IN REALITY, IT PAYS TO LOSE Everybody loves a winner, but it seems they adore reality-TV runners-up even more. Ruben who?
JENNIFER HUDSON American Idol
Fantasia beat out this vocal powerhouse in 2004, but Hudson got the last laugh: she just landed a lead in the film Dreamgirls, co-starring Beyoncé, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx.
ELISABETH HASSELBECK Survivor
The ex-shoe designer finished fourth among 2001's Australia crew. A co-host of ABC's The View since 2003, she had a baby in April with NFL-quarterback spouse Tim Hasselbeck.
OMAROSA The Apprentice
Forget nice. Winner Bill Rancic landed a job with the Donald, but...