True Beauty: Vanessa's Blog

Episodes 6 & 7

Hey everyone! Happy be-lated Valentine's Day. I hope you all had lots 
of Love to give and get on V-Day! Sorry I didn't get my blog in for 
Episode 6, so this week will be for Episode 6 and 7. We were working 
on some fun things for the last episode, and also, we did a great 
special on the Tyra Banks show (one of the Executive Producers of True 
Beauty). So tune in Monday Feb 23rd to Tyra, then later that night for 
the Finale of True Beauty on ABC!!!

I will start out by saying... I love Ray! He has a good heart, and his 
mind and soul are in the right place. He's an artist, so he paints his 
life everyday. I feel like he sees each day as a brand new white 
canvas, and that is a beautiful thing. There is something to be said 
for having a fresh new perspective everyday. He's a jokester, a 
thinker, a lover, and a friend... to everyone in the house, and 
everyone he comes across. There is definitely an aura to him. It was a 
crazy week because Cheryl, Nole, and I had no say in the bottom 2 that 
week (Episode 6). That decision was left up to the high school 
volunteers. I will say, the decision surprised me, and got me 
speechless for a moment. I honestly saw Ray making it to the final 
few. But that's why its great to have so many different perspectives 
in the judging process. As for Ray, he has a bright future. As I said, 
Ray is an artist, and his work speaks for itself. There is so much 
beauty that radiates in his work, and you can tell he puts his heart 
into every piece. I recommend you guys checking out his website, and 
you will see for yourself the wonderful things one man can create with 
his inner beauty and talent.

Secondly, Laura might be one of the most fun and Beautiful girls I've 
ever met. She has confidence, and a spark about her. There is a reason 
Billy is drawn to her, she's magnetic. It was hard to let her go in 
Episode 7 because she is another one I saw going to the final few. 
There was just something that we felt was missing, and therefore we 
sent her home. She is very beautiful, and young, so there is NO DOUBT 
in my mind that as Laura grows into an even more Beautiful woman, she 
will come into herself, and accomplish anything she wants. She's 
already got the appeal, and she knows what it takes. I look forward to 
seeing the busy future Laura Leigh will have.

This weeks episode was crazy because we were determining our final 3 
Beautiful People, and it was not an easy job, as you saw. There was 
sooo much going on that never made T.V., so I will try and explain. 
There was a lot of "aggression" or "misdirected passion" we all saw 
from Joel in the prior weeks. He was very vocal about not liking 
Chelsea and, competing, and how he felt about others in the house. But 
I felt that in this challenge, he overcame all that, and was sort of a 
"softer side of himself". So, in my mind, he overcame an obstacle, and 
had an arc to his personality, and showed love and respect to his 
mother. To see the evolution of someone because of what they're going 
through is a powerful thing. Don't get me wrong, it was hard not to 
forget his anger, but we did take into consideration all the weeks, 
and challenges, and inner and outer beauty. I loved meeting Billy's 
dad, and seeing the two of them together, you can tell Billy has 
strong family values, and it shows. His parents have raised a stand up 
guy!!! What I was trying to say on the show was that I wanted to see 
another side to Billy, one that let down his guard, and let us see his 
True Beauty, because I know it's there. I still think he looked 
fantastic, and made a wonderful impression on the judges and guests. 
And he was an absolute pleasure to be around. Therefore, Billy won the 
"Red Carpet Look" challenge.

Julia, was adorable, social, polite, and sweet. I loved that she went for
a unique patterned long dress, and I  loved seeing how happy she was to
have her Mom by her side. Julia is another one, like Billy, that we wanted
to see a little more to. But  that is a lot easier said than done, especially when
you know there  are cameras around, and you are being "judged". So I can't fault 
either of them for not letting their guard down when they are in a challenge with a
ton of strangers. Laura Leigh, the little "smalls",  she to me took my breath away.
I love that she opted for a beautiful up-do that showed her face and features.
I think one of the sweeter  parts of the show was how she never let on to her mom
that she didn't  like the dress at first. She was very respectful, and sweet, and that 
says a lot. She didn't want to hurt her mom's feelings, and in the end  she LOVED the dress,
and how it looked. Like we said, Mom and Dad know best, haha! But we are taking into
consideration so many things. The perfect balance of inner and outer beauty.

