Since Women’s History Month is coming to a close, I’d like to embark on one last hurrah by giving two snaps (and one in ‘Z’ formation) to the roaring ladies of reality TV, who inspire our diva-meters to run into overdrive.
Hey, they might not be ending hunger or spreading world peace, but at least they remind us that being fierce is fabulous!
Patti Stanger, Bravo’s ‘The Millionaire Matchmaker,’ pulls out the stops to help her rich (mostly narcissistic and socially awkward) clients find love–but not at the expense of being brutally honest with them.
The third generation matchmaker kicks her clients to the curb if they don’t abide by her club rules, and for some reason, we really like it that way.
Why we dig her: She forces rich folk to see themselves as they really are–not what they’d like to think themselves to be.
Need a re-do on your salon–and your attitude? Then it’s time to tune into Bravo’s ‘Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,’ mate. The Aussie hair stylist extraordinaire sets salon owners and their troubled businesses and staffers straight with commando tough love–without hesitating to get right into your face, if you’re asking for it.
If you can’t cut, color, or style with the right techniques, you better believe her shears will come out.
Why we dig her: She’s the female version of Simon Cowell. Need I say more?
Hit songwriter and ‘American Idol’ judge Kara Dioguardi isn’t Paula Abdul–and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing in our book.
Whether she’s duking it out with guest ‘Idol’ judges like pop star Katy Perry, or with the King of Sting himself, Simon Cowell, this lady offers her own unique substantive advice and keeps her cool while doing so.
Why we dig her: She’s the supportive big sis who’s rooting for your every victory but keeps it real when you’ve goofed.
While we’re accustomed to watching ‘Project Runway’ judge Michael Kors tear into the sartorial creations of designer hopefuls, supermodel and host Heidi Klum keeps her demeanor icy cool through it all, especially when it’s auf’ing time.
Behind her million dollar smile and sweet voice lurks a no-nonsense business woman that has no qualms in telling you when you’re ‘in’ and when you’re ‘out.’
Why we dig her: This blond beauty uses her brains to succeed. And anyone who can manage to wear stilettos effortlessly while being majorly preggars deserves some r-e-s-p-e-c-t.
‘America’s Next Top Model’ host Tyra Banks takes fierceness to a whole new level, and she’s got the ‘smizing’ (i.e. smiling with your eyes) skills to prove it.
She inspires young ladies–both big and small, tall and short–that confidence is a prerequisite to unleashing your true beauty.
Why we dig her: She’s passionate about dismantling society’s standards of beauty.
What’s reality TV without some blood, sweat, and tears? Fitness guru and ‘Biggest Loser’ trainer Jillian Michaels knows how to “exercise” the demons out of her contestants by pushing their emotions and bodies to the brink. (Yelling and expletives included).
And hey, she’ll settle being the baddie to fellow trainer Bob Harper’s ‘goodie’ status, as long as she sees her team members reach a breakthrough. She’s all muscle–and heart.
Why we dig her: Aside from the fact she’s got amazing guns, her authenticity and empathy to change lives make you forget she’s a TV personality.