And the winner is (drum role please) the cutie-indie-rocker-boy Tim Deegan from Kitchener, Ontario! Yes. Last night’s VJ Search finale was definitely a high-octane event, bubbling over with excitement and tension. It all kicked off with the finalists and expert panelists arriving in true red-carpet style, rolling up to the MuchMusic headquarters in blinged-out Hummers and to the sounds of screaming fans! Once inside the building, you could truly sense the finalists’ nerves wreaking havoc on their seemingly cool exteriors. The fab four had to endure a whole hour of angst and anxiety as they were eliminated one by one, until Tim was the last one standing.

QUOTE OF THE NIGHT: The most fabulous of fabulous finalists Sean Gehon was overwhelmed by the entire event and with tears in his eyes proclaimed, “I’m still just a nerd from Regina.” We know big things are in store for you Sean!

QUESTION OF THE EVENING: Each of the loser loft contenders got to ask the four remaining finalists a question, and pretty face Rebecca Stacey didn’t hold anything back when she asked Tim if he ever considered taking a career as an underwear model… This, of course, sparked loud approval from the female fans!

IN THE THICK OF IT ALL: As someone who was inside the Much building last night, I have to applaud MuchMusic for the absolute bang-up job they did with the VJ finale event. Not only was it non-stop, stimulating entertainment for viewers, it was also an intimate and interactive event in which fans could come out and cheer on their favourite finalist. I lost count of how many decorated signs were present last night, and some die-hard fans even had T-shirts made with pictures of their fave finalist! Later that evening, in the press room, I marveled at how professional and friendly all of the VJ finalists were. I overheard many of the finalists talk about their goals to further pursue their TV careers, so rest assured we haven’t seen the last of them!

THE BIG WINNER: I got to snag a few moments with Tim, who seemed to be having an out-of-body experience with the whole event. Incredibly humbled by everything, he gushed about his new plans and described his feelings as overwhelmed and blown-away by the entire experience. Check out my full interview with him in the summer 2006 issue of FASHION18, on newsstands in May!

I waited with bated breath for last night’s episode, when they revealed who would join the final three for another chance to be crowned the next MuchMusic VJ. The live audience was buzzing with excitement when…

WHO’S BACK: My very favourite Tim Deegan was voted back! The other finalists—Erik, Sean and Nikki—didn’t seem surprised when he walked on set, but the live audience went crazy! Tim was completely overwhelmed by the fan support.

WHO’S PLAYIN’ IN THE PENTHOUSE: When the audience had a chance to ask questions, they all wanted to know who was getting it on when the camera was off. What happened between Erik and Casey-Jo when they were together at the penthouse? As expected, Erik took the safe route with his answer and didn’t tell a thing. And what about at the Loser Loft—were there any hook-ups? According to Tim, that was pretty much G-rated, too. Boring!

CHALLENGE: With the high energy and support from the live audience, the contestants duked it out in an exciting pop culture game show quiz. Pretty-boy Sean truly prevailed in this challenge, proving his music knowledge is better than the rest. Nikki and Tim seemed to stumble through most of the game, even with fairly easy questions.

FROM THE EXPERT PANEL: After the challenge, the experts offered their opinions on who should win. For the record: Kardinal Offishall praised Nikki, Robin Black and Steve Anthony preferred Sean, and Traci Melchor gushed over Tim. Surprisingly, none of them commented on Erik!

THE FINAL SHOWDOWN: Kitchener’s Tim Deegan, Burnaby boy Erik Bartik, Regina’s Sean Gehon and Nikki Mah of Calgary round out the final four to compete in the live white-knuckle showdown next week. This is your FINAL chance to speak out and decide who will be crowned. This vote counts most kids, so log on to www.muchmusic.com/vjsearch and choose your favourite VJ now!

MY PREDICTION: It’s a very tough competition. My heart goes out to cutie Tim, but realistically, I think it’s Sean who would make the most entertaining VJ. No shy guy, he’s original, enthusiastic, funny and would represent the diversity of MuchMusic.   

It’s down to the final three: Erik, Sean and Nikki!

Challenge: Each finalist had to create a concept for Lindsay Robins' first music video, “What Would You Do?” (a.k.a. the VJ Search theme song) and pitch their ideas to Lindsay and director Sean Michael Turrell. Because Nikki’s concept had the least amount of clichés, she won the opportunity to co-direct the clip, while the two boys were assigned chump jobs—Sean became "talent wrangler" and Erik got to be Nikki’s "personal assistant."