We had made our final  scores, and between the three of us, Joel, and Laura scored the 
lowest, leading them to the Hall of Beauty, where Laura went home.

Next week we find a True Beauty, and it was an intense episode. I 
cried, Cheryl cried, Nole held us together, and the final 3 
contestants really shined!!! I am excited to share with the country, 
our first True Beauty, someone who has a perfect balance of both inner 
and outer Beauty... I think you'll be pleased!

Have a Beautiful Day!
Love, Vanessa

Episode 5

This week's show was interesting and entertaining. Cheryl, Nole, and I 
learned soo much about our Beautiful People. As I have said before, 
there is soooo much footage that never makes it on t.v., because there 
isn't enough time to fit it all in. This particular episode had so 
much going on. It was great to see the remaining 6 out in nature. 
There were so many tests that we had set up for them along their hike, 
as we sat in our spy room watching. They were all very cute and 
endearing, and they passed!!! We set up a thirsty hiker on the path 
with her thirsty dog, and everyone offered water! Then we had litter 
on the path, and they picked it up, and lastly, they had to go through an 
undercover hired actor to get their sleeping bags. The guy was 
hilarious. He sat there and gave them a hard time, but no one cracked. 
The reactions on their faces were priceless. I feel that as a group, 
they have come a long way, not even realizing that we are also testing 
them on inner beauty. They seem to be there for each other, and help 
each other out. Even when they decided to have a welcome home party 
for "whomever" was coming home that night.... I think shows so much. 
And what about Billy and Chelsea's dance moves! Pretty good huh!!!

It's hard every week to watch someone go home, but again, the bar is 
raised, and we have 8 weeks and 10 people... only One can be named 
True Beauty. Yes, there is good and bad in all of us... that is what 
makes us human. We make mistakes and live and learn. But one thing that 
Chelsea said when she had to go home this week, was to "stay true to 
yourself". I love that. And it's true. It goes a long way. Chelsea 
is a uniquely wonderful individual. From the moment I met her, she 
looked me directly in the eyes and said hello. And immediately I can 
tell she was processing everything around her, the judges, the house, 
the other contestants. She loves to take it all in and enjoy her 
surroundings. I was very impressed with how gracefully she handled all 
the chaos in the house, especially when it wasn't nice. She held her 
head high, and never started a confrontation. As judges, we made a 
comment about how elegantly she bowed out once we told her she had to 
go home. I respect that. Also, Chelsea is one of the most photogenic 
people in the house. She takes beautiful pictures, and knows what 
works for her. She said she's a model, and from what I saw, she will 
have a good future with lots of work.

One thing I will say to everyone, as this week comes to an end, is 
think about what your going to say before you say it. There are so 
many things that are affected by our actions, and we have to be extra 
careful as to how something may be perceived. Is it hurtful? Is it 
mean? Is it malicious? We all have feelings, and we cry every now and 
then. The next time you might say something that will directly hurt 
someone close to you, think for a minute, because once it comes out... 
you can never take it back.

Have a Beautiful weekend!

Love, Vanessa

Episode 4

I know a lot of people were upset to see C.J. go this week. And let me 
tell you, it wasn't easy deliberating with Cheryl and Nole. As the 
show goes on, the contestants get fewer and fewer, and we really have 
a tough time sending them home. But there is a formula to it, which 
helps, because its up to numbers, and pass/fail challenges. Last week, 
for example, CJ was the captain of the losing team in the "Beauty in 
Motion" photo shoot challenge, so he automatically had to go to the 
Hall of Beauty. If the red team lost, then Joel, their team captain, 
would have been sent to the Hall of Beauty and then be up for elimination.

This week, we had the "Timeless Beauty" photo challenge, and so many 
different things went into that. As judges, we actually got to see all 
the footage of them interacting with their senior partners all day. 
Everything from lunchtime, to wardrobe selection, to directing their 
photo shoots, and choosing a slogan. These were all factors for their 
"inner beauty" score. Once we had the final photos, we looked at a lot 
of things as well; creativity, the connection with their partner, the 
slogan choice, the wardrobe, etc. We do this for EVERY challenge so we 
can have an even playing field... it really is 50/50. We look at the 
combination of inner and outer beauty to find our "True Beauty".

