Design Star - Viewers Guide

click on Viewers Guide images for print view

So, we've seen the contestants through the first two episodes of Design Star and are now down to eight contenders out of the original eleven.

The current rankings after the first two challenges are:

Josh J (7)
Scott (6)
Todd (6)
Will (6)
Adriana (5)
Christina (5)
Kim (3)
Robb (2)

Out are: Josh F (1), Neeraja (1), Lisa (0)

My per episode point system is: 4 - winner; 3 - top ranking(if different than winner); 2 middle group; 1 - bottom ranking; 0 - if "canceled"

Based on his 1st place ranking and comments here and around the internet, "Sparkle" Josh Johnson is clearly pulling out ahead of the pack. As this is a contest to select a TV personality / designer, Josh seems to have it all. He's good looking, self-confident, self-aware and self-composed. He knows who he is and is proud, yet can laugh at himself. Whether middle America is ready for a male television designer who is prettier and more "done up" than they are remains to be seen. But so far, he's getting the "Star" vote!

I am a little bummed that the ladies aren't really shining this season. The stand out (in my view) is Adriana who has clear building skills, personality and is a hard worker. But her taste is questionable. Christina seems unformed as a designer and I'm not sure her personality could carry a whole television show. Kim has a wonderful presence and personality, but still seems to be a follower, which worked out well in Challenge 1, but not so much in Challenge 2.

Challenge 3 airs tomorrow night, Sunday 8/12. It's an individual challenge - so we'll finally see what the contestants can really do when they are not "compromising" and are left to their own devices.

I'm heading down to New York for the Gift Fair tomorrow and may not be back in time to watch it, so I'll be sure to record it and do my usual weekly post later on Monday. If you're going to the Gift Fair, I'll be the one stumbling around bleery eyed, as my traveling companion (and the driver) wants to hit the road at 4:00 AM. Gulp!

Actually, if you're going to be there, email me and maybe we can meet up!