Essence Reality Stars: Where Are They Now?
Then
The year was 2004 when the nation cast their vote for a raspy-voiced soul singer from North Carolina to win the third season of American Idol. Her name was Fantasia Barrino and not only did she have a larger-than-life voice, she had the personality to match.
Now
Grammy winner, mom, and actress, Fantasia has come out as one of the most succesful Idol alums. This month, she prepares for her second run on Broadway, portraying Billie Holiday in the musical After Midnight.
Then
Eva Marcille had us all tuning in for her magnetic personality (and those eyes) on the third season of America's Next Top Model back in 2004.
Now
Now an actress and model, Eva has appeared in countless beauty and fashion campaigns. She's also expecting her first child with boyfriend, singer Kevin McCall.
Then
We loved Yaya, the runner-up on season three of America's Next Top Model, for her sass and style.
Now
Yaya Alafia, the former reality star has slowly built up her Hollywood cred in the past nine years by starring in films like Take the Lead and, most recently, The Butler. She recently gave birth to a baby boy names Sankara with husband Joshua Bee Alafia.
Then
Tiffany "New York" Pollard wasn't afraid to be scandalous on VH1 reality shows like Flavor of Love and I Love New York. Despite starring in—count 'em—five VH1 reality shows about her love life, Pollard never found her dream guy. At least not while the cameras were rolling.
Now
Pollard recently announced that she was at the helm of a new reality show called Ratchet Queens. We can only imagine what that'll be like.
Then
Jennifer Hudson’s first step into fame included big hair and her big voice on the American Idol stage back in 2004.
Now
Nine years after Idol, JHud—armed with an Oscar and a Grammy—has evolved into one of Hollywood's most sought after talents.
Then
America couldn't get enough of reality TV's queen of mean Omarosa Manigault when she appeared on the first season of The Apprentice in 2004.
Now
Omarosa has famously appeared on over 20 reality competition shows, including The Surreal Life, Fear Factor and, most recently, All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, where she threatened to sue LaToya Jackson. She received her preacher's license in 2011 so go ahead and call her "Rev. Ro."
Then
Kevin Powell starred in the first season of The Real World way back in 1992. His argument with castmate Julie Gentry will forever take top honors at the Black-guy-painted-as-unnecessarily-angry-on-reality-TV awards.
Now
Powell went on to become a social activist. He published 10 books of poetry and political commentary before deciding to run for office. He has made three unsuccessful runs for United States Congress.
Then
A Harvard Law graduate? We all shook our heads in confusion wondering why David "Punk" Otunga would want to be a contestant on season 2 of VH1's so-bad-its-good reality show I Love New York.
Now
Otunga, now engaged to Jennifer Hudson, is a professional WWE wrestler and actor. He and Hudson have a four-year-old son named David, Jr.
Then
Jordin Sparks took the crown as the youngest American Idol winner back in 2006. She was only 16 when she wowed judges by singing Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me.
Now
With two albums under her belt and a budding acting career (she's stars in the Alicia Keys-produced film The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete this month), Sparks has proved we were right in voting her a winner on Idol.