I was sad to see CJ go this week. He was one of my favorites because 
he spoke so eloquently on what makes someone Beautiful. He said it's 
not defined by race, religion, or proportions... and he's right. At 
the end of the episode, CJ said that he was sad to go, but felt good 
about everything. He said he was a "work in progress" and I think that 
was very humble of him to say. To me, CJ has all the ingredients and 
tools to be spectacular. He will be an amazing author, poet, and 
motivational speaker one day. I had a long chat with him after he was 
eliminated, and he had me in tears. He's right, he's a work in 
progress.... but so are ALL of us. We should never get to a point 
where we stop learning, thinking, loving, feeling, or inspiring.

We  all have so much to learn and teach. The 10 Beautiful People who were 
on this show had the rare opportunity to see themselves from a 3rd 
person perspective, and that is a powerful thing. They had an 
opportunity to see things that others may never get to see. What they 
do with that gift is up to them... and there is no doubt in my mind 
that CJ will do something Beautiful with his.

Have a Beautiful Day,

Love, Vanessa

Episode 3

My heart was melting watching Monique cry in episode 3. She really is 
such a fun person. She has a zest for life, and is a born entertainer. 
I really believe she will have an impact somehow in this industry, 
especially with her personality. It's hard because, as the time goes 
on, we have to keep eliminating a person thru covert and overt 
challenges until we find our "True Beauty". All of these contestants 
have their own unique beauty, and sometimes, Cheryl, Nole, and I 
really have a tough time deliberating on who has to go home. But we 
are reminded that they are in a competition and the bar is raised. 

Yes, there are certain situations when you may be sitting on your 
couch watching the show and saying, "Oh, I wouldn't have passed that 
either", but then I hope you see the people who did pass, and how it 
had a positive effect on everyone involved.

Standing there in front of Monique and CJ was hard. CJ seems to 
understand the concept of True Beauty. He even mentioned those words 
at the beginning of episode 3 without us referencing them. We kept 
calling the show "America's Most Beautiful Person" or "Great American 
Beauty". Monique seems to have a truly genuine side to her. She said a 
few things on the show that weren't nice, but I could tell she felt 
bad after she said them. And how many times have WE ALL gotten caught 
up in our surroundings. It's human nature to roll with the crowd, or 
say things and do things you normally wouldn't, just to fit in. I know 
I have. I have also learned my lessons. When I competed for Miss Teen 
USA 1998, I said, "I want to be me, Vanessa Minnillo, a 17 year old 
girl who loved sports, making people laugh, and math". At first, I 
thought I was completely out of my league at the pageant, and I was so 
confused as to how to act: What would they want me to wear? How would 
they want me to answer the questions? Am I standing right in my dress 
or bikini? Then I realized that we are all different, and unique, 
that's what makes us all really Beautiful. I finally decided to do 
everything my way, so that at the end of the day, I had no regrets, 
and no one to blame. Regardless of the outcome, I would always know, 
"Well... at least I was ME!" and "I" could live with that! So, next 
time you feel the urge or peer pressure to fit in, remember to hold 
true to who you are, and what you believe in. Again, I have had 
moments of my own doubt, even after the pageant, where I went along 
with the crowd, and I was humbled by the experiences. I see, even more 
clearly now, that my heart is the best guide. So follow yours, and 
your gut instinct. At least then, you can learn for yourself, and be 
proud that you did... Your Way!

Have a Beautiful Day.

Love, Vanessa

Episode 2

"A True Beauty Moment"... these are the words that inspired me for
my blog this week. I just finished watching Episode 2 with two
friends of mine, Joyce and Matt. I haven't seen them in awhile, and
as soon as I got to Joyce's house they were downloading me on how
they were both inspired, and had "True Beauty Moments" this past
week. I couldn't help but sit and feel a little proud knowing we are
all doing something positive. By we, I mean, everyone involved in
the show, including our front runners, the 10 beautiful people. I
sat in a dark room with my two friends watching this show unfold and
develop into its own. It was so amazing to hear how, even if it was
just my 2 friends, people were being inspired. The example my friend
Joyce gave was how the valet lost her keys for 20 minutes. She
was already late for work, and everyone was yelling at the 
attendant.

