Cornfields to Cameras: Iowa’s notable reality TV show contestants
Love it or hate it, reality TV is practically taking over the airwaves. And no matter your guilty reality TV pleasure, you are likely to find an Iowa connection to the show. In a state with fertile soil, we seem to grow some notable reality TV personalities as well.
Here’s a roundup of some of the Iowa contestants who made a name for themselves (for better or worse!) in the dramatic world of reality TV.
Chris Soules
“The Bachelor”
Soules, who hails from Arlington, was “The Bachelor” on the show’s 19th season. His love connection from the show, and subsequently with Bachelor contestant Victoria Fuller did not last. He first appeared as a contestant on the show in its 10th season, a fan favorite who came in third place for the heart of then Bachelorette Andi Dorfman. Soules has also appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition.” Today, he lives and works on his Iowa farm and is done serving probation after being found guilty of leaving the scene of a fatal car accident in 2017.
Gerry Turner
“The Golden Bachelor”
Although he now lives in Indiana, Turner claims his connection to Iowa having lived in the Quad Cities for many years with his first wife (whom he was married to for 43 years and died unexpectedly in 2017) and their daughters. He served as ABC’s first “Golden Bachelor” (a senior spin on the popular dating show) where he found new love. He and Theresa Nist, whom he gave the final rose to on the show, just filed for divorce in April of 2024 deciding to go their separate ways.
Kelsey Weier
“The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise”
Weier, originally from West Des Moines is another popular Iowa contestant who appeared on “The Bachelor” during Season 24 and on “The Bachelor in Paradise” in Season 7. Weier was eliminated relatively early in both seasons. But this former Miss Iowa USA 2017 continues to pursue her passions and shared last year on Instagram that she has moved to Greece with her boyfriend who plays professional basketball.
Mercedes Northrup
“The Bachelor” and “Bachelor in Paradise”
While she now lives in Nashville, Northrup is originally from Bloomfield. She starred in “The Bachelor” Season 27 (which featured a COVID-related virtual rose ceremony during which she was sent home) and also on season 9 of “Bachelor in Paradise.” For now it seems she’s back to working hard in the nonprofit world.
Tana Goertz
“The Apprentice” and “Fear Factor”
Des Moines native Goertz was an early contestant on “The Apprentice” in 2005 hearing the famed “you’re fired” admonition from the show’s lead Donald Trump. She then went on to appear on Season 3 of “Fear Factor.” While that ended her reality TV appearances, it did keep her connected to the speaking circuit. She was hired as part of President Trump’s campaign in 2015. Today she has created a platform as a speaker and business coach.
Maddie Poppe
“American Idol”
Poppe stole America’s heart while singing The Rainbow Connection on “American Idol” during Season 16. While four other Iowans have made it onto the show during different seasons, Poppe, a native of Clarksville, went on to be crowned American Idol in 2018. That led to her recording her own album, touring Ingrid Michaelson, and hosting her own Christmas tour. It’s not likely we’ve heard the last of this folksy singer-songwriter.
Sarah Lacina
“Survivor” and “The Challenge”
“Survivor” has seen a number of Iowan participants. Sarah Lacina, a Cedar Rapids police officer and MMA fighter who was born in Muscatine, first appeared on the show in 2013. In “Survivor: Cagayan,” the 28th season of “Survivor,” Lacina came in 11th place. She returned for the 34th season, “Survivor: Game Changers,” which she won as sole survivor. She competed on the show a third time in the 2020 40th season and was the last jury member, coming in fourth place. Then in 2022, Lacina participated in “The Challenge: USA” and came out as the female winner. She lives in Marion with her husband and son.
