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I like everyone else am still looking for a Sparkle Josh show. He has such a nice attitude and is kind to everyone. He is a darn good designer and would add something different to the show. Please find a place for him.

Posted by edna – August 15, 2008 6:06 PM

Team challenges don't work - too many cooks.
Yes - We need new Judges!
Yes - Matt should do a show of his own on his
MinaMATTalizum!
The next Design Star show should acquire a townhouse complex to put the contestants in their own units. They would need an all around handyman for help.
Showcase all of them designing all of the rooms using items from stores like Sears or Home Depot or Target(etc.).
Places that ordinary people shop & could reproduce anywhere in the USA. When they have completed all the rooms - be judged on their designs & narrowed down to the last 3 - Then let America vote.

Posted by Marie – August 14, 2008 10:33 PM

I liked the show a little bit....but it did seem
a little boring!!

I do not like Kim Myles show , sorry Kim.

p.s. I do think Vern was rude to the designers,
these people are adults looking for a change in
their lives and he appeared to look down at them.

Posted by judy m – August 7, 2008 12:42 AM

Hey there Sparkle. Your blogs remind me of when I enjoyed watching the show. Better designs and way better personalities! This year really lowered the bar. At least last year the most iritating designer could do the job even though HGTV couldn't have paid me enough to watch his show.You sure are right about doing a kitchen. I have just about decided on my paint job after only three years! I hate painting kitchens. I have a creative idea for the window treatment which will be the focal point. This has evolved over time also. No way could I pick out counters in a few hours. Is that why so many designers do granite? If granite was my only option I could do it in a day but I know there are other choices. I really love tile counters but wish mine were different tile. Not much sparkle in 1958! That was the third remodel after 1935 and 1920. My kitchen is like time travel.

Posted by clare cook – August 3, 2008 12:54 AM

I agree, this year's show has not been very good, none of the design's have had any wow factor, I think that some of the choices the judges have made were bad, they should have eliminated Tracee on the first show. I don't think they should have eliminated Mikey V, that was just wrong.

Posted by Marcie – July 29, 2008 11:59 PM

Sparkle Josh, you really are the one who should
have a show. It would be great if they could
come up with a show for you.
I think Kim Myles is an absolute J-O-K-E. If I
ever even watch her show, which is rare, it is only out of utter boredom, and then it's just to
see how awful what she "designs" is.
I agree with so many others about Tracey. She is
a pathetic individual. I was very disappointed the judges kept her around as long as they did,
at the expense of losing Mikey V.......? Come on!

Posted by Sara – July 29, 2008 4:18 PM

Mikey V for President! Please give the biggest hunk (and great designer) his own gig!

Posted by Gary – July 28, 2008 11:46 PM

we were promised *Guts. Glory. Glam.*
so where was the guts, glory and glam?
There was plenty of Slam ( Tracee sure slammed everyone).... zero Glam.
Unlike past seasons, there has not been a single room this time that wowed me.
Thank goodness we have our Sparkle Josh at least video blogging .....
that was at least one excellent decision someone made at HGTV.

Posted by MarshaWC – July 26, 2008 6:27 PM

I am so glad to get to see Sparkle Josh again online! He was my favorite last year and is so cool. Josh is really good about seeing the positive in everyone. I hope to see him on HGTV someday with his own show. Keep smiling Josh!!!!

Posted by Laura T. – July 24, 2008 4:49 PM

By the way.. the Design Star logo is AWFUL. sooooo jejune and unsophisticated!

Posted by maximillian – July 23, 2008 6:59 PM

This is more like Decorating Star. But then, Im more of a minimalist and see no "Design" in adding vinegar bottles infused with vegetable chunks for color. UGH. Mikey V was great. Not to mention hot. The two women remaining are decorators just prettying things up which I suppose is fine for the suburban designers like Vern. But please, a bit more time, and a focus on using great materials, quality and pushing the envelope on design not decor.

Posted by Maximillian – July 23, 2008 6:54 PM

Really funny VLOG Sparkle! Keep it coming... I agree Matt did have the hardest challenge of a room. Love both Matt and Jenn but Trish is okay too. I really wanted Mikey V. is the finale so...not really "rooting" for anyone. Mikey V. has some mad skills and I really think he can loosen up on camera given more time. He is definitely likeable and like SJ a standout fan favorite!

