Welcome to Billy's True Beauty Blog
Billy will be writing a blog post each Tuesday after the reality show “True Beauty” airs on ABC on Monday nights. Jeffrey is one of 10 contestants on the show which judges people on their physical and (unbeknownst to them) inner beauty.
True Beauty episode No. 8 - "The Final Episode"
2/24/09
Well hello once again, this is Billy Jeffrey and welcome to my eighth and final “True Beauty” blog.
First off, if you watched episode No. 8, the final episode last night, Thank You! “True Beauty” was one of the hottest shows on television. Over 10 million viewers are tuned in each week to catch the drama of my housemates and I and we are all very thankful you’re there with us.
I have received thousands of e-mails, MySpace and Facebook messages and text messages from people here in the valley and around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative. Many of you have have visited my GNC store to meet me in person and I can’t tell you how much fun that is for me.
It’s 1:27 a.m. and once again I am writing to you from Los Angeles. I just got back from a little spot on the Sunset Strip, where people from production and I watched the final episode just blocks away from where it all began - where 10 people from all over the country began a journey called “True Beauty.”
First, I have to tell you about Sunday night. The Oscars are the biggest night in Hollywood and I was right in the middle of it. Pre- and post-award show parties, red carpets and shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest names in show business, and I was actually “supposed” to be there this time.
What a feeling to be around such talented and gifted people that began their career with a dream. A dream to be an entertainer, the same dream I have had since the sixth grade. People you all know were actually coming up to me saying, “Billy, right? From True Beauty? We really hope you win. We can’t wait for tomorrow night!”
Monday began with mixed emotions, but that doesn’t even begin to describe what I felt. How did I get into such an amazing experience? How did I make it all the way to the final episode? I can’t believe that it’s all ending.
I don’t have to fill in gaps this time. To be honest, for the first time in this experience, what actually happened is exactly what you saw in Monday night’s episode. This was by far the best of the eight episodes and it was all “right.”
I’ll be honest: I have never been driven by money. It has never been the focal point of my life and never will be. Throughout the competition I never really thought of the $100,000, probably because I never thought I would make it that far. A few times though, I did catch myself wondering how that money would break down…
$100,000 (winnings)
$40,000 (game show tax)
$10,000 (goes to God)
$10,000 (goes to charity)
After paying off some bills etc., that leaves less than $20,000 dollars. Now don’t get me wrong, that’s a great chunk of change, but I’m not going to be rich, you know what I mean? So the money was never the motivation.
You see, it’s no secret I have been dreaming of Hollywood for a long time. But what most people don’t know is, I have also been buying the Most Beautiful People issue of People magazine for years. I used to dream what it would be like to be chosen and placed in a category unmatched by any other on planet earth.
To be honest, being interviewed by the editor of People magazine, Jess Cagle, and even to be in the running for the issue was such an honor. To come so close to the magazine that I’ve seen on the newsstands around the world and not make it, is heartbreaking.
But like I said, if you look at the bigger picture, I just don’t see how I could have possibly lost last night. I am walking away from “True Beauty” with much more than cash and a title; I think we all are. I’m walking away with an experience that has given me so much more than I gave to it.
To Joel Rush, my trash talkin’ reality TV best friend, thank you for not only the shirt off your back literally, but being there every step of the way. I don’t have to say any more, you know you’re the man - just ask you! Ha ha, I love you bro.
As for Julia, the judges picked the “True Beauty” without a doubt. My description of Julia could last for hours, but since it’s 4:41 a.m., I’ll give you this. She is, and will be, one of the most caring, most loving, most energetic and most beautiful people I will have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my lifetime.
One story I have never told until now is that after we found the “spy room” I went upstairs smiling all the way. Smiling, because I knew finally the “nice person” would finish first. All these years of wanting validation for being what I thought to be a good person, I was going to be there for it. But, I knew it wasn’t going to be me.
As the final night in the house began to wind down and Julia sat on her bed, I sat down next to her and whispered, “Sleep soundly Julia, tomorrow you’re going to win it.” After a hug and a smile back, I still don’t think she believed me, but the rest is now reality TV history.