Denise Stapley
“Survivor”
Another Cedar Rapid resdient has made a name for herself in the “Survivor” world as well. Stapley competed in and was the sole survivor (yes, TWO survivors from Cedar Rapids!) on “Survivor: Philippines.” She also competed on “Survivor: Winners at War” for the show’s 40th season along with Lacina. Some fun “Survivor” facts include the fact that Stapley was the only person to attend every Tribal Council as a contestant over the course of a season. And she was the oldest (shortest and arguably toughest) competitor during “Winners at War.” Today, she lives in Cedar Rapids with her family and works as a mental health therapist.
Shawn Johnson East
“Dancing with the Stars”
While she’s best known as a gold medal adorned gymnast, Shawn Johnson East appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in Season 8 in 2009 and was crowned that season’s winner. She also appeared on the show in 2012, coming in second place this time, for the show’s all-star edition. Johnson East grew up in Des Moines where she trained and competed as a gymnast before making it onto the international stage. Today, she lives in Nashville with her husband and their three children.
Lolo Jones
“Dancing with the Stars”
Another athletically gifted Iowan – who also happens to be from Des Moines – Jones also competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2014 during the show’s 19th season. While best known as a talented hurdler (both 60 meter and 100 meter) who won multiple national and world titles, she also competes as a bobsledder making her one of very few athletes who has competed in both the summer and winter Olympics. She has had several other stints on reality TV, including “Celebrity Big Brother,” “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” and “The Challenge.” Today. Jones is still racing and chasing her Olympic dreams.
Mackenzie Tenold
“Love is Blind”
Appearing on the sixth season of Netflix’s popular “Love is Blind” series, Tenold was looking for romance by forming an emotional connection and not relying on appearances. While she now lives in Charlotte (where Season 6 was based) and works as a makeup artist, Tenold grew up in Belmond and attended the University of Iowa. And spoiler alert: after wrapping up the season it seems Mackenzie is still looking for love.
Emerson Sears
“Farmer Wants a Wife”
“Farmer Wants a Wife” has finally picked an Iowan for the show. Sears, from Elkhart, is the first but surely won’t be the last Iowan to appear on this dating show that takes place down on the farm. She is a graduate of Iowa State University and now works as a college counselor. And sorry for another spoiler alert, but she doesn’t turn into a farmer’s wife just yet.
Farrah Abraham
“16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Moms”
Abraham first made a name for herself appearing on “16 and Pregnant” on MTV in 2009 which documented her unplanned pregnancy at age 17. Raised in Council Bluffs, Abraham then went on to star in the spin-off “Teen Moms” show and appeared on that for four seasons documenting her life as a young mom. She then went on to write a memoir and became a recording artist with an album called “My Teenage Dream Ended” before embarking on a notable pornographic and Only Fans career.
Andy Schumacher
“The Next Food Network Star” and “Guy’s Grocery Games”
Originally from Cedar Rapids, chef Andy Schumacher found himself competing on “The Next Food Network Star” in its second season. While Schumacher did not come away the victor (Guy Fieri won that season) he eventually moved back to his hometown and opened a wildly successful and delicious restaurant, Cobble Hill, that he operates to this day with his wife Carrie. He also appeared on “Chopped: All American Showdown” in 2023 and “Guy’s Grocery Games: Class Reunion” in 2016, during which he won the $20,000 grand prize.
Lucas Miller
“Alone”
While now a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Miller cites his growing up on a farm near Quasterton as being a key factor to his desire to participate in the survival show “Alone.” In Season 1, Miller spent 39 days alone in the wilderness on Vancouver Island before returning to reality. He later appeared on “Alone: The Skills Challenge” as well. He is now living in Arizona with his wife and son, working as a wilderness therapy guide and survival consultant.
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz
“American Pickers”
True fans of “American Pickers” know you stop in LeClaire to visit Antique Archeology, the shop run by Mike Wolf and Frank Fritz. The two, who have lived much of their lives in the Quad Cities, created a very successful show traveling all around the country to pick treasures for resale from unique properties around the US. The show first premiered in 2010, and while Fritz is no longer a part of the show after suffering a stroke, it remains a successful series. Avid fans hope for Fritz’s return to picking in the future.
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