Posted by crys – July 21, 2008 11:11 PM

I agree. Go Sparkle. It's all about the benjamins. I am sure someone is reading this as we type, and figuring out the best way to capitalize on Sparkle Josh's appeal. Josh, I hope you are floating some ideas out there. And something more than just a weekly Sparkly looking room makepver - though they do have their place. just like this week's loser's traditional style. I think the issue there was not the traditional style, but that there was still a need for a WOW. wood floors and fireplace facade change, while good ideas were not unique ideas. she did open up the room but again not a Wow.

Posted by lin – July 21, 2008 1:12 AM

We need Sparkle.Is it me or am I the only one who
cuts out rooms of design I like? I cannot believe these designers did not ask-do you have pictures you like?Do you have a particular style
(Sweedish,Italian,French,etc.) Every year I ask
where is the next Candace Olson? Have these designers ever looked through Veranda,Southern Accents,etc.?? Do not think so.

Posted by linda b – July 20, 2008 10:11 PM

Hi Sparkle Josh,
I enjoy your vlog and commentary.

i like both Jennifer and Matt Lock. But you can imagine that name Matt Lock? Matlock?

Har.

I cannot stand Kim Myles' Myles of Style. Her designs are sooooo boring. No surprises. No "oomph" Her show should just last the one season. David Bromstad, on the other hand, ROCKS! He's fabulous and has had the smarts to hire the fabulous Danielle Hirsch!!

Posted by Emma – July 20, 2008 7:34 PM

I really hated to see Mikey V go. HGTV should give him a job on another show as some others have suggested. He does have like-ability and yes, he could become more comfortable given more time in front of the camera. I too am disappointed in this years show. They are not showcasing the casts individual talents at all. I think they already had their minds made up as to who they want to star in the next show as they have passed up some talented people.

Posted by Pat – July 20, 2008 5:50 PM

Josh , So glad you are still around! Love your comments on the show! What do you have to do to get your own show? We want to see it HGTV!!!!

If you had only waited untill this season.....You would have killed em!
Hope to hear and see much more from you SOON! You ROCK as my daughter would say!

Take care

Posted by Chris – July 20, 2008 3:03 PM

Sparkle, you are hot!

Posted by Mick – July 20, 2008 1:29 PM

Thank you, Sparkle Josh, for always being so positive, and seeing everyone's good side and potential. I truly hope you end up with your own program on how to sparkle things up - no one does it like you! Maybe you could bring on Mikey V or Matt (if he doesn't win) to do your carpentry :)

Posted by Jan – July 20, 2008 9:54 AM

Absolutely LOVE you, Sparkle Josh.

I am disappointed in this years show.Boring and no talent.

The 1st year was the best with David. He is a born designer and host.I hope they never cancel his show.

I liked Kim as a person, but so sorry,I do not like her show. Only one of the rooms she has designed on her show has impressed me.

Out of all the contestants last year, you were my fav.

I knew that we had not seen the last of you.HGTV knows a good thing and was not going to let you go.

Posted by Michele – July 20, 2008 9:35 AM

This season if Design Star is soooooooooooo lame. If this is the best of the best than I would make this the last season. The last two seasons had people who actually knew how to do something...anything BUT blame everyone else because you don't know jack. Where is Eric Stromer because these people are in way over their heads. The three finalists are the best of the bunch but that doesn't say much because best should never be used in conjunction with these wannabes. Everything they have done so far has been so mediocre, I keep waiting for one of them to do something original, something that shows imagination, something that makes me want to watch for a reason other than seeing what uninspired "designer" crashes and burns. I keep hearing that you are raising the bar, from what? The floor? The sad thing is it doesn't matter how many time they bore me to tears one of these wannabes is going to win! Auck!!! You want to talk tears, "THE WINNER" gets their own show, then "The Winner" can bore me with their uninspiring work for a whole season!!! Clive, stop the insanity, tell the network to start over with a whole new cast. Vern, do you and the other judges cry or do you laugh? Do you cry at the poor, sad, pathetic attempts this new round of contestants put forth? Or do you laugh at us poor saps who watch week after week in hopes of seeing a different version of "The Blue Room" that was so cool last season. If not for me, do it for the contestants, send them home before they have no home to go back to. I feel so sad for these wannabes because when they return home, well, can we say, OUT OF WORK. Can we say, Wonder why my phone isn't ringing or Oh, gosh I sure wish I had been more inspiring in my design and less a whiner because I'm hungry and nobody likes me. OK,just tell me if someone new picked the contestants or maybe you didn't have a very big pool to choose from this season...help me understand how the majority of these people could have got in this competition and then be described as the best of the best. HELP ME UNDERSTAND!!!! They can't all be related to the CEO of HGTV, can they???? The only thing intersting about this season is how the judges are going to pick one of these people to be the Design Star...with a straight face. You know the judges talk about these people during the breaks and they probably have an agreement not to look at each other when viewing the rooms for fear they will cry or laugh uncontrollably if they look at each other, you know what I mean.

