America's Most Smartest Model

'America's Most Smartest Model' Contestant Lands More Film Projects

editor@buddytv.com — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Despite not being named winner of America's Most Smartest Model, Brett Novek has lingered on the limelight, specifically in the movie circuit. As reported previously, the 24-year-old model has been cast in the comedy-horror film Penthouse, which also stars Kaley Cuoco (Charmed, The Big Bang Theory), Rider Strong (Bones, Veronica Mars, Pepper Dennis), Nikki Griffin (The O.C.), Lochlyn Munro (CSI: NY, Weeds, Smallville) and Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes). On top of that, he has also been tapped for H.U.M.P and Hard Breakers.

H.U.M.P. is a comedy about four former CIA operatives who apply their expertise in counter-espionage to being romantic matchmakers. In the movie, the former Smartest Model contestant plays Beau Lincoln, the son of a rich businessman, who is peddling a highly advanced computer chip known as “Black Magic” on the black market. The film is currently in production but is expected for release later this year.

From 'America's Most Smartest Model' Executive Producer: Margaret Cho's Own 'Reality' Show

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 03:24:19 GMT

VH1's reality show America's Most Smartest Model might have ended its run, but its executive producer has something else up his sleeve. Alex Demyanenko, who also produced other reality shows for VH1 such as Shooting Sizemore and The Rock Life, has just completed production for another reality show, The Cho Life.

The show, which features Korean-American comedian Margaret Cho, will be in the veins of the channel's other reality programs such as Brooke Knows Best and Scott Baio is 46... and Pregnant, in that it will follow Cho around her daily activities and, definitely, give the viewers an insight into her quirky, if not risqué, sense of humor.

Exclusive Interview with Andre Birleanu, Part 2

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:59:58 GMT

Andre Birleanu is a force to be reckoned with. The America's Most Smartest Model runner-up is constantly true to himself and refuses to compromise his principals. In part 1 of BuddyTV's exclusive interview with Andre Birleanu, we discussed the recently dismissed charges of sexual assault against him.

In part 2, we talked more about his future, his career and his thoughts on modeling and acting. Fans of America's Most Smartest Model undoubtedly recall Birleanu's devotion to his craft and his belief that models are much more than just pretty faces. Here he talks about his time on the show, how people perceive him, and his thoughts on actors taking over magazine covers and modeling jobs. Continue reading for the highlights of this wildly entertaining interview and to listen to it.

Exclusive Interview with Andre Birleanu, Part 1

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:09:52 GMT

Russian model Andre Birleanu made a name for himself as the fiery breakout star of VH1's America's Most Smartest Model. Though he finished as the runner-up, his hot-headed temper and intense devotion to his Soviet homeland made him an instant star. However, that name was tarnished when, nearly a year ago, allegations of sexual assault were brought up, leading to a lengthy court battle.

Recently, all charges were dropped, and Andre Birleanu spoke to BuddyTV about the case and his career. Andre was quite candid, explaining in great detail the circumstances surrounding the dropped charges, setting the record straight once and for all about what really happened. In part 1 of our two-part exclusive interview, Andre talks about the case and the impact it had on his career. Continue reading to listen to the interview and to read the highlights, and check back tomorrow for part 2.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Contestant To Appear in Horror Flick

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:30:00 GMT

Rachael Murphy, who was often referred to as Aussie Rachael on the VH1 competitive reality series America's Most Smartest Model, will be gracing the big screen as she appears in Fruit Chan's remake of the Japanese chilling horror Don't Look Up.

The movie is produced by South Africa's Distant Horizon group in association with Japan's Action 5. Set in an abandoned movie studio in Transylvania, which is tainted by an old piece of celluloid containing images of a woman's murder, Don't Look Up revolves around the unraveling sanity of a director and his crew when spirits from another era invade the film stock of the contemporary production.

Harassment Charges Dropped Against 'America's Most Smartest Model' Contestant

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Andre Birleanu not only made a name for himself as one of the contestants of VH1's America's Most Smartest Model, but also for allegedly molesting a 19-year-old actress during a party last October at Cipriani Downtown, an upscale Manhattan restaurant. Now, he is once again the subject of the media as harassment charges against the reality TV star turned model have now been dropped by the New York DA's office, according to gawker.com.