I can’t describe the feeling of knowing that I will be able to check in from time to time and live through her success as she begins her new journey. I called Julia shortly after the episode ended tonight and although I won’t tell you what was said, I have a special place in my heart for that girl.
As another chapter of my life begins, I can’t tell you how fun it’s been writing these blogs and sharing my thoughts and experiences with all of you. I can only hope you have learned a few lessons along the way as my housemates and I have. The first is that I am living proof that almost anything can happen - if you set “goals.”
To my critics over the years, and you know who you are, you have mocked me, made fun of me and even went as far as starting vicious rumors about me. I hope this show gave you some insight on me as a person and what I’m about.
Pay special attention to the fact that although I knew most of my housemates were doing the same as you have, I did not say one negative thing about anyone. That’s just not me and it never will be. You see, your hatred toward me only motivates me to be a better person and a better man.
Thank you ABC, Ashton and Tyra, Michael, Lisa, Shelia and Denise for the opportunity to be a part of this project and something so special. I hope someday I can repay the favor, although I don’t see how.
To the judges Cheryl, Nole’ and Vanessa: Thank you, thank you for so many lessons learned. Since I was a kid, people have always said to me, “You’ve got something.” Well, you were the first three people ever to tell me, “You’re missing something.” Thank you for helping me find “confidence,” the missing piece of my puzzle. Sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I love you guys.
To my housemates: Hadiyyah-Lah, Ashley, Monique, CJ, Chelsea, Ray, Laura, Joel and Julia, a sincere thank you. Each one of you has made an impact on my life, some very positive and some very negative. We will be a part of each other’s lives forever and although it’s sad but true, some of us will most likely never be friends. As hard as that is for me to say, I wish you all the very best.
A special thanks to everyone that has been there for me. My family, my friends, my teachers, my classmates, my coaches, my pastors, my employees, my customers, my Chippendale family, friends and fans, all the “True Beauty” cast, crew (who worked the hardest) and fans, the media, the city of Lewiston, the state of Idaho, the great Northwest and everyone in between. I can only hope you are proud of what kind of man I am becoming and what kind of “True Beauty” I will be.
What’s next? Only time will tell. What’s for sure is this, I am still the small town kid from Idaho. You see, the show isn’t over for Billy Jeffrey, it’s finally just begun.
Did you miss episode No. 8? Remember, “True Beauty” is available online www.abc.com.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
Play the video below to see what I had to say after the final episode...
COMMENTS
Connie (Horizon Air Lewiston) and Patty (Hairdresser in Lewiston) just wanted to tell you that we think you are the True Beauty. We really enjoyed the show and never missed an episode. We were really upset that you didn't win, but were really proud of you on how you accepted it and also so very proud of how you handled yourself through out the entire show..... no one could have represented the valley any better. We look forward to seeing what comes next for you and wish youl the best of luck on your many new adventures.
Wow, what an amazing blog to end with Billy! Some day I hope you will still be in People's Most Beautiful Issue! You are such a kind person and absolutely gorgeous. I think it's awesome you would give part of your money to God also. You are truly beautiful! ~ Jenny
I live in Clarkston and have followed the “True Beauty” program.
I just want to say thanks for making our valley proud.
You and Julia were the only “true” beauties on the show.
Good luck in everything you do from here… Jeri L. W.
"True Beauty" had my daughters and I hooked from the first episode, and even though it was on too late at night for us to watch it on television, we would catch the episodes on-line. To be honest, we thought it was going to be between you and Julia, with Julia being the ultimate winner (sorry!).
It's been a delight to read your blog and get an insider's point of view, and this show has taught my daughters why I stress manners and character above all else. They're beautiful enough to have competed against each other for Homecoming Princess, but nice enough that they split the votes from the non-popular kids (unfortunately, with the split, it meant that a cheerleader won).
Good luck with pursuing your dreams, and take care - Tracy
Rock on Billy. You have my vote. You did great. Looking forward to
what's next.
