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| Cast for Survivor Redemption Island |
We know there are two tribes, Omepepe and Zapatera, and we know that whoever is voted off each week will not be sent home, but rather to "redemption island" where they will have an opportunity to compete for a chance to get back in the game. The contestants range in age from 19 to 52 and include two attorneys, one law student, a nurse, a firefighter, a Fabio lookalike, a former marine, a farmer, and a former NFL player. Here are the official photos and bios of the first sixteen contestants:
Andrea
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Random Lake, Wis.
Occupation: Student (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point)
Personal Claim to Fame: Paying for my own college education and making the DeanÂ’s list every semester.
Inspiration in Life: My parents are my inspiration because they are hard-working, down-to-earth and both have a great sense of humor.
Hobbies: Sports, theater, horseback riding, hunting and outdoor activities.
Pet Peeves: "Girly-girls" and electric staplers.
3 Words to Describe You: Hard-working, competitive and outgoing.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Perhaps a mixture of J.T. because he is hard-working and has a farm background and Parvati because she's competitive and knows how to have fun, but I'm also very unique.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I crave adventures. I also want to prove how tough I am.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Growing up on a farm and being a member of the 4-H club has made me both outdoorsy and resourceful. I'm also mentally tough and a bit of a social butterfly. I love being challenged and can handle the pressure.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: People will underestimate me based on my looks, but I am tremendously competitive and driven. I'm feisty, brave and can manipulate people while remaining likeable.
Ashley
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Benton, Maine
Occupation: Nurse
Personal Claim to Fame: Spending time abroad in Switzerland, playing basketball professionally and competing in the Miss USA competition.
Inspiration in Life: My Momma. She raised four kids while managing two businesses and has always been the perfect example of the most devoted wife and doting mother.
Hobbies: Basketball/sports, four-wheeling and helping out on the family farm.
Pet Peeves: I have a million pet peeves. A few of them are "know-it-alls," lazy and unmotivated people, slow drivers or movers in general, people that "chomp" when they chew their food, smokers' breath or just smoking period. The list goes on and on!
3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, competitive and athletic.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm not like anyone but myself.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The million dollars and the chance to prove that I can do this.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, competitive, and athletic and I have the ability to think under pressure.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm mentally and physically strong enough to do this. I will do whatever it takes to get ahead. I'm a leader, but also able to work well with others if it proves to be to my own advantage. I'm not afraid to be a game changer. Bring it on!
David
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Defense Attorney
Personal Claim to Fame: I'm very proud of what I've accomplished professionally. Thus far in my career, I've been able to work on a number of very interesting and challenging cases.
Inspiration in Life: I've actually looked up to a variety of people for different reasons at different points. I've learned a lot of life lessons.
Hobbies: Sports, hanging out with friends and watching TV/movies.
Pet Peeves: I can't stand stupid people. If we could criminalize stupidity, I think the world would be a better place.
3 Words to Describe You: Intelligent, thoughtful and sarcastic.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'd like to think I'd be myself and be original.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: This is a once in a lifetime experience.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: Nine times out of 10, when I walk into a room, I am the most intelligent person there. I'm here to win. I don't care about screwing someone over. I don't care about deceiving people and I don't care how I'm perceived at the end. I'm not going to have a static approach to this game.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: In my eyes, I'm flawless. A significant part of my job is selling myself - making myself more appealing than my client. I do it because it's fun. I like the challenge. I like having the odds stacked against me and trying to find a way to win. This is a game; I didn't come to get second place.
Francesca
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Washington, DC
Occupation: Attorney
Personal Claim to Fame: Assembling the most amazing set of friends.
Inspiration in Life: My mom. She's been through so much in her life, starting with picking cotton while growing up in segregated Alabama. She is brilliant, beautiful and an all-around incredible person.
Hobbies: Writing, yoga and watching movies.
Pet Peeves: Self-delusion.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, opinionated and stubborn.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I would most likely be a Cirie/Boston Rob combo.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I'm normally competitive for no good reason - $1 million is a great excuse.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm book-smart, street-smart and can be pretty persuasive when necessary.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I might be the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Grant
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: West Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Yoga Instructor
Personal Claim to Fame: Playing in the NFL
Inspiration in Life: My wife. With her in my life, I can do anything.
Hobbies: Largemouth bass fishing, surfing and writing.
Pet Peeves: When someone uses the word "like" every other second.
3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, positive and friendly.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: It's a huge mental and physical challenge. I want to get to know my true self better.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am physically and mentally strong and consider myself to be a good leader.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have been through a lot and can push myself mentally and physically.
Julie
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Oceanside, Calif.
Occupation: Firefighter
Personal Claim to Fame: Winning the World Championship Outrigger Canoe Race in 1996 and 1998. The race is 41 miles long from the Island of Molokai to Oahu.