Too Close for Comfort: When Erik got too close to the directing action, head honcho Nikki assigned him to craft services instead. Ha ha! Coffee and doughnuts anyone?

On Set: The three finalists were put to the test one last time: Sean interviewed songwriter Christopher Ward, Erik chatted with Lindsay and Nikki talked to director Sean. Although totally unprepared, they all rocked. FYI Nikki: You gotta step it up a little—I almost fell asleep!

Roommate Rebuff: Later, we saw a little more drama when the three were back at the penthouse. Sean to Erik: “You without your ego I could live with.” Then Erik accused Sean of being “too much of a diva” and cuss words were exchanged. Yikes!

From the Expert Panel:The experts offered very little criticism because they couldn’t find huge flaws in anyone—I’d have to agree. When elimination time arrived, Erik shed a few tears when he realized he might be sent home. But the judges couldn’t bring themselves to do it, so all three will move on to the next episode!

Wild Card: More competition: the six ex-finalists from the Loser Loft filed into the studio and it was revealed one will come back for a second chance at their dream job. Next week, viewers’ votes will reveal the wild card. I think timid Tim or wild-child Rebecca deserves a second chance. Cast your vote now at www.muchmusic.com/vjsearch!

Last night’s VJ Search was a little less amateur now that certain people with cocky attitudes and drinking problems have been eliminated. It was the best against the best in this episode. Here are the highlights:

Challenge: The finalists were flown to L.A. and, after a pep talk from former MuchMusic VJ Amanda Walsh, they were given 20 minutes to interview Cover Girl model and actress Molly Sims. Ms. Sims’ charm and grace helped make the nervous finalists feel comfortable and almost made it too easy, as far as I’m concerned. If they got stumped during the interview, she’d take the reins and ask them questions. Unfortunately this didn’t help Casey-Jo, who ended up making the interview all about herself by constantly talking over Molly.

Boy Crush: Erik’s self-absorbed attitude was at an all-time high last night. His crush on Sims and constant jabbering about how “she stole my heart” was so not charming. Unfortunately his hormones took over the professional demeanor of his interview.

Quote of the Evening: This comes from Sean Deegan, who says it for everyone who is becoming tired of Erik’s narcissism: “I’m sure you can stay warm with what’s burning off Erik’s ego.”

From the Expert Panel: After the other finalists starting ragging on Erik, Robin Black pointed out it’s only because they’re threatened by him. “Erik is the loudest and that’s why he gets heard,” he told them. Casey-Jo’s bad habit of talking over her interviewees and Tim’s lack of confidence got them both the boot—they were sent packing to the Loser Loft.

Who’s Left? The battle now becomes even more intense for the last three finalists in the VJ Search Penthouse:

ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
NIKKI MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.

A Surprise in the Loser Loft: Now the last three VJ hopefuls think no others have a shot at VJ supremacy. But a surprise twist will prove ’em wrong! Next week, fans can vote back someone from the Loser Loft for a wild card spot, giving them another chance in the competition!

NORM ALCONCEL, 22, Scarborough, Ont.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
NATHALIE MORGAN, 28, Edmonton, Alta.
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.
REBECCA STACEY, 21, Edmonton, Alta.
LARISSA TOBACCO, 22, Winnipeg, Man.

Last night’s VJ Search shenanigan was a tad on the boring side—it was more subdued than usual and even (dare I say) the competition was somewhat normal. There were a few players who raised above the rest…but not in a good way.

Challenges: The finalists were split into two teams and had to come up with a design for a concert T-shirt for the band Theory of a Deadman. The finalists all worked hard to come up with a unique idea. Of course, there were the hissy fits and creative cajoling, but to my surprise they all pulled it together. In the end the simplicity of team two’s (Nikki, Erik and Tim) T-shirt won the challenge. But wait, the challenge had a second part: the teams were mixed up again and had to sell the most T-shirts. Not surprisingly, Erik ended up winning…he’s like that pushy telemarketer who calls at midnight.
 
Quote of the Evening: This comes from nice guy Tim Deegan, who remarked on being picked last for a challenge: “It’s like being picked last in dodge ball—it hurts.”