Randy
THIS is the very reason I was so disappointed that the judges chose Joel over you for second place. Everything you've written about this last episode and those that impacted your life and experiences related to this show. THIS is what makes you so very beautiful both inside and out - you are truly a gorgeous MAN. Now, say something ignorant, PLEASE, so my hubby doesn't get jealous. lol God bless and keep you always! - Erica
Billy,
Congratulations!!! It was so very special to meet you and spend time with the contestants and you in NYC. I truly enjoyed it and Ashley speaks very highly of you also.
PS - I still think you look more handsome in person. All of you do and I must say all the contestants are truly so very nice and sweet.
Good luck in your future.
Sue (Ashley's mom and family)
Billy,
Congratulations on making it as far as you did with "True Beauty"!!! THE FINAL THREE - How exciting :) I also truly think that you should have won, but I know that at any rate, it was no doubt a great experience, and that this is just the beginning... There were many times in watching the show, that I knew were either edited, or appeared to be something else than what was intended, because I know you (somewhat anyway :), and I know that you are one of the nicest, down to earth guys I know. And I hear that from other people all the time too!
"To Joel Rush, my trash talkin’ reality TV best friend, thank you for not only the shirt off your back literally, but being there every step of the way. I don’t have to say any more, you know you’re the man - just ask you! Ha ha, I love you bro." <-- I honestly laughed out loud!!! That was FUNNY =)
Danna
True Beauty episode No. 7 - "A Visit from Dad "
2/16/09
Welcome to my seventh “True Beauty” blog. First off, if you watched episode No. 7 Monday night, thank you! “True Beauty” is one of the hottest shows on television. Over 10 million viewers are tuning in each week to catch the drama of my housemates and I and we are all very thankful your there with us.
I have received thousands of e-mails, MySpace and Facebook messages and text messages from people here in the valley and around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative. Many have you have visited my GNC store to meet me in person and I can’t tell you much fun that is for me.
I am writing this from Los Angeles where I was called in from New York for interviews and appearances. As my new career begins, I can’t tell you how fun it’s been writing these blogs and sharing my thoughts and experiences with all of you.
I want to apologize for the delay in my blog this week, but I’m sure you can imagine why. This episode was one of the most exciting and most painful and disappointing for me personally.
On one hand, you have the excitement and joy of my dad making his Hollywood debut with me. On the other hand the girl who had become my friend and confidant in the house told you all it was just a game.
The surprise of our parents being in the show was something I have to describe. When Vanessa announced that we would be paired up with a date for our “red carpet” event, we had no idea what was about to happen, especially me.
As the first, second and third mom came walking through the curtain I felt so excited for the other contestants. Seeing the joy in their faces was truly priceless. When Vanessa got to me I’ll be honest, I knew my mom wasn’t coming out from behind the curtain.
You see my mom is deathly afraid of flying and instantly my mind went racing on who it would be. My first thought was that my younger sister would be the obvious choice to appear from behind the curtain. Then as I prepared to meet my sister at her eye level, out walks my dad.
What made it such a great experience for me were a number of things. The first, my dad is the most honest, hard working and kindest man I have ever met. In my 31 years on this earth I have never once heard a negative word about my dad, even from people that would be considered his enemies.
As the challenge began it was a weird feeling for me as my dad and I stood by and watched the moms get pampered up. They were having such a great time and although we weren’t really a part of it, our time to shine was just ahead.
The challenge: Working the room, meeting people and making a good first impression. Like I said in the interview room, this wasn’t even a challenge for my dad and I.
I love people, always have. I have always had a general interest in who you are, where you’re from and what you’re about. This has to come from somewhere and it comes from my dad. He never forgets a face, never forgets a name, and I mean never.
That night I believe we all did a great job working the room with our parent. But, on this night my dad and I would be crowned the winners. It was tough to hear the criticism that Vanessa and Ashton’s mom had for me.
“He’s a vitamin salesman.” I guess telling people where you’re from and what you do for a living when they ask is “selling.” Ashton’s mom is new to the panel, so I can see how she was maybe “coached” in her debut as a judge.
Vanessa on the other hand, as I sat here in L.A. Monday night watching you talk about me, all I could think was - after all this time, you still don’t know me at all. Nevertheless, Nole, Cheryl and the rest of the people there noticed what some couldn’t figure out after weeks.
