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When the nominations for “Outstanding Reality Competition Program” were announced, to everyone’s surprise, American Idol and Survivor were missing. To everyone’s dismay, especially the other nominees, The Amazing Race wasn’t.  Basically what I’m saying is: unfortunately Amazing Race will probably win again.  Hear that everyone betting in Vegas?!

In case you don’t know, I’m referring to The Amazing Race’s total domination of this category since 2003, with the exception of 2010 when Top Chef managed to snag the award. I’m not saying the immense undertaking that the production crew goes through each year in following pairs of people arguing around the world isn’t worthy of an award – it totally is, maybe just not this many?  Now I will admit I didn’t follow this season of The Amazing Race religiously, but what I’m gathering from fan blogs is that it wasn’t that great either.

Dancing with the Stars managed to earn itself another nomination this year, and as a fan of the show, I’ll be honest the past two seasons weren’t the best.  However the show deserves the recognition for being one of the top rated primetime shows, while relying heavily on sequins. Does DWTS have a chance?  Let’s just say I have a better chance of reaching C- level celebrity status and becoming a contestant on the show.  So no, but don’t judge my dreams.

Oh Project Runway, where do we begin?  Let’s not even get into that ridiculous season of Project Runway All-stars that recently aired, which included a B-team host and judging panel.  We’re supposed to pretend that didn’t happen right?  Despite the last couple of winners being completely unjustified (Gretchen and Anya), this show has survived a network switch and the addition of an awkward half hour of programming, which is really just the designers fighting in the workroom.  It’s still on my DVR every week, but its Emmy days are over.

So You Think You Can Dance?, the “sleeper hit” that managed to get a nomination last year, has once again earned a spot. The show has everything that’s needed on a Reality TV addict’s checklist (people performing and a crazy incoherent judge – Mary Murphy).  Host Cat Deeley is also nominated, along with several of the show’s dance routines, which brings the total to eight nominations.  Does this show deserve to be nominated? Absolutely, based on the artistic performances alone. Will it win? Probably not, but I know its passionate fan base is hoping for an upset.

Speaking of upset, the only show ever to do so, Top Chef would like a repeat of 2010 (your welcome for that segue).  However, that is unlikely, and probably due to an average season in Texas.  Also not helping were the incredibly annoying advertisements with Padma Lakshmi covered in BBQ sauce. We get it; your attractive and you like to eat.

Now it’s time to talk about the newcomer that answers the question, “What do you get when you make a bitchy diva, a country heartthrob, a rock heartthrob, and a male Lady Gaga compete for bragging rights?”  You get the latest creation from reality genius Mark Burnett, The Voice. It’s nice to see a fresh face in the crowd, especially one that revitalizes the somewhat tired singing competition format. The show wouldn’t be half as good without the judges, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Christina Aguilera’s interaction, but it doesn’t hurt that most of the singers are extremely talented.  With changes still being made to each season, the show is still evolving, so if it doesn’t pick up the Emmy this year, it definitely has a chance in the future.  Also, I don’t know a middle-aged a woman who doesn’t “have a crush” on Adam Levine.

Unfortunately, The Amazing Race will most likely win, however I do think there is a chance for an upset with both The Voice and So You Think You Can Dance? being worthy contenders.

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