Inspiration in Life: All of the U.S. Soldiers that are away from their families defending our country and our freedom.
Hobbies: Outrigger canoe paddling, stand-up paddling and motherhood.
Pet Peeves: Laziness and bullies.
3 Words to Describe You: Hard-headed, outspoken and spoiled.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Ashley from Survivor China. She was a strong outspoken woman whose mouth got her voted off the first episode.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To win a million dollars and make a better life for my daughters. I want to be a role model for my girls to show them they can achieve their goals and dreams.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My experience as a firefighter has made me mentally and physically strong.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm very likeable. I think I can outwit the other contestants to vote off people other than me.
Krista
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Columbia, S.C.
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Rep
Personal Claim to Fame: Being elected head cheerleader at Auburn University is my personal claim to fame. I then became a second generation Auburn University head cheerleader.
Inspiration in Life: My grandparents who were married for 67 years.
Hobbies: Water sports, traveling and running.
Pet Peeves: When people wear sunglasses inside.
3 Words to Describe You: Driven, competitive and approachable.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I thought I was most like Natalie White because we had such similar backgrounds, but I expect to play the game with a little more edge.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To prove that a former cheerleader and pageant girl can win the hardest game ever. Also, the money! If anyone says anything different, they are lying!
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I am very athletic; I can climb trees and I'm great at fishing.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a fierce competitor at everything, but I've always had a way of building trust with people. My image will be completely deceiving and my mental game undetectable.
Kristina
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Malibu, Calif.
Occupation: Law Student (University of La Verne College of Law)
Personal Claim to Fame: Understanding and learning how to deal with an autistic child; grasping the Autistic Spectrum and obtaining vigorous early intervention services to improve the quality of my son's life. This experience, and helping other families facing the same crisis, was the catalyst for my legal education.
Inspiration in Life: Probably the men and women of our armed forces - these brave folks sweat, bleed and die for us here at home, and I appreciate them beyond words.
Hobbies: Computers.
Pet Peeves: Whining and people who are cheap.
3 Words to Describe You: Stubborn, logical and fair.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: None.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: The money and experience.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm resourceful and tough as nails. If you don't know that lying and manipulation is a part of this game, then you're an idiot.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: There are a lot of amazing things in my life, and they all have started out with the thought, "I'm gonna doÂ…(fill in the blank)." Whether it's making documentaries, opening my business, helping families cope with children on the Autistic Spectrum, going to law school, or winning SURVIVOR, they all start in my head as an idea. I take baby steps, one by one, until finally it's done.
Matt
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Pre-Med Student
Personal Claim to Fame: My decision to lead my own life.
Inspiration in Life: I think that there are so many people worthy of being deemed "a hero" in everyday life that are overlooked. So, I'm going to say people who put others before themselves.
Hobbies: Athletics, reading and exploring.
Pet Peeves: People who act out for attention.
3 Words to Describe You: Mysterious, impulsive and deep.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Any contestant who has played the game with honesty and integrity.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've always wanted to live off the land and I think it would be a fun experience to compete on the show.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I know what it takes to be a winner.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm athletic, amicable and intelligent. I can also hold my own socially.
Mike
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Del Mar, Calif.
Occupation: Former Marine
Personal Claim to Fame: Bringing all my Marines home after my first deployment to Iraq.
Inspiration in Life: My grandfather. He was a B-17 Navigator during World War II and spent two years in a POW Camp.
Hobbies: Scuba-diving, football and golf.
Pet Peeves: Selfishness and laziness.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, disciplined and outgoing/outspoken.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Rudy. Nobody was intimidated by him, so he wasnÂ’t voted out early and he had the ability to tough it out.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: Winning the competition and earning the million dollar prize.
Why you think you'll survive SURVIVOR: The mental toughness I've developed from serving in the Marines and playing college football at the US Naval Academy.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I like to think outside of the box, and I am socially aware and strong athletically.
Natalie
Tribe: Ometepe
Current Residence: Acton, Calif.
Occupation: Professional Dancer
Personal Claim to Fame: Being the youngest female to play the game.
Inspiration in Life: Lady Gaga. Haha, just kidding. My parents have worked extremely hard to give me a good life. They have made it possible for me to follow my dreams and never give up in life. I would hope that in the future I could be half as good of a parent myself.
Hobbies: Dancing, spending time with friends and family, and trying to cook...sometimes this ends badly.
Pet Peeves: When people chomp their food.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, spontaneous and positive.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Natalie White from Samoa.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To have an experience of a lifetime and prove to myself that I can do anything that I put my mind to.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I have never quit anything that I have ever done and hopefully my ability to form good relationships with people will help me to "survive" 39 days in this game!
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I have the charm to win people over and a good intuition about people and their intentions. People may suspect me to be young and naive, but they will be fooled!