After the young actress filed a formal complaint against the 25-year-old America's Most Smartest Model contestant, Birleanu was arrested and charged with sexual misconduct and aggravated harassment.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Judge Talks About 'Sex and the City' Fashion

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:30:00 GMT

The women of Sex and the City have taken the world by storm. From their humble beginnings as a highly successful television series on HBO, spanning a total of six seasons. The series, which became known for tackling women issues in the late 1990s, also placed an emphasis on fashion, as the four women on the show have exemplified their liberal thoughts about sex through their clothing. This year, Sex in the City has hit the big screen, and more and more women are jumping into the band wagon of redefining a woman’s confidence through clothing.

More recently, a judge from the reality series America’s Most Smartest Model has come out with her own views about the film, and how it had affected the American society, as well as women all over the world.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Host Receives Negative Reviews for Documentary

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:00:00 GMT

While the America's Most Smartest Model host may seem like a jolly old fellow, he recently revealed his serious, more intellectual side when he released his film documentary entitled Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, which hit over a thousand theaters on April 18, Friday. The documentary, which has been highly criticized since its first promotion was publicized, focuses on intelligent design, and why it seems to be banned from every educational and scientific institute.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed has aired in approximately a 1,200 theaters nationwide, garnering $3.2 million dollars in the box office, and later on landing on the ninth spot in the weekend's top ten movies. However, it was met with pretty harsh reviews from various entertainment sites and critiques.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Host Talks About 'Expelled'

editor@buddytv.com — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:00:00 GMT

As reported last week, Ben Stein, host of America's Most Smartest Model, has been busy promoting his upcoming documentary film Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. Now, he gives his sentiments about his project and why he decided to opt for a theatrical release despite its controversy.

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed has been highly criticized for promoting intelligent design as an alternative scientific theory to evolution and for claiming educators and scientists are being persecuted for believing in this. With this type of negative buzz, it's unlikely that Stein will be getting any kind of recognition or award for his efforts in this film. Nevertheless, the 63-year-old comedian remains eager to promote the movie and continues to become an outspoken advocate for the creationist intelligent design movement.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Host Busy with Promotion of Controversial Film

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Ben Stein, host of America's Most Smartest Model, is still taking an active role in promoting his documentary film, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, which promotes intelligent design as an alternative scientific theory to evolution.

Yesterday, Stein, who also happens to be a comedian, lawyer and a former White House speech writer, appeared at the Missouri Capitol to screen the documentary for lawmakers. The film has been highly criticized for asserting that the complexity of life on earth can only be the work of a creator and for claiming that educators and scientists are being persecuted for their belief that there is evidence of design in nature.

'Smartest Model' Finalists to Appear in New Films

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Both Brett Novek and Rachel Myers failed to win the VH1 reality series, America's Most Smartest Model, but their careers haven't exactly suffered from their loss. The two are set to appear in upcoming film productions, with Novek landing a role in the new horror-comedy Penthouse and Myers completing her first short film, the title of which has yet to be revealed.

Penthouse revolves three lifelong friends living in a penthouse apartment who begin to clash when one of them tries to move with his girlfriend, and another's little sister drops by for a surprise visit. The movie is written by Corey Large (Chasing Ghosts, Toxic, Loaded) and directed by Chris Levitus.

'America's Most Smartest Model' Co-Host to Speak at Annual ORT America Meeting

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Ben Stein, well-known political satirist and co-host of VH1's America's Most Smartest Model, will be at this year's ORT America meeting dinner to serve as the event's keynote speaker. The annual event will take place this Sunday, March 9, at the Boca Raton Marriott in Florida.

“Ben Stein is most likely familiar to everyone as a comedian in movies and on TV, entertaining audiences worldwide,” Doreen N. Hermelin said, president of ORT America, said. “Having heard Ben Stein in the past, I am delighted that he will keynote our annual meeting. I know he will inspire our audience with his witty, hilarious and unique style. In addition to weighing in on the political year, his knowledge on so many subjects, especially education, will be of great interest to our participants.”