I have received hundreds of messages since last night, asking if I am mad or upset at Laura for saying the things she said. The answer is no, I’m disappointed. Disappointed that I thought, for that time in the house, I had found someone to trust, someone that was honest. I guess I was wrong. I found her once we got out.
I’m not going to tell you what was said between us on the phone Monday night. All I’m going to say is that Laura was upset. I will say though that through this experience Laura and I have become even better friends. It’s funny how life sometimes takes you through lessons - imagine if you were learning them on reality TV.
So, this is it, the final three. Next Monday night is the final episode of “True Beauty.” I have mixed emotions about that. On one hand this has been such a great experience and on the other I’m ready to see what’s next for Billy Jeffrey - won’t you join me?
Tune in Monday, Feb. 23, for the final episode of “True Beauty.” When Julia, Joel and myself compete one more time for $100,000 and our picture in People Magazine.
Also before Monday’s show, on the 23rd, check out “The Tyra Banks Show,” for a “True Beauty” reunion you don’t want to miss!
Did you miss episode No. 7? Remember, “True Beauty” is available online at www.abc.com
True Beauty” airs on Mondays on ABC. Check your local listings.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
COMMENTS
Hey, Billy:
Yep, I’m still hangin’ with you and the housemates, and I’m holding my breath for next week’s finale – although I think you’ve already cinched it. That’s just me...experience as a viewer has taught me that NOTHING is a “sure thing” when it comes to ‘reality TV.’ Glad to hear that you and Laura still reconnected after what happened last episode. Once she said what she did on-camera, I just knew that she was pretty much toast on her way to the “Hall of Beauty.” And the comments from all these people about your “schtick” - “Oh, well, he’s a vitamin salesman.” And Joel talking about how you were “all supplements”, while his body was just the result of ‘hard work.’
PLLLLLEASE!!!
As someone who’s fought the “Battle of the Bulge” for years and is still fighting it, I know how important nutrition and supplementation is, and how it has always helped me more than hurt me when I followed the rules to the letter. So many of these comments come from either misinformation, inexperience, immaturity, insecurity or a deadly combination of all of the above. Well, I hope you know what a great example you are for people of a “certain age” who don’t think that what you have achieved for yourself is possible for them, present company included. It sure as hell doesn’t mean I intend to stop trying to get there anyway. We don’t know each other at all, but I have sure been proud of you sticking to your guns and being yourself in spite of the way this show has tried to reflect you and others in the funhouse mirrors of “the reality world.” And I hope it gets you the grand prize.
I was especially touched by the opportunity you got to have with your dad. It’s always a little painful for me to see things like that, since my own father and I were not exactly close, even towards the end of his life. Good on you for still having that kind of bond.
Well, I don’t want to write a book here, but hopefully if you are still working in Vegas or wherever, we will have a chance to cross paths someday and you can reveal some of your fitness secrets to an avid fan. Keep on rockin’ it, man!
Sam G.
True Beauty episode No. 6 - "The Fitness Test"
2/11/09
Hello once again everyone, this is Billy Jeffrey and welcome to my sixth “True Beauty” blog. First off, if you watched episode six last night, thank you! “True Beauty” is one of the hottest shows on television. Over 10 million viewers are tuning in each week to catch the drama of my housemates and I and we are all very thankful you’re there with us.
I have received thousands of e-mails, MySpace and Facebook messages and text messages from people here in the valley and around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative. Many have you have visited my GNC store to meet me in person and I can’t tell you much fun that is for me.
To all of you who came out to meet Laura Leigh this past weekend in Lewiston, she would like to send you a sincere thank you! She fell in love with our little town and Lewiston fell in love with her.
I am once again coming to you this morning from Times Square in New York City. Laura and I landed last night just in time for the show to start, as we watched this episode with the entire cast of “True Beauty” minus Joel whose flight landed just after midnight.
As the show gets closer to the end, things professionally have really picked up for me. The phone has been ringing and my dreams are starting to come true. This morning was my first fitness photo shoot for some magazines to be announced. I am in my room now getting ready to tape a nationally syndicated talk show to be announced.
