Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants: Top Model's Adrianne Curry at #9

I'm in the process of listing my Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants of All Time. Some of these folks I fell in love with for the talent; others simply had personalities that won me over. Any way you look at them, though, these are my faves.

Please note: I did not include any person who was a "celebrity" before they appeared on a reality show, so all contestants from Dancing with the Stars and other shows like it were ineligible for this list.



#9 -- Adrienne Curry, America's Next Top Model

Through the years there have been many memorable Top Model contestants, but few have been as memorable, and, ultimately, likable as Season 1 champion Adrienne Curry. Sure, she's gone on to embarrass herself of Surreal Life and My Fair Brady, but during her first reality show stint she was forthright, charming (in a rough-around-the-edges kinda way), and a very versatile model. Now, of course, Top Model contestants come on the show knowing what they are getting into -- there will be a makeover, they will have to pose nude, there will be shoots that require them to do ridiculous things. Adrienne was game for whatever the challenge was -- she doffed her clothes without a second thought (while Robin and Shannon balked at posing nude), and instead of cowering in fear, she actually seemed excited to pose with a snake. She hasn't had much of a career as a model, but who cares? She helped make Top Model into the must-see hit that it is today, and for that she is most deserving of a spot on this list.

Click for Ten Favorite Reality Show Contestants: Top Chef's Sam Talbot at #10