Posted by Lauren – July 19, 2008 11:58 PM

I think last season's contestants were so much more competetive and had more of the WOW factor than now. I was upset when "Sparkles" was eliminated and I'm now rather disappointed with Myles of Style. I feel that Kim's designs lack true design quality and Josh would have taken the show to the next level. I think that Trish and Jennifer have potential and Matt is too conservative! But nothing can compare to last season- especially JOSH!!!!

Posted by kristine lapointe – July 19, 2008 11:47 PM

I, too, love Design Star and am never disappointed!Love the judges too, but think Vern is a bit rude and disrespectful to the contestants who
are certainly working at a huge disadvantage being on short time limits. And as far as eliminating someone because they are nervous in front of the camera,come on, they are not use to it! That can come with time. Look at David Bromstadt. He was extremely nervous & uncomfortable on screen and still is as well as Carter O.

Posted by jennie jewell – July 19, 2008 10:11 PM

Sparkle, you are FABULOUS!!!

I was so sad when they eliminated you as you added a certain sparkle to season 2. Glad to see you are still on HGTV in some part as you obviously left quite an impression on the producers to get your own VLOG.

HGTV, please give us more Sparkle! He's got quite a following you know...he is fabulous...they should like make him do a running commentary like Alton Brown on Iron Chef...or something

....Tracee was unpleasant and unprofessional, but the way the group ganged up on her was also not nice to watch. The family ended up losing out as a result of their pettiness, but 7 hours to shop, come on...I knew they were going to eat her for breakfast as soon as she drew the star to be the team lead.

What designer in their right mind does a major kitchen makeover in 24 hours...these folks should have had a demolition crew. If it weren't for Mikey V and Matt doing the majority of the construction and demo work, there wouldn't have been a kitchen done.

Tracee clearly did not 'sparkle' on her way out the door. This whole season has been LAME and we the viewers are losing out--I watch HGTV for design inspiration NOT for this mean spirited drama.

Posted by Kat – July 18, 2008 9:13 PM

I just heard Tracee rag on everyone else again! I hope her "clients" and "friends" back home realize how shallow and self centered she is! I just don't think the level of design is as high as it had been the past two years. Maybe Tracee was brought on just for the conflict element. Whadda ya think?

Posted by cathy – July 18, 2008 6:57 PM

Wow! I totally, completely, and eternally agree w/ Sparkle Josh on wanting to do an out-house rather then a kitchen. Kitchens are VERY hard to accompolish! My step-dad is a carpenter, and he's done quite a few kitchens, so I would know. On Sparkle Josh, however, I rooted for Kim, I voted for Kim when it came down to the Final 2 last year, but I think it would be interesting if Sparkle Josh had his own show. I was dissapointed to see him get eliminated last year. Bring the Sparkle back!!!

Posted by Courtney – July 18, 2008 11:07 AM

Thank goodness Tracee got voted off. Could you imagine watching her on TV?

Posted by Marcia Clark – July 18, 2008 11:04 AM

Jen reminded you of Kim? OUCH... geeze Josh... put a nail in Jen's coffin!

Posted by SilkWhitePoodle – July 18, 2008 4:04 AM

Love you Vern!! Just straight up to the point and have to say I LOVE THE SHOW!

Posted by cathy – July 18, 2008 1:34 AM

Hi Josh great to see you on HGTV.
I'm also very disappointed in this season. Trish is OK but Tracie should never have been on there.No one on the show act like they know much about design. I hope season 4 is exciting and more one on one designs.
good luck
Martha

Posted by Martha Hall – July 17, 2008 8:57 PM

Dear Soparkle Josh!!!
When I heard you had a vlog, I was really happy. You were my fav on Season II. I agree with the other comments (of which I read all.) YOU should have your own Sparkle Josh show on HGTV, and I bet it happens. I LUV U!!!! You can design anything for me; anytime! I'd even let you do an outhouse, even though I don't need one!
I agree Tracee stayed too long. However, in fairness to the show I will watch the end, and hope for the best. We need to support the final three, who may surprise us and shine and sparkle! Well, at least be competent and DESIGN something!
Keep up the good work, America loves U!