This episode was simply one of the most frustrating for me personally. We worked so hard that day: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, a one mile run and finished with an obstacle course … all for nothing! I consider my self in pretty good shape, but that day wasn’t easy for anyone, especially Laura and Ray.
Before we get into that, how about those teenagers right! They were great! What a twist to have them judge us that day. We all had a great time hanging with them and it brought back a lot of memories for me personally about how far I have come and where it all started.
As far as Laura is concerned, as she told America last night, she simply doesn’t work out. Laura is 21 and right now, with her modeling and nursing school, working out just isn’t a priority.
Ray on the other hand has a different story. Ray is trained in martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but there is a story ABC chose not to air, one that I think everyone should know.
You see, just over a year ago Ray was in a very serious car accident in Costa Rica. He was traveling with his brother when a truck came into their lane and ran them off the road.
In the accident, Ray’s leg was shattered and he was driven over seven hours to the nearest hospital where he could be attended to. Since then, Ray has miraculously made a great recovery, but the five-mile hike in week five and now a one-mile run in week six took their toll.
It was very sad to see “All the way Ray” go home. What an impact he made on us in the house and the viewers at home. Ray was the guy that always had a joke or a comment to make me smile.
As I mentioned in my previous blog, the show has not told you that Ray is deadly with a pencil and paper. He is one of the most gifted artists I have ever seen. If you need anything sketched or drawn, you need to go to www.rayseitz.com. You will be glad you did.
Will I make it another week? Tune in Monday, Feb. 16, when episode 7 of “True Beauty” airs on ABC.
Did you miss episode 6? Remember, True Beauty is available online at www.abc.com.
True Beauty” airs on Mondays on ABC. Check your local listings.
If you missed a previous episode, you can watch them on-line here.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
True Beauty episode No. 5 - "The Murse"
2/2/09
Well hello once again, this is Billy Jeffrey and welcome to my fifth “True Beauty” blog post.
First off, if you watched episode No. 5 last night, thank you! “True Beauty” is one of the hottest shows on television. Over 10 million viewers are tuning in each week to catch the drama of my housemates and I and we are all very thankful you’re there with us.
I have received thousands of e-mails, MySpace and Facebook messages and text messages from people around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative. Many of you have visited my GNC store to meet me in person and I can’t tell you how much fun that is for me.
My life has literally changed overnight, again! Sorry for the delay in my blog today. I began my day at 5 a.m. with 30 radio interviews from New Jersey all the way to Idaho and everywhere in between.
This episode was by far the funniest so far in my book. I have never laughed so hard in my life. It all began when I came home from the “Hall of Beauty.” I had no idea what a “Goth” party was and what I was going to come home to, and what a party it was. I looked hilarious with that make-up on, more like a deranged pirate that had lost my ship!
The dance off between Chelsea and I was priceless. It was also a chance to show some Chippendale moves that I had kept secret from my housemates. It was fun to also let my “bad boy” side out even though I’m not very good at it.
Murse (Man/Purse): a bag carried by a man, for such things as an iPod, plane tickets, protein bars and vitamin packs. Yes, I have a murse and yes, I like having a murse. Enough said. lol!
The show has not told you that Ray is deadly with a pencil and paper. He is one of the most gifted artists I have ever seen. If you need anything sketched or drawn you need to go to www.rayseitz.com; you will be glad you did.
That is why I called Ray out on his art box. Please remember, people: We are in a competition. The little spat between Ray and I lasted less than 5 minutes. “All the way Ray,” I nicknamed him later that night because this guy loves to be naked. He had us laughing from sun up to sun down every single day.
What a difference a week makes. From worst to first — that’s how reality TV rolls my friends. Going into this challenge I felt good because Dave, the owner of Organi-kare, and I really hit it off. I felt a connection to Dave and where he wanted to take his company.
He has many of the same views that I have with my GNC store. Bring the customer the highest quality product at the most affordable price and do it with great customer service every time. To be honest, it was an easy challenge for me because I pretended I was talking about my own store.
I still to this moment don’t know how that camera work of mine ended up looking so terrible. Those water spots were not on the playback when we picked Joel’s best “take.” I texted Joel last night during the show and told him I still feel bad about that. He called me back today and we laughed hysterically over it.