Egos and More Egos: It is an absolute enigma: who has a bigger ego, Frank or Erik? I’ve decided that they’re both way too into themselves and into thinking that they’re going to win. News flash, boys: everyone hates you, so you ain’t gonna win unless you have a complete attitude makeover, which I don’t foresee in the near future.

No More Mr. Nice Guy: Tim, my main man (and the only one left out of the five I picked in the beginning to win), came out of his shell a little more last night. His creativity shined through in the T-shirt challenge, and as he ragged on Erik’s selfish behavior I felt proud of my boy. Finally, he’s standing his ground! He’s like a young George Stroumboulopoulos (acclaimed musical guru) and I still believe he has what it takes to go all the way!

From the Expert Panel: Robin Black (whom I’m beginning to like and not fear) pelted Casey-Jo by saying she performed the absolute worst last night. It was her unprofessional manner—when she went up to Theory of a Deadman and talked trash about Erik—that cost her the respect of the entire expert panel. I don’t care how much Erik “the poser boy” deserved it, you don’t talk dirt about your colleague to the celebrity he or she is interviewing. Once again Frank was part of the last three for elimination and his terrible actions cost him his chance at winning the competition. He was sent packing to the loser loft, and I couldn’t be happier about that one!

Who’s Left?:These five finalists are living it up in the multi-million dollar VJ Search Penthouse and have a shot at becoming MuchMusic's next VJ:

ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
NIKKI MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.

I’m going to skip the introduction this week because last night’s episode was abounding in juicy action and hey, I only have limited space!

Challenge: The finalists were flown out to Edmonton to cover CHUM Radio 91.7 The Bounce FM’s birthday bash in a video diary segment for MuchMusic. I must say, the finalists were in top form and pulled out all the stops to impress. And when I say pulling out all the stops, this refers to the shameless flirting tactics the girls team used against the male performers they interviewed. In the end though, no matter how much the girls batted their eyelashes, the boys won the challenge.

Dodgy Moment of the Evening: When Frank was caught drinking on the job…again. Someone needs to spell it out for this dude: DON’T DRINK AND VJ.

Cheese Factor: When singer Massari invited Nikki a.k.a. “ Flirty McFlirt” on stage and proceeded to serenade her in an oh-so-cheesy cheese fest way!

Quote of the Night: There are no surprises that the quote comes from Sean Gehon yet again: “The more I see Erik and Frank the closer I come to getting arrested for wanting to stab them many times.” OK, so it may sound harsh but given the context, totally relevant. Can I help it if I adore his sarcastic sense of humour?!

Ego Alert: Frank’s ego is reaching unprecedented heights—and we’re talking Rocky Mountain high. Slow it down brother, you’re just trying out to be a VJ, not a rap star. I repeat, you are not a rap star!

Advice from an Expert Panelist: No one resonated loud and clear like expert panelist Traci Melchor, who verbally bitch-slapped the girls’ video diary challenge. “Hoochie-mama-ness” is the word she used to describe their effort, saying their blatant flirting tactics set women back 20 years. Preach on sista…it was a pitiful attempt to try and win the challenge. The leader of the pack, Rebecca Stacey, was eliminated.

Who’s Left?: These six finalists are living it up in the multi-million dollar VJ Search Penthouse and have a shot at becoming MuchMusic's next VJ.

ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
NIKKI MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.

Last night’s episode was more of the same childish “tantrums gone wild” we have come to love about the show. Yes, there was more Frank and Erik action—let me just say I’m so over it. Larissa was acting out the diva part, as par usual, and everyone was hating her, as par usual. Really, this entire blog could be dedicated to them: there is just so much to say on these three. But I digress. Here are some of the evening’s highlights (or lowlights, to be exact).

Challenges: The first challenge of the night was a 20-second throw-to segment for MuchMusic. I found most of the finalists scared, nervous and lacking that VJ It-factor. At this point in the game, they really should be pulling out all the stops to impress, but it was anything but impressive. I thought Casey-Jo and Tim Deegan (my VJ pick!) were the best.