Posted by Geri Marshall – July 17, 2008 5:37 PM

I believe the judge team is doing a good job. I wished that the designs stars competing would be dismissed with a little more dignity. They were picked because they were good designers to begin with but with the pressure of a deadline type situation is hard. On the other hand they new this before they go on what was to happen. I think Vern is top notch. HGTV is doing a great service I think to America. Most of us couldn't afford service of this program but you give us ideas that we can perhaps apply to some things we could do with our homes, inside and out. Vern and Brad are my faborites. Brad because I do paint a little I can relate to and that is fun. Vern is a person that stands 10 feet tall as far as I'm concerned. I think all your desiners are TOPS and I listen to the programs approximately five hours a day. Thank you for your programing. Dona Holle

Posted by Dona – July 17, 2008 4:47 PM

Mickey V. MUST get a job on HGTV as a carpenter on one of your shows. He is so likeable and talented that you just can NOT let him go . As for anyone else on the show, everyone else can go . Every since David B.( he is fabulous ) there has not been anyone else who can design themselves out of a box :( I do not know where you get these people from :(

Posted by Bev – July 17, 2008 2:58 PM

The promos for season 3 said they were going to step it up a notch. NOT!!!! Not one of these contestants has shown us half the talent of the previous contestants. more individual challenges would give viewers a much better look at their individual talent. And what's with cutting down the number of contestants. Season three sucks. there is a huge group of fans here. We've been counting the days until this season and we have been sorely disappointed.

Posted by Marie Bruno – July 17, 2008 1:02 PM

Hate to sound like there's an echo in here, but I, too, am disappointed with this entire season. Maybe the selection process for the first two seasons was handled differently (better?). Was there something different this time? Were the first two seasons just dumb luck with the right chemistry? I don't wish to criticize ANYONE here, but what went wrong? I am already longing for NEXT season to see of it comes together with the same excitement as the first two seasons.

As for Sparkle Josh, he's one of a kind and refreshing. His big heart makes him a class act any way you slice it! He's a true southern gentleman!

The designers this season each have their strengths and weaknesses. I'm just not certain their strengths are pronounced enough to warrant them being on this show. Or, it's just possible that the situation has brought out the worst in everyone and overshadowed what it is they are supposed to be doing. I agree, too, that the challenges have been less than exciting. I would rather see anything BUT the kitchen challenge (been there done that). Come on, people, you can't put all of the blame for this season on the contestants! There's something really LAME happening here. Is it just me, or does anyone else get the feeling that the judges are following some kind of script this season, instead of being real?

Posted by Jackie – July 17, 2008 12:14 PM

Kitchens are difficult to master, so many components to change and elements to consider... The family wanted a tile back splash and they did not get what they wanted. The team captain and the design team needed to make sure the family had that one element.

As for this year"s Design Star, I agree with the other comments. What an awful season, these so called designers are boring, lack leadership skills, choose to sabotage and not work for and with each other. While I know they are out to win this year's Design Star, they need to show their ability to work together. I am amazed that Tracee lasted this long, she has been caustic from the beginning and definitely the cause for the poor relationships among the designers. Leadership is not power over, but power with.

I don't know if I would watch a design show with any of these designers. I can only hope that next year's season is revamped and improved.

Posted by C. – July 17, 2008 12:07 PM

Has anyone noticed how Mikey V & Trish hang all over each other? Maybe the ring came off because the fiance` broke the engagement after watching how friendly Trish & Mikey V had become. Why didn't she have it taken care of off camera? There was plenty of time or the producers wanted more "drama".
Bad season, where's the talent?? I agree with all the other bloggers. This show stinks & needs to have new contestants & judges too! VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!

Posted by Marsha – July 17, 2008 11:51 AM

it really has been a boring season...not much talent. Please consider a new judge to replace Vern. Take a look at his show and his cookie cutter design, he should not be judging.He always pans someones "hosting skills" and he has the personality of a dish-rag.

