Reality star search

The local collection of reality TV stars might be growing.

A friend of mine -- who may or may not have an electronics addiction -- told me early this week that a girl from Paducah, Ky., made it onto "The Glee Project," a reality show on Oxygen.

The show auditioned thousands of singers and chose 12 of them to compete on a show for a seven-episode stint on Fox's fiercely popular "Glee." Each week has a theme, assigns the contestants a challenge, records a music video and -- as any good reality TV show will -- sends someone home.

McKynleigh Abraham of Paducah, Ky., secured a spot on the show and has made it into third episode, which airs at 8 p.m. Sunday on Oxygen. She likes roller derby and working with youngsters. She's a sweet country singer who wants to change the world.

But don't think you've missed your chance to shine on a reality show. "American Idol," the godfather of singing competitions, will hold auditions Tuesday in St. Louis for its 11th season.

And if you can't sing but look pretty, "America's Next Top Model" will audition girls between ages 18 and 27 here in Cape Girardeau. For information on the "Idol" or "Top Model" auditions, read our ARTifacts on Page 13A; you'll want to check out the eligibility requirements to be a model contestant.

One of my favorites: "You must not now be a candidate for public office, and if selected as a participant, you must agree not to become a candidate for public office until after the initial broadcast of all programs in which you appear."

No word from Ali Turner, our Victoria's Secret competition finalist, on whether she'll break out her "smize" for the judges.

With all these opportunities, Neal E. Boyd, who won "America's Got Talent" a couple years back, just might get some company.