I said it before and I will say it again, Chelsea is hilarious. I know there are some “Chelsea Haters” out there and all I have to say is, I don’t know if I have ever met someone so animated and so entertaining while just being themselves in my entire life.
I have been sticking up for Chelsea since day one and although she was talking crap about me, I still love her to death. After last night’s episode I talked to Chelsea for over an hour. I told her what I told everyone would happen, “You are going to win America back,” and I think she did. Her speech in the Hall of Beauty was truthful, passionate, and from the heart, and it gave you the missing pieces of Chelsea Bush.
Chelsea is a very gifted singer/songwriter and we have all seen how well she photographs. You have not seen the last of Chelsea Bush I can promise you.
P.S. Look out everyone, Laura Leigh is landing in at the Lewiston airport this Saturday to meet everyone!
Will I make it another week? Tune in Monday, Feb. 9, when episode No. 6 of “True Beauty” airs on ABC. Did you miss episode 5? Remember, True Beauty is available online www.abc.com
True Beauty” airs on Mondays on ABC. Check your local listings.
If you missed a previous episode, you can watch them on-line here.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
True Beauty episode No. 4 - "Senior Love"
1/26/09
I’m going to keep this short. I haven’t slept at all and I’m sick to my stomach about how CJ and I were both portrayed on last night’s episode.
I will first address the fact that spending time with the select group of seniors was truly a blessing. Robert and the other seniors were so fun and full of life. That day gave me such a great outlook on the years to come before they get here.
Second, I have wracked my brain like many of you out there from the second that happened to try and find a “real” reason why CJ was sent home.
It is obvious to see that, although CJ had a hard exterior at times, I believe it wasn’t his time to go. He “got it,” because he has “it,” CJ Miller has “True Beauty.”
On the subject of CJ and I, I want to make something crystal clear. In no way did I ever mean to disrespect CJ Miller. In my invitation to CJ to hang out with the group in the pool, I used the word “family” and directly after that, “boy.” When I said the word 'family', I was referring to our 'reality TV family', and when I said the word 'boy', I was referring to CJ being 'my boy'; as in, 'my friend'.
As you can see from Monday night’s episode, they made a direct effort to show that we had all been having fun calling each other Boy, Coach, K.I.D., Player, etc., while in the house. But, after watching the show tonight, I can easily see that anyone could have been offended by it.
If I have offended anyone who watched the episode last night I am deeply and truly sorry. Yet, I can assure you, there was nothing else behind it but a joking remark.
In fact, if you were there, it was exactly the opposite. I reached out to CJ numerous times to build a friendship, because I realized CJ’s outlook on life was very similar to mine.
CJ is a very unique and gifted writer, trust me, you haven’t read or seen the last of CJ Miller.
Will I make it another week?
True Beauty” airs on Mondays on ABC. Check your local listings.
If you missed a previous episode, you can watch them on-line here.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
True Beauty episode No. 3 - "The Wardrobe Woman "
1/21/09
Welcome once again to my True Beauty Blog making this No. 3. I would like to thank everyone for tuning in. I have now received thousands of texts, emails, myspace and facebook messages and I continue to enjoy your thoughts on the show.
I have to apologize for my tardiness in my blog. I am writing this directly from Time Square in New York City, as last night Ashly, Laura Leigh, Monique and I, viewed the episode with friends at the W hotel.
I will be in New York all this week for interviews, appearances and meetings as things in my life start to heat up. But last night it was really fun getting back with some of the cast to watch an episode and experience it together.
What an episode it was. Oh how fast things can change in the world of “reality tv.” Now I’m not allowed to talk about editing at all and I won’t, but last night was both hilarious and disappointing for me personally.
On one hand, I loved the challenge itself, and on the other hand, it was a difficult one to grasp. I failed, lol, it’s so funny seeing me fail miserably in that challenge.
Its disappointing because although she (the actress) was having a “bad day” we were still in a professional environment. Everyone that knows me knows I believe in leaving personal out of the workplace.
I failed the challenge and all I can say is that I was compassionate, but not to the point I should have been. That is no excuse for my actions, compassion doesn’t pick good and bad days, and I consider it a lesson learned.