'Smartest Model' Alum Talks About Being MVP's Model of the Month

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Mandy Lynn, Playboy model and America's Most Smartest Model alum, is continuing to rock the modeling world, this time being named Michael Vincent Photography's (MVP) Model of the Month. The 3-time SE Playboy cover model recently participated in a shoot with the famed photographer and said on her MySpace blog that she enjoyed the experience because Vincent, who snaps for such popular adult magazines as Maxim and FHM and whose regular models include Melrose Bickerstaff of America's Next Top Model, has a “unique style.”

On Mandy Lynn's MySpace Page and MVP's official site, pictures of the scantily-clad aspiring glamour models have been put on display. Some of the photos feature Mandy Lynn posing provocatively with CSI actor Gary Dourdan, whose home was used as a location for the shoot.

'Smartest Model' Finalist Appears in March Issue of Playboy

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Mandy Lynn may not have been proclaimed America's Most Smartest Model, but she remains a prominent figure in the realm of adult entertainment.

Last week, she announced on her MySpace blog that she is once again gracing the pages of Playboy Magazine, this time appearing on the publication's Grapevine section.

“This month be sure to look for me in Playboy Magazine in the Grapevine section!,” Mandy Lynn wrote. “Playboy was kind enough to show support for me being eliminated on America's Most Smartest Model so check that out…”

'Most Smartest Model' Host Comments on Presidential Hopeful's Style

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The race for the presidency is on, and celebrities have been weighing in left and right on who they believe should be the next leader of the country. While most have been discussing the reasons as to why they are supporting a particular candidate, one industry personality has been quick to comment on one presidential hopeful's style on the campaign trail.

"We gotta do something with John McCain,” fashion expert and host of America's Most Smartest Model Mary Alice Stephenson told the New York Daily News. “We gotta spiff John McCain up a little bit. I think he could pull off a little Valentino.”

America's Most Smartest Model: "Controversy" in Britain

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:36:09 GMT

When a reality television season comes to a conclusion here in the States, it usually means it starts its second life out in the rest of the world. So while the premise and outcome of VH1's reality competition series America's Most Smartest Model has been known for weeks in the US, the UK is just started to get its first taste of Andre Birleanu, Jeff Pickel, and Mandy Lynn late last month.

And, it turns out, some folks don't like that flavor at all. In fact some models were so insulted by the premise of the show they actually staged a protest. It turns out, though, that “staged” is the operative word.

America's Most Smartest Model: Jeff Pickel to Become a Big Shot

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:10:47 GMT

Jeff Pickel didn't make it to the end of the series to officially become America's Most Smartest Model, but he seemed like he was going to do pretty well in the modeling industry even without the title. He's appeared in commercial ads for companies like Hyundai, Merck, John Paul Mitchell and Match.com. He's also had worked on the high fashion end for Prada.

Now he's going to be offering up his model smarts to other fashion hopefuls as he delivers some guidance through a new site, BigShotLive.com

America's Most Smartest Model: Mandy Lynn Shows Off Her Smarts

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:34:55 GMT

Mandy Lynn didn't make it all the way through America's Most Smartest Model, and the way she was portrayed on the show certainly seemed to try to make her the butt of the joke at the heart of America's Most Smartest Model. The show might have said it aimed to show that there could be a combination of beauty and brains, but it sure got lot of mileage out of showing some of the dimmer moments of some of the contestants.

However, no matter the less-than-flattering light she was portrayed in, Mandy Lynn at least has had the business savvy to build her own kind of brand as a lingerie and bikini model. She also developed the internet presence for herself, and, as we saw on America's Most Smartest Model, takes a bit of pride in that.

Catching Up with the Stars of 'America's Most Smartest Model'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:39:05 GMT

It's been a few weeks since the finale of America's Most Smartest Model. What's been going on with some of the beautiful young things we met on the show? Have they been walking the runway and solving quadratic equations at an even more frenzied pace than usual?

Not exactly, but many of the stars are continuing to pursue their careers in the modeling and entertainment industry and seem to be keeping plenty busy.

America's Most Smartest Model: Another Alum Claims He Was Misled

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:26:42 GMT

In December, Aussie Rachael (Rachael Murphy) spoke out about her feeling that she had wound up on America's Most Smartest Model through a kind of bait-and-switch tactic. At this time she said, “I didn't anticipate for being involved in that kind of a show. It wasn't anything like I expected it to be. I was told that it was a show that was to be more structured. It wasn't going to be as voyeuristic or invasive…I really wasn't told much about the concept of the show. It wasn't something that I would have ordinarily signed up for.”

