Where to Find Information on How to Be a Contestant on Your Favorite Reality TV Show

If you've ever wanted to be on a reality TV show, you should check out this nicely organized article "Now's your chance to be an 'Idol' or 'Top Model'" on msnbc.com. A group of people pulled together a list of links and information about trying out for the 25 most popular reality shows currently on TV.

Have you ever sat watching one of these shows and questioned the talent and merit of its contestants? Now you really can't complain. If you've ever said "I could do it better," you have no more excuses to stop you from trying out.

Not only is the article informative, it's well-written and entertaining. The author, Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, has a tip for those of you who are interested in applying: read the application very closely. If you don't fill it out completely, correctly, and honestly, your application will be denied. The author also provides links for "tips" for getting on particular shows, like "American Idol" and "Deal or No Deal."

Here's the list of shows (and reasons why I'm not trying out for them):

"American Idol"
I haven't sung competitively since high school. I don't think singing in my car or shower has really prepared me for a career in taking criticism from Simon.

"America's Next Top Model"

I'm definitely too short and fat for their standards. I don't think I'd do well even if I did make it. I'd probably just stare dreamily at Nigel.

"Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader?"

Yes, I do believe that I am. But on national TV, I'd likely get some math question I couldn't answer...like "What's 7x5?"

"Amazing Race"

I just need to find a partner for this one and I'm there. So far, I've been turned down by the people I've asked. L

"The Bachelor"

I'm married. Generally, dating other people does not make for a good marriage.

"Bad Girls Club"

Hmm, this could be fun. But I've seen the show, and most of them are whiny, selfish brats. I would not do well with that.

"Big Brother"

Many people love this show. I can't even stand to watch it, let alone be on it.

"The Biggest Loser"

I only have about 10 pounds to lose, so this would not be a good "fit." Pun intended.

CMT's "Big Redneck Wedding" or "Big Redneck Christmas"

Once again, I'm already married. I do live close to Kentucky, so I suppose I could pull together a redneck Christmas. Don't be offended. I'm just teasing.

"Deal or No Deal"

I love Howie, but I'm just evil enough to go up and shake his hand, give him a big bear hug, then sneeze on him (in case you didn't know, he has mysophobia, the fear of dirt and germs).

With my luck, the last two cases would be for 1 cent and 1 million, and I'd risk it all and end up with a penny (which I suppose I'd deserve if I actually tormented Howie).

"Extreme Makeover"

This is the one with the plastic surgery. While it would be much easier to have my gut removed by liposuction, I'd rather do it the old-fashioned way.

Unfortunately for anyone who does want the plastic surgery, the show has been cancelled again. My advice? Marry rich and dumb; he'll buy your implants.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"

I don't own a home, but I'd love to have them build me one. However, they build the houses for people who truly need and deserve them.

"Hell's Kitchen"

With that dude, it really would be hell.

"Make Me a Supermodel"

I'd have the same issues getting on to this one as I would with "Top Model."

MTV shows other than the "Real World"

Remember the station that used to play music videos? That's right. It was MTV. Now it's filled with a zillion reality shows. They're even accepting applications for audience members who want to be present for the Aug. 18 premiere of "The Hills." I would hope they wouldn't get any applications for something like that, but who am I kidding?!

If you fit into one of these categories, "...young pregnant women, rural friends who want makeovers, late bloomers going on first dates, and sports teams getting ready for a big game," then you're all set. I'm sure they're still casting for their other popular shows, like Road Rules.

"Nashville Star"

Country isn't my top genre, but this is a good show. I'm still not up for attempting to sing professionally and, in turn, making a jackass out of myself.

"Opportunity Knocks"

I didn't know what this show was. It's a new one from ABC. It's a trivia-based game that allows your family to win cash. I'm not really sure how it works, but it's cool that you can do this in the comfort of your own home. They'd probably come to my house when my underwear was scattered all over the floor.

"Project Runway"

I love clothes, but I don't even know how to sew. The last time I used a sewing machine, it was in home economics class. I wasn't good at it and I didn't enjoy it.

"The Real World"

Yeah, if in your world, everybody's a 19-year-old recovering alcoholic with anger management issues with huge, inflated...egos.

"Stand-Up for Diversity"

Fashingbauer Cooper explains that this is not a show, but it gives a diverse group of comedians the opportunity to be seen and heard. I'm not that funny, so I'll sit this one out.

"Supernanny"

I don't have any kids, and the nanny scares me.

"Survivor"

I liked this show in its first season. I never dreamed it would last this long. It doesn't look like a whole lot of fun to me.

VH1 shows

"Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels" is the most visible, but there are others if you're interested. So with this one, are you even vying for his affection or just resigning yourself to be eye candy...or worse?

"What Not to Wear"

I love this show, but I hope I never need their help.

Anyway, if you like any or all of these shows and you want your shot at being on them, check out Gael Fashingbauer Cooper's article and start clicking the application links. If you do make it onto a show, let me know.

P.S. Usually, you have to submit a picture. I suppose if you're just too ugly, they'll throw out your application. (You can't get in based on merit alone.)