Toga, toga, toga - wow, it’s been since college that I attended a toga party and what a party it was. Funny, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the sixth grade or in your 30th’s, the game Truth or Dare, brings out the “f” in fun.
The “lap dance” that Laura gave me still has us laughing. Laura and I have had a chance to spend time together here in New York, what a sweet girl. The “lap dance” I can assure you was good, clean, innocent fun.
Then it happened. A reality TV moment that will be on highlight reels for at least the next 10 years. Ray Seitz, that is his name, but that night we met the rest of him, lol.
Monique, all I can say is it was just too soon. I have also been spending time with Monique here in New York and she is such a beautiful person inside and out. I wish her the very best, even though she doesn’t need it.
Will I make it another week?
Tune in Monday January 26th to find out!
If you missed a previous episode, you can watch them on-line here.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
True Beauty episode No. 2 - "The Million Dollar Look"
1/12/09
Welcome to my second “True Beauty” blog. First off, if you watched episode No. 2 last night, Thank You! “True Beauty” is one of the hottest shows on television. Over 10 million viewers tuned in last week to catch the drama of my house mates and I and we are all very thankful you’re there with us.
I have received hundreds of emails, myspace and facebook messages and text messages from people here in the valley and around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative.
Wow, what a difference being on a reality TV show makes…lol. My life has literally changed overnight. Sorry for the delay in my blog today, I began my day with 30 radio interviews from New Jersey all the way to Idaho and everywhere in between.
This episode started with the ever so popular Chelsea Bush once again, being Chelsea. I’m telling you out there, Chelsea is hilarious. I know there are some “Chelsea Haters” out there and all I have to say is, I don’t know if I have ever met someone so animated and so entertaining while just being themselves in my entire life.
Chelsea did an impression of me that had me laughing most of the night. In the house, I would often make protein shakes for my fellow house mates for breakfast. It was easy to see last night, that Chelsea wasn’t really down with protein and couldn’t really understand my excitement with my daily routine. Chelsea, you’re hilarious!
So, the lovely Vanessa enters the room and gives us this week’s challenge. We were challenged to shop on Melrose Avenue and find the “Million Dollar” look. The catch, we were in teams of three and we only had $100.
On my team was Julia and Laura Leigh. I was very confident in my team’s ability to do well at this challenge. These girls are so hot and personable and that’s what we were going to need going in to this challenge.
Keep in mind though, although we had to stick with our team, we were being judge individually. If you know me, you know I’m a team player and of course I went at it with my team in mind. If you haven’t been to Melrose before it is a great shopping area with some of the best thrift stores you will find anywhere and the new clothing isn’t too bad either.
Well, as the teams began their strategy, so did I. My plan was very simple, put myself in the position of the store manager or owner - what if someone walked into my GNC store, cameras and all, and asked me for vitamins with no money - how would I react? What would convince me these people were for real?
So I devised a plan, we were going to pick one store and spend our time “building a relationship.” I knew the other teams would be going from store to store asking for “free stuff.” I wanted to find out who the store owner or manager was and build his or her trust. I didn’t want to ask for the clothes for free, but to “borrow” them. I promised the owner I would send back the clothing when the challenge was completed.
Although this plan was a good start I needed a back-up plan just in case. So, I had the girls grab their driver’s licenses before we left the house without the other teams knowing. This, I believe, was the icing on the cake.
The store was called Showtime, and if you ever have a chance to get there, do it. The selection was unreal and the service was awesome. Thank you once again to Showtime and their staff, they truly made it happen.
So, I get a great sport coat, the girls get two fabulous dresses and we were pretty much set, except of course, the girls needed shoes…lol. We found two great guys that bought the girls shoes and our “Million Dollar” looks were complete.
Keep in mind, I had no idea the other team was lying about a charity to get money and they even named it! Remember, I haven’t seen the episodes so when you are at home watching it, I am also seeing it for the first time. To be honest, that was tough to watch.
As I was getting dressed, paying attention paid off. I had been watching Nole, the fashion expert and judge, from the beginning - what he wears and how he wears it. I had a few small things that I had picked up on, one being “the tuck.”
