The Top Ten Reality TV Stars of 2010

Stephanie Modkins
The top ten reality TV stars of 2010 were the ones who captivated the public with their off-air antics. Whether they surprised us with a 'quickie' marriage or adulterous affair, we couldn't stop watching them. Their behavior made for irresistible news headlines that drew out the lookie-loos in us.

#10: Tila Tequila
Tila Tequila continues to rock the Internet and male magazines with sexy photos of herself. Her image has been so huge over the past few years that the producers of MTV even gave her a TV show, A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila. The fact that both men and women were able to pursue her romantically was a twist to this genre. Consequently, her boob-tube appearance only lasted two seasons, but Tila's fame went further through public scandal. One incident that caught the nation's eye in 2010 was the death of her fiancé Casey Johnson. The media questioned whether her engagement was really legit or if Tila merely took advantage of a sick, drug-addicted heiress. Then, there was Casey's dog. Was he to stay with Tila or be buried with his owner? All of this fodder helped this curvaceous siren stay popular and on our minds all year long.

#9: Spencer Pratt
Spencer Pratt is the guy from The Hills people love to hate. His attention whoring, untalented wife (Heidi Montag) and grizzly-Adams appearance annoy everyone. Yet, despite his infamy, he is one of the top ten reality TV stars of 2010. Why? Although anti-fans claim they don't care about his life, any gossip regarding him is gold. For this reason, People and other entertainment venues always keep the public abreast of his latest ventures. Over the past few months, we heard about a dog bite, police arrest, pending divorce and marital reunion. Spencer's drama never seems to end and our (secret) interest never does either.

#8: Kendra Wilkinson
Kendra is probably the only Girl Next Door whose spin-off reality TV show makes sense. On her self-proclaimed hit Kendra, she lets the world see what happens when an ex-companion of Hugh Hefner grows up, weds and has a baby. She's slowed down on the partying, nudity and gawking at men. We don't know what Hank did to her, but the only real dirt that's come out about this playful kitten is an old sex tape that an obviously money hungry ex-boyfriend dug up. Marriage and motherhood obviously agree with her and make for the kind of episodes that young fans don't want to miss.

#7: Heidi Montag
Heidi Montag making the list, as one of the top ten reality stars of 2010 is no surprise. Her relationship with husband Spencer is infamous. For whatever reason, she lets him call the shots and pull the strings of her career like a puppet. Then, a few months ago, she went under the knife and started looking like a real-life one. Her face was shaped into this perfect Barbie doll mask that completely altered her looks. After the unveiling of her new image, the world was in shock - including her mother. No one knew what to think. We just all hoped that her surgery was not the start of an addictive habit that'll turn her into a Joan River's double.

#6: The Situation
The Situation is a Jersey Shore cast member whose muscles and good looks are helping him get rich. Not only is he getting money through his show, he also has a line of merchandise. Because this guy is not just another "dumb" body builder, we all love him. Through an official app, beach game and sports bottle, he's laying a foundation for a long-lasting relationship with the all mighty dollar and a plethora of dedicated fans. Good for him! A decade from now when he starts to get flabby and loose, he'll be glad he spent his youth milking his looks for everything they can bring in.

#5: Ne Ne
What can we say about this Real House Wife of Atlanta except she's a major reason why people actually watch the show. She started off a few seasons ago as the fan favorite due to her seemingly down-to-earth personality. Yet, as time went on, another part of her emerged. Now, in 2010, she's a sassy, classy female who does everything that big celebrities do. She offers fitness tips, guest hosts on cable and gets plastic surgery. Ne Ne is a fixture in pop culture that won't go away. For her good - and her bad - we love her.

#4: Khloe Kardashian
Khloe Kardashian Odom is the only relative of Kim Kardashian who threatens to get more famous than her. Before the onset of their reality TV show, she was only a shadow in her sister's limelight. However, after meeting NBA player Lamar Odom, this all changed. Her romance with him stunned everyone - including her family. Then, when they got engaged only a few weeks after their first date, the attention swayed off of Kim and onto her. No one thought they'd actually get married, but they did. Now, these two are a feature part of Keeping Up With The Kardashians and every gossip rag in America. Will they last? Nobody knows for sure, but we'll be watching to see what happens.

#3: Fantasia Barrino
Remember when American Idol (AI) winners rode off into the sunset and were never heard of again until the release of their CD? AI singer Fantasia Barrino broke this mold. Six years after beating out the competition on this show, this top ten reality TV star of 2010 is still getting attention for her off-air antics. This year, she held up the presses with news of an affair with a married separated man (Antuan Cook) and a subsequent suicide attempt. Consequently, her troubles happened just in time for return of Fantasia for Real. Either her behavior was a well-planned publicity stunt or the kind of fate that ensures high ratings for a season opener.

#2: Snooki
Snooki is the breakout star of The Jersey Shore. Her thick accent, tight clothes and high hair magnetized the masses. Agreeable, other than these aspects, she has no 'real' talent. Yet, this mini diva does have character and influence, which is why she has the number 2 spot of this list. Young girls are still copying her poofy hair and tigress clothes. More than any of her other cast members; she's invited to appear on other TV shows. The final evidence that her persona is on fire was the spoof created by South Park portraying her. Naturally, what they did wasn't very flattering, but nevertheless watched by millions.

#1: Kim Kardashian
Of the top ten realities TV stars of 2010, Kim Kardashian is the most well known. Prior to Keeping Up With the Kardashians, she was the BFF of Paris Hilton and a sex symbol. However, after the advent of her show, she became a household name and a paparazzi magnet. Check any gossip site today and you'll see her mug coupled with the latest story of a current love, new dress or family affair. The public can't get enough of her along with the media.

These reality TV stars are the ones making us surf the Internet and buy cheap rags. They had us laughing, crying and whispering throughout 2010. Hopefully, they'll do the same in 2011.

Published by Stephanie Modkins

Stephanie M. is a freelance writer who lives in the northwest. Her main goal is to write in a way that entertains, educates or uplifts readers.  View profile

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