(Yes, and we have a Top 12 instead of Top 10 list – because curves deserve just a little more room!)
Dear PLUS Model Fans...
Blog Talk Radio is a big fan of
PLUS Model Radio and its host, the delightfully talented Chenese Lewis. Philip Recchia,
the Director of Programming at BlogTalkRadio, had this to share:
"'PLUS Model Radio' is a perfect example of how BlogTalkRadio hosts are
bringing a broadcast element to their niche markets for the first
time. Chenese Lewis' show in particular does very well for the
network in terms of building and retaining listeners. Then again,
that's not surprising, as she's the model of professionalism, with a
tremendous knowledge of the plus-model industry."
Philip reached out to Chenese and asked what our 'top picks' would be
for plus-size women in the entertainment industry. And what a
conversation that started!
After identifying our criteria (women in the spotlight who are
talented, fashionable, accomplished and are paving the way for women
with curves), we opened the conversation and list-making – and what a
list it turned out to be!
Fifteen years ago, we may have had a difficult time coming up with a
list at all. But ladies, we have made huge strides in the entertainment
industry! And with so many fabulous women on the list, it was
very difficult to choose just 12!
After much debate, we finally settled on our Editors' Top 12. Here are
this year's winners, along with a few of the reasons why these dynamic
divas were chosen...
1)
Mo'Nique: From standup comedienne to movie
actress to host of the highly popular "Mo'Nique's F.A.T. Chance" on the
Oxygen Network, Mo'Nique has built a winning career, all while
maintaining her belief that women with curves deserve to be
successful --
-- and to have it all!
2)
Raven Simone: She has come a long way from the adorable,
pint-size favorite on "The Cosby Show" to singer and star of "That's So
Raven" on the Disney Channel, – and may be worth almost half a
billion dollars -- but Raven remains one child star who is
still comfortable in her skin.
3)
Oprah Winfrey: Where to start with this woman who has
bared her soul to the public concerning her life and struggles with
body image? How about a confident, successful
philanthropist and icon, who stands as a shining example of "anything
is possible."
4)
America Ferrera: We love America! This amazing actress
continues to make us root for the quirky Betty Suarez, the star of
ABC's "Ugly Betty." Betty is smart, funny, soulful, practical and
she gets the guy(s)! What's more, we adored her in the
ever-popular chick-flick series "Sisterhood of Traveling Pants."
5)
Queen Latifah: All hail the Queen. The poised, confidant and
glamorous Cover Girl, actress and humanitarian (check out The
CurvationSM Project ConfidenceSM Awards) is also the first hip-hop
artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! She now touts,
"better health" as one of her campaigns. Yes, we can dig that. Look for
her in the upcoming movie, "The Secret Life of Bees."
6)
Jordin Sparks: The winner of "American Idol" Season 6,
Jordin, was the youngest contestant ever to take top honors. We
cheered this curvy beauty all the way to the top! And a
little-known fact: She was also a plus model for Torrid!
7)
Sara Ramirez: This Tony Award-winning actress is unafraid to
flaunt her curves. even if it means dancing in her undies on the
top-rated ABC show, "Grey's Anatomy." And did you catch her in the red
dress in the "Got Milk" ads? Va-va-voom curves!
8)
Jill Scott: A soulful triple Grammy Award-winning songstress,
Jill has a new CD hitting the charts, a tour in the
works and a new Ashley Stewart bra line. She's also anactress and
published poet. This multi-talented diva has it all going on!
9)
Jennifer Hudson: She may have been booted off "American
Idol," but this diva defied the odds in the movie "Dreamgirls" by
tackling a larger-than-life role and going on to win an Oscar for
Best Actress! There's also her latest role in the "Sex and
the City" movie and in the upcoming "Secret Life of Bees."
Jennifer may have made a hit of "And I Am Telling You," but she is
going – all the way to the top!
10)
Marissa Jaret-Winokur: You just have to love this
vivacious, bubbly actress who began her career on Broadway in the Tony
Award-winning "Hairspray." She most recently cha-cha'd her way into our
hearts on this past season's "Dancing with the Stars."
11)
Camyrn Manhein: A current favorite on NBC's "Ghost Whisper,"
this activist, poker player, actress, Emmy Award winner and role model
continues to be a champion for smart, talented, curvy women everywhere.
12)
Whitney Thompson: And a final shout-out to the first plus-size lady to win "America's Next Top Model"! Who would have thought?!
Honorable mentions go to:
- Nicey Nash, star of the new Fox sitcom "Do Not Disturb" and host of the Style Network's "Clean House."
- Nikki Blonsky, star of the big-screen version of the hit Broadway musical "Hairspray"
- Tocarra Jones, plus-size model and "America's Next Top Model" contestant.
- Kim Coles, actress.
- Mia Michals, choreographer.
- Mia Tyler, plus-size model.
- Lorettea Divine, actress.
- Trisha Yearwood, singer.
- Kiki Sheard, gospel singer.
- Laine Kazan, veteran actress.
- Jolene Purdy, up and coming actress.
We look forward to hearing your opinions. Did you agree with our picks for this Top12 list? Did we leave anyone out?
Drop us a line and let us know!