The second challenge of the evening was to undergo a makeover at swanky Salon Jie in Toronto. The finalists were pampered with new hair-dos and wardrobes. For the most part, the finalists looked great and the clothes the stylist picked out were spot-on. I was in a quandary about the following: Sean and his so-blonde-it-looks-grey hair colour and Casey-Jo’s terrifying 80s cut. I don’t care how many times Jie used the word “fabulous” to describe these two hair jobs, they were anything but fabulous, darling!

Show’s “Huh?” Moment: When Larissa confided to the camera that “looking into a camera and then talking into it is a little creepy.” My mind was boggled— maybe someone should have told her the criteria for being a VJ, because looking and talking into the camera pretty much sums up the job.

Thinking Out Loud: When expert panelist Kardinal Offishall took off his glasses and announced to everyone at the elimination round that Rebecca Stacey was going to win the entire competition. This spurred a backlash from the rest of the expert panelists who thought Offishall was being a bit presumptuous. I’d have to agree—a pretty face don’t mean talent.

Hair Wars: All I have to say is, yikes! Casey-Jo’s new haircut is frightening, and yes, I feel sorry for her even though no one really understood her sobbing fits. Come on now, hair is very important and I don’t care if Jie himself did the cut—it’s a mullet and there is nothing nice about it. I feel your pain, Casey-Jo!

Sigh of Relief: To everyone’s delight (mine, especially), the queen diva Larrissa was sent packing. Finalist Sean Gehon couldn’t contain his happiness—he even interrupted the host during elimination to say, “the penthouse tension just walked out of the door.”

Who’s Left?: These seven finalists are living it up in the multi-million dollar VJ Search Penthouse and have a shot at becoming MuchMusic's next VJ:

ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
NIKKI MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.
REBECCA STACEY, 21, Edmonton, Alta.

Last night’s episode of the VJ Search left me in shock! Oh, where do I begin? To sum it up, it was a full hour of cocky attitudes, back-stabbing, hissy fits and general highschool-esque drama. It was like Romper Room on Red Bull!

Challenge: By far the toughest one yet. The finalists were split into three groups, and they had to quickly throw together (produce, shoot and edit) a segment about the upcoming Oscars. Expert panelist Robin Black summed up their efforts in one word: bad.

Disappointment of the Night: Frank, one of the guys I picked to take home the gold, really let me down last night. It all started when he was voted best in the competition last week and he was given the master bedroom in the penthouse. But now it’s all gone to his head—which is expanding at an alarming rate! His bad attitude led to his drinking/sleeping on the challenge; dissing his female competitors (panelist Traci Melchor was clearly not impressed with him); and ended the evening with a screaming match with Erik, who almost clocked him! I couldn’t agree more with Casey-Jo who said, “Frank needs a serious personality makeover.”

Pet Peeve: Would someone please take Larissa off the air already! If I have to sit through one more episode of her acting out the “poor me” syndrome I might just chuck my TV out the window. Maybe Frank and Larissa can team up and get a two-for-one personality makeover.

Quote of the Evening: Comes from our favourite fabulous diva, Sean Gehon, who had enough of the highschool “he said, she said” drama and said: “ I came here to be a VJ, not a babysitter.”

From the Experts: The general feedback from the expert panel was clearly disappointment. At one point during the elimination round, Robin actually put his head down on the table and covered his ears. Need I say more?

Who’s Left?: Last night’s episode saw the bubbly Nathalie Morgan shut off the air and on to the “loser loft.” Here are the remaining eight.

ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
NICOLE MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.
REBECCA STACEY, 21, Edmonton, Alta.
LARISSA TOBACCO, 22, Winnipeg, Man.

We saw the good, the bad and the darn right ugly on last night’s episode of the VJ Search.

The Good: The 10 finalists moved into their new posh pad—the ultimate in luxe living—in downtown Toronto. Erik Bartik (who was voted best in the challenge last week) was given the master bedroom, which is seriously as big as my flat!

The Bad: The finalists were given cash to buy groceries to stock the penthouse—this is when the tensions arose and more than one hissy fit happened! There was more bleeping than talking in this segment and all I can say is, apparently people really hate fish! A family meeting was ultimately called to resolve the issues.

The Ugly: Larissa’s bad attitude was très horrible! There were too many drama-queen moments to count (hello, Paris Hilton anyone?!). Larissa, save the drama for your mama, girlfriend!