Posted by sam – July 17, 2008 9:53 AM

I agree with everyone! Design Star needs an overhaul! New judges, new 'tests' for indiviual abilities, new contestants....call this season a draw with no winner. He or she won't last long anyway! There are several former 'stars' who could fill any of those areas.

Posted by Donna – July 17, 2008 9:20 AM

I too am curious why the backsplash was brown. Heck, if you couldn't give the client the backsplash they asked for, at least give them the punch of color they asked for. Paint comes in red too! The best part of design star is the white room challenge. I loved the dollar store idea last year. This ones wasn't as good (perhaps it was limiting them to a country). The potentials need more freedom to "create" individually. I think there was more of that last year. Kinda bummed this year as well. Challenges have all been kinda boring and not really showcasing the creativity of the "stars". Oh well, there is always next year.
singed, darlene in the burgh.

Posted by darlene grieco – July 16, 2008 10:46 PM

The ideas that Tracee had for the kitchen were awesome, even with the boycott against her, she could finish the kitchen, what Sparkle's team last year couldn’t do. I love that kitchen, it is so serene and relaxing, I would trade my colorful backsplash and my red cabinets for this kitchen. IT IS GREAT. TRACEE SHOULDN'T BE ELIMINATED.

Posted by Dennise – July 16, 2008 9:32 PM

Hi Josh,
I just love watching your vlog, you are so funny and have so much appeal.I miss you ever time that I turn on Design Star, I keep hoping for a guest appearance.
I agree with everyone else the show this year is very repititous and boring. Can't they think of some new ways for the designers to show their skills.
I am so glad that Tracee is gone, she blames everyone for her mistakes what a shame because her Hotel room design was very nice.
Miss you Josh and hope that HGTV gets the sense to put you on your own show, would watch it devoutly.

Posted by Lucky Grammy – July 16, 2008 9:27 PM

Very disappointing season. Before the start this year it was touted as having raised the bar...OUCH!!! BORING!!!

Posted by disappointed – July 16, 2008 4:59 PM

I love watching Design Star, but this season has been a disappointment. To many group projects, need to do more individual projects so we can see their styles better. I don't have a favorite yet, waiting to see more from them.

Posted by lo – July 16, 2008 4:14 PM

I've been disappointed throughout this whole season! Where's the talent they all claim to have? Remember 2 seasons ago , not only was David talented but we actually got to watch a lot of good designs,I say don't let anyone win & start over!

Posted by Dianne – July 16, 2008 4:07 PM

Love ya Josh! YOU shoud have your own show! Not one of them are worth voting for!
Did anyone else notice how Trish & Mikey V were always so chummy? They seemed to be hanging all over one another all the time. I wonder if her fiance` asked for the ring back after watching the episodes of her & Mikey V & that is why she waited so long to have it cut off. I agree she could have taken care of that off camera & on her own time, but then it would not have been such an interesting show. Lord knows it is so boring. Where's the talent??????

Posted by Marsha – July 16, 2008 2:13 PM

Judges, how could you keep Tracee on for so long? Her attitude, constant criticism of the others, the blaming others for all mistakes and never taking responsibility was getting quit trying to watch. Tracee should have left by the second show at the very latest. We would have had a completed kitchen for our family in episode 6. The final three might still be the same, but watching episodes 3-6 would have been much less painful. Most veiwers watch HGTV for design ideas, not for drama. We can get that on another channel. Please wake up and smell the room deordorant! We are not pleased.

Posted by Ruth – July 16, 2008 1:01 PM

I think Mikie should not have been kicked off the show. I really liked him! I was really sorry to see him go. I hope they bring him back even if it's on another show. He was real and he has a lot of potential.

Posted by judy – July 16, 2008 11:54 AM

I have to agree that the designer's showcases have been boring and that it would have been nice to see more individual work. However, as this is a television show, I wonder if the stress on group work was used to create/keep interest. Tracee should have been one of the first to go, but her conflict with the others made for good TV, whereas the designs did not.

Posted by Lynn – July 16, 2008 11:27 AM

I was so impressed with the first two seasons of Design Star, that I couldn't WAIT to watch season 3....it's been uneventful, boring, non-creative and uninspiring....I'm still waiting to see the "talent" shine....uh, when is it going to happen? You keep telling us they're talented!

