happy. Is she on any message boards? Wouldn't be funny if she was on a board I was on

Hey,

She joined the fan club (oh, we've been arguing. Do you have to pay dues every year?) and I got a nifty big ol' sleep t-shirt outta the deal.

She has MS and it's started to affect her hands, so she doesn't type, but does read up and watch all the clips and stuff. She spends much time in bed so the internet keeps her in touch and gets her all the Clay news she needs.

Yep, it's SP. Me: front row. I never sat further than the 6th row. We shared a "moment" from the stage that I will never ever ever forget. Pure magic.

Yo dawg, you know I saw him perform with Randy Jackson all clad in spandex.

Ah Perry. One of the most beautiful male voices of all time. Such power and passion. So nice that you got to share a special moment. Yo Dawg - so was Randy all hawt in person??????????????

I did sorta have a special moment with one of my early crushes. Barry Gibb. Not at a concert, but in a court room in downtown Chicago. The Gibbs were being sued by some moron who claimed they stole one of his songs. One of my best friend's sister worked at the courthouse and got me in to sit right by the defendants' table. I also got to sit next to a big time Chicago newsman. Barry looked over at me (he could probably hear my heart pounding). We locked eyes for about 3 seconds. Big wow no? But I was very excited. He was extremely handsome in person. So was Morris. Robin was unique looking. When I saw them in concert I didn't have good seats.

Sorry to hear that your mom is dealing with health issues. We're having a tough time with my dad's problems right now. I'm glad that she gets to keep up with Clay via the internet. Be sure that she gets to see the pix I put in Clay's thread of his Unicef trip to Afganistan. I will include her in my prayers.

Yo Dawg...I'd like to tell you Randy was sa-MO-kin', but frankly, well, my eyes were glued to a certain nice ass, so I can't tell you. My intense starting paid off with my special moment. I was dancing, swaying back and forth. He turned around, our eyes met, and he swayed with me, our eyes locked together. Greatest. Concert. Moment. EVER.

Thanks for saying that about his voice. He IS known as "the voice" which is a high compliment indeed. I know Clay likes him because he sang "Open Arms" in concert. Also? At the concert, I had stepped out and my mom was talking to this lady and she said how I was looking forward to Clay singing "Open Arms". Now, you have to understand, we're in this handicap box and there's only a couple of other people there. The lady my mom was talking to ran an SP message board. Funny, right?

Small world sometimes that's for sure! Yes, in fact the first song Clay sang on AI was Open Arms. It's one of my very fave Journey songs. I bought the Album that song was on. I had a few of their LPs. As much as I love Clay's voice, that song will always belong to Steve Perry. No one can sing it like SP.

firecracker wrote:

Small world sometimes that's for sure! Yes, in fact the first song Clay sang on AI was Open Arms. It's one of my very fave Journey songs. I bought the Album that song was on. I had a few of their LPs. As much as I love Clay's voice, that song will always belong to Steve Perry. No one can sing it like SP.

See what you did there? Now I have to like you for life.

Quote :

I do think some of what we have all experienced with going off the deep end about a reality show contestant that we liked who got voted off the show (perhaps prematurely?) is some kind of a mid-life crisis phenomenon.

The trick is to realize it's just fun and not make it the center of your life. Frankly, my favorite part of the whole thing has just been chatting with people on message boards, which is why I'm so glad Frazzle did this.

That's what gets me abrahammy, the people who have made it the center of their lives. Sad and scary at the same time.

Green Eyez, that is the hottest photo I have ever seen of SP!!!!!
That must have been a "moment" indeed to make eye contact in the first row and sway together... gives me fangirl chills!

I guess once a fangirl at heart, always a fangirl...

Luca, thanks!

Yeah, it's just something that comes over you. It's really hard to stop. You try to deny it, but you've really just gotta let it run its course. I was a teenager, so it was very appropriate. I can't imagine what would have happened if I had the internet back then!

Like Abrahammy and I have said, it's when the guy becomes more important than taking care of your own family and you start to take it all so seriously, that's when you've gotta do a small re-evaluation.

Quote :

Frankly, my favorite part of the whole thing has just been chatting with people on message boards, which is why I'm so glad Frazzle did this.

Me, too. That has the most fun for me. "meeting" new people.

Whatever Happened to Steve Perry? I used to love him. He disappeared.

aerwin wrote:

Whatever Happened to Steve Perry? I used to love him. He disappeared.

Well, he was getting ready for a tour when his hip gave out. While he was deciding what to do, the band decided to strike while the iron was hot and go on tour, so they fired him from the band. He WAS the band.

I think Neal (1 of the 2 founding members left-the guitarist) had been itching to fire him for some time. Perry was very devastated. He almost didn't show up when they got their star the Hwd Walk of Fame, but he went and smiled for photos.

They've had a couple of lead singers who do an imitation, but you can't imitate Steve Perry.

I think he may be working on something solo at the moment.