She stopped for a moment and looked at this man, who reminded her of
her father, and saw that he was about to cry. She held his arm, 
and said with a smile, "Thank you", as she gave him a big tip. She then
said, "I just had a 'True Beauty Moment'' ...That makes me smile.

This episode was a great one to me because it "truly" shows the
whole philosophy behind the show. And I do want all of you to know
that Cheryl, Nole, and I take everything into consideration when we
make our decisions. Yes, it was wrong what Ashley and CJ did while
they were trying to get their Million Dollar Looks, but I do believe
that in hindsight they both understood what they did was wrong. CJ
spoke so beautifully that night in the Hall of Beauty and it was so
hard for me not to smile at him and say "YES, you are right!
Beauty's both inside and out!". Even though Ashley went home last
night, I believe that she has what it takes!!!! She was one of my
favorites as soon as she stepped out of the car to come to the
house. She had a great smile, beautiful figure, and was warm and
kind to us judges when we met her. Also, the girl can dress! It's
not wasted on me that she was a "team player" and helped Chelsea
with her outfit for the challenge.... I saw it, and now, so did all
of America. When I went to chat with Ashley after the show, she
mentioned how "fashion is her passion", and there is no doubt in my 
mind she has the eye for it. Look out world, Ashley Michaelson
Originals will be coming your way soon! I believe that!

So, as we have come to a close on 2 weeks, I hope everyone sees that
its not just about a "perfect face" (Episode 1) or your "million
dollar look" (Episode 2)...yes those are fun to play into, but I want
us all to look at ourselves and how we act in our daily lives. Think
about the last time you told a fib that might have hurt someone or
something... if you recognize it, and do it differently next time...
you'll feel better about the end result, karma will be in your
favor. I promise!

Have a beautiful day!

Love, Vanessa

Episode 1

Well, the first episode of True Beauty is out! I hope you all enjoyed the show. I was in my bedroom watching it, and sitting on pins and needles wondering how it was all going to come together. I was hoping everyone would be able to laugh as well as come away with something meaningful, and in the end, I hope you did.

Making this show was very emotional for me, believe it or not. It's so hard to imagine how they manage hundreds... maybe even thousands of hours of footage into 8 total 1 hour episodes, but they did. They are creative geniuses (everyone involved in the show). But I also want you to understand that not everything is going to make T.V. I will say this... it is a reality show, so they had cameras on them 24/7, even when they were asleep at night! Cheryl, Nole and I watched them most of the day and night. We got to see their interaction with each other as well as how they came across as individuals. I can honestly say from the bottom of my heart, there is beauty in all 10 of these contestants, and it comes in many shapes, sizes, emotions, and even "face symmetries" as Dr. Palmer proved in episode 1. But sometimes they are looking at all the wrong things that make them beautiful... as do many of us.

The whole philosophy I had behind hosting this show was that the perception of a beautiful person can be changed once their inside is revealed. Have you ever met a really attractive person and then suddenly not like them so much after talking with them? Or visa versa, have you ever met someone who you didn't notice immediately in the room or in a crowd, but after getting to know them you couldn't look away because there was something about them, something beautiful, and it came from their heart. Or.... someone who took your breath away when you saw them and once you got to know them, you found out they were even more beautiful then you could have ever imagined... a True Beauty! I hope every week as you come along with Chery, Nole and I, as well as our "Beautiful People", and you are inspired and entertained. What would you do in a certain situation? How would you react to your peers if you had to live with them and compete against them? Would you make those same choices if you "didn't" know you were being filmed and watched? Try to think of a way today that you can make someone else feel Truly Beautiful, and see how good you feel afterward, I promise, it is a rewarding experience.

And Hadiyyah-lah, our first contestant eliminated, was right, God does have a plan for her. I remembered seeing her get out of the car for the first time at the house, and watching her when we had our fun little swimsuit runway show (that did not make the air), and she has definitely got it goin on... especially in a bikini!!! ;-). I know there will be more in store for her, and I can't wait to see what it is!

Have a Beautiful day!

Love, Vanessa