Posted by BE – July 16, 2008 11:12 AM

I agree with Gaby and Sally about this year's show. Is this Survivor??? Why not give a new show to Alice and one to Sparkle? They have solid experience and two different styles. I am a little tired of reruns all the time from old shows. Another person who deserves his own show, is VERY multi-talented and VERY skilled, is Charles Burbridge (sp?) from Design on a Dime. He has incredible design sense, is an artist, a carpenter, can sew, and really listens to the wants of the customer. Love that guy! To watch him paint a self-made TV turntable and the way he caresses the wood shows he is involved with the work at hand. And I love to hear him explain his work and his reasons for the piece he's doing. Next year, do more individual work, as the designer chosen will be the boss, and limit the times they work as a team. After all, they are fighting each other to be alpha dog, so do you really think you are giving them a chance to show their skills, knowledge, etc, when they really are instictively fighting to do each other in? David and Kim and Alice and Sparkle, for the most part, did not allow themselves to be dragged into those fights, and also admitted when they made the big mistakes, rather than holding out so the whole team looks guilty. Please, revise your format. I won't give anyone the pleasure of hearing that I won't watch it, because I don't want this show to become an afterthought of the producers. Work on your event formats and let people who are not necessarily designers at the moment apply for the contest. God bless!!!

Posted by Connie – July 16, 2008 10:46 AM

I agree with many of the previous commentaries...there really isn't a stand out among the group this year. Perhaps the producers realize this as well as they had Trish call the Fire Dept to inject some excitement (and the color red!) into the last episode...lol! Here's an idea for a show...friendly TV personality comes to my home for much needed makeover...where are you Joan Steffend and Lauren Lake?? julie

Posted by julie – July 16, 2008 10:26 AM

Sparkle Josh, can we make you the next Design Star in a write-in vote? The remaining 3 designers can't hold a candle to you.

Posted by Diane – July 15, 2008 8:44 PM

Josh, You were one of my favorites last year. It is so great that HGTV has invited you back this year for some comments. You have great insight on what is happening on the show and to the contestants. Keep up the great work! When are they going to let you do someone's home???

Posted by Kathy – July 15, 2008 8:25 PM

SPARKLE JOSH.......LOVE,LOVE,LOVE HIM! He's the only designer that's making season three worth watching. Sure wish he had an immediate tv commentary at the end of each episode.
The HGTV judges screwed up AGAIN big time last season.
Sparkle's show would have been great. Funny commentary, big style, drama, glitz, color and would certainly be more interesting than David's Color Splash, Myles to Styles and Verns Deserving Design. Vern, please no more Pottery Barn rooms, you need to 'open your fan' and shake your designing up a bit!

Posted by David – July 15, 2008 7:32 PM

I have tried 15 times to sign up for the message board using 15 different passwords til i finally gave up because I have no idea what I was doing wrong and no way to ask someone...I just wanted to comment that I am no longer watching season 2008....it is terrible.....I dont get why certain people remain while others are gone...I dont get the judges criteria....the whole show is awful this year...I'm done with it...

Posted by chessie – July 15, 2008 7:06 PM

Hey Josh, met you at the show. I just want to apologize for "attacking" you! I got so excited and I just want to say you are as nice in person as you seem to be. I pray you have your own show soon and don't forget the "shout'out"! Keep up the good work - you already have lots of fans and I'm number 1!!!!!!

Posted by Sharo!n – July 15, 2008 5:31 PM

So glad to see Tracee leave. She has disrupted from the start. Very sorry to see Mikey V leave, he has a good work ethic, and good knowledge of how things should be, With just a bit of practice his hosting would have been right on. Hope he pursues his abilities.
My vote is for Trish, but do hope Matt is second.