Phillip
Tribe Designation: Ometepe
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Technology Executive
Personal Claim to Fame: Being a father to my son and being able to take risks in life. I say "yes" when others may say "no."
Inspiration in Life: Medical Professionals - they save lives in real time.
Hobbies: Chess, basketball, skating and sport training with weights.
Pet Peeves: People who think they know everything and yet do nothing and watch others do the work.
3 Words to Describe You: Outgoing, articulate and determined.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I am my own man!
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I love the idea of competing and proving I still have what it takes to prevail in new challenges that are completely outside my normal everyday life.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I come from a large family (12 brothers and sisters), and as such I've become a creative problem-solver and good talker in stressful situations where others would give up.
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I am a go-getter. As a former Special Agent with the former Defense Investigation Services, I honed my interview and investigative skills to persevere when others are being evasive or less than forthcoming.
Ralph
Tribe Designation: Zapatera
Current Residence: Lebanon, Va.
Occupation: Farmer
Personal Claim to Fame: Being completely debt-free at age 44. No vehicle payments, no mortgage payments, plus I own two homes on the same farm.
Inspiration in Life: I'm inspired by my farm; I've been at it all my life. I'm always amazed at my animals - how they grow and survive. Being able to watch the circle of life go 'round and be a part of it is a very satisfying adventure that I never get tired of.
Hobbies: Hunting, hiking and traveling.
Pet Peeves: People who are lazy and donÂ’t try to make anything of themselves.
3 Words to Describe You: Determined, strong-willed and stubborn
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I'm probably a combo of Big Tom and J.T.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: I've wanted to be on the show for years and knew one day I'd get my chance. I want to be a hometown hero for the folks back home!
Why you think you'll "Survive" SURVIVOR: I'm an outdoors mountain man. I know plants, trees and what most of their uses are. I can also build anything; start a fire anywhere and make people believe anything I say!
Why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I will be the king at camp because I can build shelter, cook, find food and be the leader.
Sarita
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Santa Monica, Calif.
Occupation: Visual Effects Producer
Personal Claim to Fame: Getting from point A to B without a dollar in my pocket, only my own ambition to get there.
Inspiration in Life: The art of living, laughing with my friends and family and knowing the best is always yet to come.
Hobbies: Travel, art and lounging around in various stages of repose.
Pet Peeves: Ignorance, pettiness, cheapness, tackiness and lack of chivalry.
3 Words to Describe You: Sagacious, wily and influential.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Some strange combination between Courtney with her awkwardness in challenges and James with his kindness and blind loyalty.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: For the adventure of a lifetime. IÂ’d also like to walk away with cold hard cash.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: My earliest memories are of my hippie parents living in the yurt we built from scratch. Our garden, our outdoor shower, ourpretty little outhouse - I know how to live in the most basic way.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I've got a steely grace that has served me well. I'm hard-pressed to think of anyone who could outwit me.
Stephanie
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Long Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Waitress
Personal Claim to Fame: Reopening my Mother's dental office.
Inspiration in Life: My Mother. She is the sweetest person. She works hard for her family and still cooks dinner every night.
Hobbies: Watching movies/plays, traveling and reading.
Pet Peeves: People who are late and ignorance.
3 Words to Describe You: Feisty, unconstrained and ambitious.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: If Parvati and Russell had a love child, it would be me.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: First, the money. I need it. Second, to see if I can do it. Third, who in the right mind would decline an offer to play the greatest game EVER.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: I'm strong, fast and smart. I can hold my own and I'm not a quitter.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I feel it in me. By nature, I'm a brat and always get what I want. I've always been myself and that's something I'm very proud of.
Steve
Tribe: Zapatera
Current Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Occupation: Former NFL Player
Personal Claim to Fame: Making the Dallas Cowboys with two other free agents out of 110 in 1981 and playing for 13 years. I'm also proud of my own start-up company and all it's accomplished.
Inspiration in Life: Regular people who do extraordinary things.
Hobbies: Photography, scuba diving and biking.
Pet Peeves: People who litter and people who don't respect others.
3 Words to Describe You: Honest, sincere and relentless.
SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: Tom Westman - just a pretty normal likeable guy.
Reason for being on SURVIVOR: To show how team work is done, win a million dollars and help my team the best I can.
Why you think you'll "survive" SURVIVOR: With 13 years experience in the NFL, I have great teamwork. I made sure we all worked together for a winning cause. I have the ability to keep spirits high and keep people's eye on our goal.
Reason why you think you will be the sole SURVIVOR: I'm a fighter to the end and will bring anyone along that desires to work. I'll be stronger, fitter and wiser than the others. I've experienced trials others haven't. I've had my will tested and have always rose above all challenges.
less than two weeks away, it's hard not to get caught up in the excitement. Some lucky person will turn their golden ticket to Hollywood to a ticket to the big time. At the end of this road lies for someone a record deal and all that comes with it -- media appearances, music videos, concert tours, fame, fortune. 