I have more than 200 text messages on my phone right now that say, “THE TUCK IS BACK…lol.” Second, you never see Nole without a handkerchief in his pocket, a lesson he calls “Fashion 101.” Well, being from Idaho, I had to learn fast, and I did.
I have to take a second to tell you the scene CJ made backstage. He wasn’t able to buy or obtain shoes during the challenge so he didn’t have any. The fuss he made about not going down the stairs - well, a bit over exaggerated but, if you were there, you would have seen those stairs did have some serious metal points sticking up.
I was so nervous going up there for the runway fashion show. I haven’t been on a runway since high school when I was part of “Teen Board” modeling at our city’s little shopping center!
To my astonishment, I actually win the damn thing. Trust me when I say this, I about fell over, $5,000, I was speechless. I said thank you and took my price tag, turned it around and held it under my arm so as not to boast. I saved it as a souvenir and have it in my “True Beauty” memory box at home.
So, after the fashion show CJ and Ashley end up in the bottom two and they head to the Hall of Beauty. I’ll be honest, I was sure CJ was going to be eliminated due to his lack of participation, respect for the judges and respect for the competition. But, I also didn’t know that Ashley had pulled the charity scam and that Chelsea and CJ had backed out after feelings of guilt.
It was sad to see Ashley go, I really didn’t have a chance to get to know her, but what I do know is she is a sweet girl and is going to do some big things out there. If you have a chance to run into Ashley, this girl will only make your day a brighter one.
On a side note: I have been asked repeatedly over the last few hours if I really sent the clothes back to Showtime. Not only did I send the clothes back, I also wrote a hand-written letter thanking them for everything and gave them my contact information. At this time I have not received a response.
I also obtained the addresses of the two guys that so generously bought the shoes for the girls, and a girl on the street that gave us a pair of her earrings. I also wrote letters to these people thanking them for their kindness and mailed checks to the two gentlemen for the amount they spent on the shoes.
Will I make it another week? Tune in Monday, Jan. 19th, when episode No. 3 of “True Beauty” airs on ABC.
Did you miss episode No. 2? Remember, True Beauty replays the current episode on Saturday nights at 10pm.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards
Billy talks “True Beauty” — 1/5/09
The Premiere...
Well hello, this is Billy Jeffrey and welcome to my first “True Beauty” blog. First off, if you watched the first episode last night, Thank You! I have received hundreds of emails, myspace and facebook messages and text messages from people here in the valley and around the world and I want you to all know I really appreciate your feedback — positive or negative.
The first episode was pretty much what I thought it was going to be, fast! The opening scene with the luxury cars — I can’t tell you how much fun that was riding in a Lamborghini for the first time. Walking into that party I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect or do for that matter except, well, be myself.
Many of you have been asking me about meeting my competition face to face and my first impression, which was, “Wow, these girls are hot.” Laura Leigh and I seem to hit it off early and I have my work cut out for me with the guys.
I can’t tell you how much footage was actually cut that I thought would be in the first episode. The only complaint I had about the first episode was that it was edited in a way that it made it seem like I said I was voted the “best looking” in high school, which simply isn’t true (I was voted best dressed — lol).
The “challenge” was very surreal. We walk into a doctor’s office and he measures us for beauty? Yeah, right! I wasn’t for or against the doctor’s views because I didn’t know enough about the procedure to make an educated comment. Obviously CJ thought he did. Keep in mind the doctor was real and that is his actual job. Nurse Debbie, on the other hand, was a hired actor.
So, Joel and I win the competition with a “beauty score” of 95. Hadiyyah-Lah and Chelsea end up with what the doctor describes as the lowest scores. At this point, remember, we have no idea on what we are “really” being judged on.
I felt Chelsea did a great job keeping her cool. Hadiyyah-Lah’s reaction was both emotional and disappointing for me, and her, I’m sure. All I can say is I have gotten to know Hadiyyah-Lah outside of the house and she is a very sweet person. She just didn’t handle that situation to the best of her personality.
Tune in Monday, Jan. 12, when episode 2 of “True Beauty” airs on ABC.
What are your thoughts? Submit your thoughts on this blog!
Visit the ABC True Beauty Message Boards