Posted by Diann Wells – July 15, 2008 5:25 PM

Trish should not have had the ring on that finger, and she did bring complete chaos to the design opp at the premium hour for a plan to be made.
Tracee bumbled with thoughts until everyone started dismantling out of concern for time, they knew the score by then. But some of the demo might not have needed done if they had a plan, so wasted time again.
Drywall is for professionals when in a time crunch and I would have gone w white beadwork-style 6-feet high then drywall along the top and crown moulding. And where was the lighting? New cabinet doors were affordable and faster than what they did. Overnight smalls, ie hardware with a wow. Would have gone with a copper-look metal backsplash as the tiles are large, and red for small appliances would have done it, along with a red rug.
All were responsiblie for a design plan, There was NO consistency at all. I agree they literally rolled her under the bus as a group. Someone should have been shopping with Tracee for obvious reasons, ie to focus her energy for the sake of the team and for perspective and variety. Tracee needed to call that one.
Jennifer - not as talented as we would hope either.
I agree w Tom O., Vicki S., Jan, and Gaby. Plus, I too think the show should provide a crew for the team. In the end, after all, we want a design star able to roll up their sleeves,know time management and everyone's job - but not one doing it all. We do not a carpenter or a time wizard. Be realistic. The drama is there for us serious programers when ten designers who have true talent compete. Leave the reality drama out of it. Feed our competitive spirit and creative pallet instead. From the beginning we should have been seeing true designs from all. BTW, bring Stephanie back since you got rid of two this episode. I think the talent was sent home - the D. dude and Stephanie for two.

Posted by Essa – July 15, 2008 5:00 PM

Wow, this whole entire season has been such a let down. So far no one has displayed any wow factors like previous seasons have. If this is the best they could find, they were not looking hard enough. No one has displayed any actual design talent above an amateur. For the first four weeks I watched the program diligently HOPING for an improvement. No such luck as the videos reveal.
Tracee should have been the first one to go. She is childish and loves to shift blame to everyone else. She has no clue how to handle criticism or accept the consequences of her own actions. You do NOT go shopping for several hours and expect your team to be okay with that. If I was waiting around for hours to work on something when someone was being inconsiderate about the time restraint, I would be pissed too. It was about time the judges called you on your ill choices and 'I am better than you' attitude.
As for everyone else...don't count on me watching the winner's program. I am not impressed and actually have watched less HGTV because of it.

Posted by Merc – July 15, 2008 4:20 PM

Why didn't Tracee get a granite backsplash since she got such a good deal on the counter top? That would have been a WOW facture! Also, why didn't someone think of taking a panel or two off and put glass on one or two of the top cabinets? Designers THINK!!!

Posted by Marie – July 15, 2008 4:05 PM

The challenges in this season's Design Star are pretty much the same as the past two (design the players' living space, the individual room, the kitchen). But the talent just has not been there as in the past. This is very disappointing, but now that it has been narrowed down to the final three maybe will get to see some real individuality and flair, especially if they get a reasonable budget and time frame to work in. The Sarah Evans challenge was pretty easy considering she gave them solid directions on what she likes and they got to see first hand an example of her style. If in this next challenge the remaining 3 still don't deliver, I'll just write off this season and look forward to next season. And my advice to the judges for the next season: Better Vetting of your candidates, Please. No more arrogant head cases with more mouth than talent. It's not the drama I want from this show, it's the design expertise that I admire.

Posted by connie – July 15, 2008 2:17 PM

I LOVE Sparkle Josh - so tactful, charming and CUTE! We are waiting patiently for his SHOW...

I think the show this season is fascinating, not boring at all. Quite a mix of contestants and personalities. We're all leaning towards Matt, with his friendly open manner and carpentry skills. He has a very upbeat personality and can think outside the box.

Posted by Karen Mac – July 15, 2008 1:58 PM

Wow, what a bunch of children. How rude. Everyone just decided not to like Tracee because she mentioned that no one would listen to any of her ideas. They didn't! Granted, maybe she should have spoken up more, maybe she is not the best designer, but geez... it was like high school. I would not want to watch any of the remaining on any show, simply because of how abusive they were to one of the other contestants! I don't feel that Tracee was one of the best however, I am amazed by the terrible treatment she received by her fellow contestants. I personally don't like to see people treated badly. All this woman did was to mention that they would not listen to her opinions, which they did not. Not one of the people left, seem like decent human beings. I really am disappointed in this seasons show.

Posted by Pam – July 15, 2008 12:27 PM

I agree with Candy....I wouldnt watch any of the three left. this season is lackluster. All they have done is bicker..I havent seen any real talent, though the three that are left all think rather highly of themselves. AND Sparke Josh oh please...What has happened to Design Star....

Posted by kat – July 15, 2008 11:52 AM

If Tracee had not been the leader she might still be on the show. No one wanted to follow her, people were rude to her and she did not get much input from the group. Mikey was obviously sullen and unpleasant to her, as was Trish. Trish could have dealt with her ring the evening before. Any ER has a ring cutter! The kitchen was awful. A colorful backsplash done with little glass tiles could have been put up in a jiffy. No one offered a design plan. They were all worthy of being eliminated. I give points to Jen and Matt for staying somewhat pleasant.

