Asheville Reality TV Stars

With American Idol’s 13th season coming to a close, the name reverberating throughout Asheville is Caleb Johnson. Caleb, a 22 year old Asheville local has wowed the judges and America and is standing in the top 2. Tuesday May 20th will be the final performance for both Caleb and his competition, Jena Irene. Both young individuals have amazing talent, and it’s going to be a tough elimination. The results of who walks away with the record deal will be announced Wednesday, May 21st.

While all the commotion regarding Caleb’s new claim to fame has been building around town for months, Asheville is no stranger to reality television contestants and stars. We dug up a partial list of Asheville natives that have participated in successful reality tv shows.

• In 2010, Chase Rice participated in Survivor Nicaragua – he returned from the show as runner up
• In 2013, Mission hospital employee Dana Davis Blake participated in the first season of Whodunnit
• In 2011, Hannah Mclalwain placed 5th on The Glee Project
• In 2008, Kat Williams participated in America’s Got Talent, where she made it through to the Las Vegas rounds before being eliminated
• In 2006, Kelly Morgan and Nicole Morgan of Hendersonville participated in Family Fear Factor 
• In 2013, Dusty of Weaverville plays on Wheel of Fortune and walks away with $3,000 in winnings
• In 2012, Joe Emison plays hardball on Jeopardy, where he netted 3rd place
• In 2007, UNCA student Megan Schlingman uses her ‘phone a friend’ during her time on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to call one of her former UNCA professors. She walks away with $25,000
• In 2011 local teen Jaime McKay shows an honest depiction of teenage pregnancy on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant
• In 2012, Patrick Darab, an Asheville School graduate  competes on the daring show The X Factor
• Also in 2012, another Asheville School graduate Roy Kim competes on SuperstarK4, where he emerges as winner of season 4
• In 2013, Dr. Laura Ellis of Biltmore Park competes in the daredevil show Neale Bayly Rides: Peru. Dr Ellis recounts her experience of riding to a remote orphanage in Peru to raise funds and awareness

Did you realize how many Asheville locals have competed in reality television shows? Have you ever auditioned or been on a tv show?