Challenges: The finalist’s first challenge was to co-host Much On Demand with the existing VJs. In my humble opinion, Nathalie reigned supreme with her witty come back to Matt’s silly hair joke. For the second challenge, members of the Canadian entertainment press casually interviewed the finalists in the penthouse. This is where my boys, Frank and Tim, made me proud! They were brimming with musical knowledge and stood out for their edgy yet laid-back attitude. Keep it up, boys!

Show’s “Huh?” Moment: When leading favourite Erik Bartik professed his undying affections for Casey-Jo... oh please, you’ve only known her for about two seconds. Focus on the competition, not a love connection!

Diss of the Evening: When expert panelist Robin Black quipped to Casey-Jo that the hat she was wearing at elimination “looked just as bad on Celine Dion when she wore it.” Yikes!

And Then There Were Nine: The elimination round last night was anything but a walk in the park, and Scarborough native Norm Alconcel was sent packing.

Who's Left?

CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
NIKKI MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.
NATHALIE MORGAN, 28, Edmonton, Alta.
REBECCA STACEY, 21, Edmonton, Alta.
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
LARISSA TOBACCO, 22, Winnipeg, Man.
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.

Two words sum up last night’s VJ happenings: competitive and emotional. Much’s expert VJ search panel—Steve Anthony, Robin Black, Traci Melchor and Kardinal Offishall—made their debut and dished out no-holds-barred critiques of the 20 contestants. “Lame,” “boring” and “lacking creativity” were just a few of the adjectives they tossed out to describe the 20 video entries they were shown. YIKES! And this is only the beginning—the fearless foursome plan to get more critical and hard-hitting as the weeks wear on.

Last night’s episode also saw the finalists competing in their first challenge, which was to interview Yellowcard and Our Lady Peace. Each was allowed to toss one captivating question at the bands on hand. The outcome was a nervous crew of VJ wannabes struggling to maintain composure and keep their interest levels on track during the interviews.

Show’s “Huh?” Moment: When Edmonton’s Rebecca Stacey cried her eyes out in a tantrum fueled by supposed alliances within the 20 contestants. It was confusing, embarrassing and left me wondering about her emotional stability…it is only the first challenge, girlfriend. Get a grip!

Favourite Quote of the Show: When flamboyant, diva-esque Sean Gehon, who became irritated by some of the finalists, proclaimed: “I just feel like taking my Paris Hilton book and beating them with it.”

Things We Learned From the Experts:

1. Get on Robin Black’s good side because he can be downright frightening!!!
2. Do not ask famous people for their autograph after you interview them…got it, Chris?!

Voted Best in the Competition:
The expert panelists unanimously thought Erik Bartik performed the best in the first challenge.

Who’s Left?: There was a big chop on this episode kids, and now only 10 finalists remain. They are:

CASEY-JO LOOS, 21, Victoria, B.C.
"I'm excited, nervous and I know there's going to be a lot of tough competition ahead...(but) I don't really feel intimidated."
ERIK BARTIK, 25, Burnaby, B.C.
"I think it's pretty much up in the air right now, anyone can take it."
NICOLE MAH, 22, Calgary, Alta.
"I'm looking at my competition and going, "You guys have got it going on. They know what they're doing, and I've gotta step up my game."
NATHALIE MORGAN, 28, Edmonton, Alta.
"I don't see any major competition yet, but if I had to pick, I think my fellow Edmontonian Rebecca Stacey could give me a run for my money."
REBECCA STACEY, 21, Edmonton, Alta.
"See ya in the penthouse, bitches!"
SEAN GEHON, 20, Regina, Sask.
"It's going to be insane.  I'm just going to have fun."
LARISSA TOBACCO, 22, Winnipeg, Man.
"I can't wait to see the penthouse. I'm just going to go in there and run around in laps."
TIM DEEGAN, 23, Kitchener, Ont.
"(I expect) some fighting between the roommates because now things are getting harder and more stressful."
NORM ALCONCEL, 22, Scarborough, Ont.
"I was riding on hope before, now I wanna ride on my performance."
FRANK NWANKWO, 21, Montreal, Que.
"As of this moment, my life will never be the same.  I'm going to show these people that I'm meant to be a VJ."
Sara’s Prediction:
As you recall, last week I made a bold prediction of who I thought had what it takes to win. Well, my five is down to two: Frank Nwankwo and Tim Deegan. Don’t let me down, boys!