15 Stars Saved From Ruin By Reality TV [Photos]

The entertainment game can get ugly when the checks stop coming in. Thankfully, reality television is the often-ridiculed money maker that has kept many a celeb out of the poorhouse.

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Aside from the financial perks, a well-executed appearance on the circuit can turn a star from a has been to being back on top within one calendar year. These 15 stars saved by reality TV roles bit the bullet and bounced back.

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Photo: WENN

K.  Michelle

Yes, K. Michelle always had a song or two on the charts. But her Q-rating skyrocketed when she barked on Rasheeda and took cameras in the operating room.

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Kim K

If letting Ray J smash on camera jumpstarted Kim’s career, weekly appearances on the E! show Keeping Up With The Kardashians has sustained it.

Mariah Carey

There’s still been a steep dropoff in Mariah’s sales, but weekly catfights with Nicki Minaj on American Idol helped her remain relevant.

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Flavor Flav

The legendary Public Enemy hypeman found a second career as a chick magnet on VH1. This was a clear sign that reality television is fake.

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Christina Milian

Despite not really having a hit since 2004’s “Dip It Low,” Christina Milian is seeing a spike in popularity thanks to mystery surrounding her and Lil Wayne’s relationship status. Capitalizing on that mystery with Christina Milian Turned Up on E! is a smart move.

Amina Buddafly

Unless you’re one of the few people who had Black Buddafly’s pair of singles released in 2005 and 2006, you didn’t really know who Amina Buddafly was before Peter Gunz began two-timing on her.

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Khandi Burruss

Khandi has been getting post-Xscape money thanks to her writing credits. Put the popularity associated with those checks is due in no small part to Real Housewives Of Atlanta.

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Kenya Moore

Perhaps this is a generational thing, because ‘80s babies remember Kenya Moore as the former Miss USA. Meanwhile, those born after 1990 know her as the woman from Real Housewives Of Atlanta who caught the fade from Porsha Williams.

Olivia Longott

As the lone female member of G-Unit, Olivia had some very modest success and kind of faded back into obscurity. She enjoyed a brief career resurrection courtesy of her time on Love & Hip-Hop.

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Benzino

As a rapper, Benzino could never capitalize on having an entire magazine at his disposal. His time on Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta did what even a beef with Eminem couldn’t do: it made him mainstream popular.

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Ray J

For years, Ray J has gotten more press for the women in his life than his actual hits. Despite recently bowing out off his role on Love & Hip-Hop, Ray J can’t deny how much the Viacom empire boosted his career.

Peter Gunz

When you haven’t had a hit since “Uptown Anthem,” then even the dirty-foot pimping on Love & Hip-Hop is a welcome boost of relevance.

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The Braxtons

Back when she only used her first name, Tamar dropped an album way, way back in 2000. And we all know about Toni’s previous success. Suffice it to say, reality TV has been a consistent source of revenue and relevance for the Braxtons.

Tami Roman

Aside from being on a season of The Real World and holding the distinction of fathering former NBA point guard Kenny Anderson’s children, Roman was never an individual star. But she returned to the reality scene via Basketball Wives, and is now a legit actress and talk show host.