Maybe it was sour grapes at being kicked off the show, but her account is backed up by another America's Most Smartest Model contestant, Gaston Willig.

America's Most Smartest Model: Returns for a Second Season, Now Casting

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Ben Stein and Mary Alice Stephenson will have to work through another bunch of hopefuls as Vh1 renews America's Most Smartest Model for yet another season. The news dispels speculations that the competitive reality series might not be picked up for a second run given that Michael Hirschorn, head of development at Vh1, made a lackluster and uncertain reply when Stephenson made a hopeful plea to Page Six for the show's second season.

Giving more confirmation to the upcoming season is the fact that the network is now casting for participants who would soon compete for the title of America's Most Smartest Model.

Should There Be a Second Season of 'America's Most Smartest Model'?

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 22:35:53 GMT

For a while earlier this year, it seemed like there were going to be so many potential rivals aiming to knock Tyra Banks' America's Next Top Model out of the top spot of the model reality show world, it would just be a matter of time until Tyra had to admit defeat. There was A Model Life and America's Most Smartest Model, and then Bravo announced Make Me a Supermodel.

Bravo's series hasn't yet started, but as of now, we're not seeing the other two as having made a significant dent in her viewership. It seems right now more likely that dissatisfaction with the outcome of last season might have more negative impact than the competition from a show like America's Most Smartest Model.

The show did fairly well, but unlike many other reality programs, even with the Writers' Guild strike hasn't spurred on VH1 to schedule a second season yet. One person sure wants it. Judge Mary Alice Stephenson appears unfazed by the less than enthusiastic response from some of the contestants to her direct style, and is ready to work through another pack of America's Most Smartest Model.

Top 7 of '07: Reality TV Villain #4 - Andre Birleanu

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:01:09 GMT

Check out all our lists for BuddyTV's Top 7 of '07 to relive the best and the worst of the year in television.

Not since Ivan Drago has a self-proclaimed Soviet so threatened the existence of the American dream. On VH1's America's Most Smartest Model, cocky Russian-born Andre Birleanu stormed in with a fury, making no friends with his standoffish demeanor and total self-confidence. He bellowed that models are superior to average people in every way, and mocked his fellow competitors, taking glee in every elimination.

America's Most Smartest Model: Angela and Her Musical Ambitions

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:36:32 GMT

Angela Hart made it all the way to the final three of America's Most Smartest Model. But ultimately, Mary Alice Stephenson just felt she was not as strong of a model as Andre Birleanu and VJ Logan.

Mary Alice didn't send her off, though, without remarking on Angela's musical abilities. They all had learned just how talented Angela really was as a singer and performer, and the America's Most Smartest Model judge was “blown away” by her voice.

Angela didn't win the America's Most Smartest Model competition, but she is probably hoping that she can turn her exposure from the show to her advantage in either career. From her own words on her website, however, it would appear that in her heart, she really wants one career more than the other.

America's Most Smartest Model: VJ Responds to "Cheating" Allegations

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:21:07 GMT

Whether you think it was outright cheating or simply underhanded but permitted scheming, no one can deny that VJ Logan was helped along to an America's Most Smartest Model win by a lot of clever – and some say dirty – tactics on his part.

Judge Mary Alice Stephenson didn't have an issue with them, but some viewers did and would have even preferred volatile Andre Birleanu to VJ.

What does VJ have to say about the controversy?

Cheaters Never Win (Unless They're Models)

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:47:53 GMT

Last week, the world of modeling competitive reality shows was in a tizzy when Saleisha Stowers was named America's Next Top Model. Fans have accused her of cheating in the competition because of her past connections to host Tyra Banks, and her appearance in a Wendy's commercial, which is against the rules of the show. Yesterday, yet another “cheating” model, VJ Logan, was named the winner of a reality show when Mary Alice Stephenson and Ben Stein chose him as America's Most Smartest Model.

The moral is clear: cheating works. Perhaps this is not the case in all reality shows, but in the cut throat world of modeling, you're allowed to take any advantage you can.