. Sure, instant stardom can be yours. No more playing on park benches, musty, empty clubs, or your cousin's birthday party. You will have your face on the cover of magazines and you will be on the number one TV show for months, seen by tens of millions of people. There's just one little catch.
, the 
, and 
, and a "dream team” of producer-songwriters including Timbaland to work with the contestants on everything from finding the right song to creating the ideal arrangement for that contestant. And they have promised the end of the awkward genre nights, so no more country artists singing big band or rockers going all twangy. There is a renewed focus on finding a standout artist that can make the show relevant again.
and 
. 
. A punk-blues band out of Bowling Green, Kentucky, they played Lollapalooza last year as well as opening for Silversun Pickups and STP. If you think you're not familiar with Cage, you probably have at least heard this, their first hit, which was a free download on iTunes and then went on to be used quite often.
. 
, the first single off their new CD. I like them, but, really, it is Beck, isn't it?
" due in stores on March 8th. Following the preview of 
. Although its verses are spoken, which I assume will be the norm for the now 51-year-old Stipe (Happy Birthday, Michael), there are glimmers of his voice at times in the second half of the chorus. That sound can still tug at my heart.
which had one of my favorite songs of hers of all time, 
. He's worked with John Lennon and U2 and Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen. In a 
It came out in 1967 and was a bit risky and edgy for its time. Hanukkah was still a minor Jewish holiday that was no competition for this spectacular Christian holiday with its snowmen who come to life, jolly white-whiskered gift-givers, and dancing and prancing reindeer. Christians had the lock on the local garden stores with their mistletoe, Christmas trees and poinsettias. Dozens of songs and movies and TV specials were devoted to the holiday. It seemed like the whole world was green and red, with houses festooned with Christmas lights, stockings and candy canes. 
(four 
, actually, with the release of 
. But for oldsters like me, it's a trip down memory lane and a reminder of how things used to be, when there was more pressure to conform, to blend in, as well as a desire not to miss out. 
, 
and 
? Count me in! Spending time with friends and family? You know it! Eggnog? Yes, please! And I don't believe in the watered down, politically correct "Happy Holidays." So I wish to everyone reading this a very Merry Christmas!
, 
and 
. Now, the latter team I selected because my son's former freshman roommate was a member of the group, so I'm not sure that counts as an official pick. Favoritism, bias, hearing with my heart and not my ears -- something else was at play. But the other two groups -- made it to the top two. And the winner is...
. 
and suddenly the contestant group gets a co-lead on the song Ain't No Mountain High Enough. Shocker. Jerry actually did a nice job and I thought maybe giving him such a big role was not because they've been pimping him from day one but because they worried Nicole Sherzinger couldn't stand up to comparisons with Diana Ross (hey, who could)? 
came out with the adorable and talented, but let's not add singer, Ben Folds, and were only given the job of backup, I was dumbfounded. Someone must have heard Ben's "voice" and realized he needed a lot of vocal support, not subtle background harmonies. He's talented and gifted, but from the Neil Young/Bob Dylan school of I don't have to be great at everything.
, in the spotlight. What's that in her hand. IT"S A GUITAR!!! Call the police! This is an a cappella show and I may not know what a cappella means (to hair?), I know what it doesn't mean -- with instruments. She has violated the sanctity of the show, she has made a travesty, sham and mockery of an all singing competition. Yes, this performance was an actual traveshamockery! Actually she sounded pretty good and looked even better. Over not in the spotlight, sitting on a stool, a familiar looking left handed guitarist. It's 
, getting no mention as he was not assigned his own spotlight. He toils in the darkness with his six string as Talk of the Town and the Backbeats sing all around him.
. You'll be in a coma before the end of this song. There are some thirty, forty other members of the 
(or maybe ten) and four of them could go undercover right now and pretend to be atonal mutes because no one has ever seen their faces! Courtney, on the other hand, has been on my TV more than the Geicko gecko. 
and 
would later be the top two teams. They have seamless transitions, sparkling harmonies, good backing percussion and strong lead vocalists. I was waiting for the obligatory Courtney close up, but my cup remained untouched for two entire minutes.
, I realize that being able to sound that good when you're not in your prime ain't easy. So kudos to the old guys!
!!!
. Jeremy Lester's story of his hard times trying to make it the first go around with a record label made me root for the underdog, but when they announced the winners were Committed, I wasn't that upset. Okay, I tweeted one Boo, but that's it. And I rallied quick. 
has a lot of depth, has some of the purest voices I've ever heard and seem like really nice guys. So congrats to them!
correctly identified you as the sort of rebels in the group. You have a little rock in your soul -- stick with it. Keep pushing. You've made a lot of fans, don't let them down. Hey, the plus is, you don't have to sign with Sony! :)
meets 
disproving that two positives make another positive.