Posted by sky – July 15, 2008 11:36 AM

I love Sparkle and think he should have his own show. Why does HGTV not listen to our comments. Everyone wants Sparkle!!!!The family was happy with their new kitchen. Look at it before. I just redid my kitchen and let me tell you that is not an easy feat within 24 hours. I do agree it lacked pop and that was Tracee's fault. She was not a good leader. If it weren't for Mikey V that place would not have been finished. Trish and Mike V were the two best left. I like Mike V.'s personality. He's real. Not fake and phoney.

Posted by kristine – July 15, 2008 9:02 AM

What a boring season! I would prefer to see more individual designs than group designs. You can't get a real feel for each ones ability when they have to work as a group. Glad to see Tracee go. She needs to grow up and mature a little. The only good show so far was the Opryland one. One more comment - Tracee was the leader this week. She made up the schedule of when things were to be done. If you put on the schedule that the tile was to be done by 2 or 2:30 why would you wait and bring it back at 6 in the evening. You can't blame others and say no one told me to bring it back. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel sorry for her employees if she runs her business this way. If so she won't have one for long.

Posted by Pam – July 15, 2008 4:45 AM

I hope that Mikey V. is given a spot on another show, perhaps as a carpenter. What the HGTV executives seem to have missed is that he was very likable, and America identified with him. I was rooting for him from the start, based on that indefinable appeal he has. Hosting talents do grow, and can be taught..David is a prime example.The story floating around about his past has not hurt him at all, judging from the blogs.

One of the big impacts this season, is the ugliness that Tracee generated. It has influenced everyone who is competing, in the same way one real toxic person in a family will. Some people shut down, keep a low profile. I think this happened to Mikey. As far as hosting...HGTV has entirely too many perky brunettes on already, in the design shows and other home shows. (Lisa, of course, is the grand exception, a fabulous hostess).

It isn't the kitchen only that suffered from the blahs, this whole season is just a stale repeat: another kitchen, another "star" to do a room for, same old, same old....and this time, I don't think we saw enough of the individual abilities, far too much group stuff. Anyway, here's my vote: a show that features our favorites, somebody new each week or month. I'd like to see Sparkle Josh, Mikey V (team them up, I think the combo would be interesting). So how about it, HGTV? A series featuring past Design Star competitors who had audience appeal?

Posted by Gail McNaughton – July 15, 2008 3:48 AM

Although I really wanted Tracee to go home weeks ago. I felt that none of the designers worked as a team.They all had a total disregard for the clients and cared nothing about the end result!In my opinion they should all go home!

Posted by gail – July 15, 2008 12:27 AM

Design Star 1 & 2 showed a lot of potential with several of the people right off the start, I'm still waiting for someone to show some potential at all on show 3. If you choose any of these 3 left so far then you have really dropped your standards and are going to upset several viewers. Wake up and tell them none of them are good enough to rank up their with any of your HGTV designers, not David or Kim! I haven't seen any 1 of them show half the talent that they have. Keep up the quality that makes the shows.
Todd and Josh and several others could fill in for this crew instead and they would all deserve it.

Posted by Pamella – July 15, 2008 12:25 AM

Great to see you on line Sparkle. I was really sorry to see Mikey V get eliminated this week. I thought he had definitely improved on his hosting. Tracee should have been the first to go; not Scottie. Remember, in season 1, they told David he wasn't very good at it but he would improve. Anyway, as much as I also like Matt, I thought overall, Mikey V was a better designer (individual rooms proved that). I would have liked to see Mikey V and Jennifer in the final elimination. You enjoyed this so much, Mikey V. Keep pursuing your dream just like Sparkle!

Posted by J – July 15, 2008 12:24 AM

josh you are soo cool!!!!!!!!

Posted by dawn bender – July 14, 2008 11:39 PM

I have been keeping up with Design Star since season 1. Of this bunch, I really liked Michael. Of the ones left, I think that Jennifer is the best.

Posted by Judy – July 14, 2008 10:06 PM

I can't help wondering why Trish waited until that particular time to take care of her finger. If she had hurt it in the beginning, she certainly had plenty of "off" time to take care of it. As for Tracee. Come on Chick, if you have to shop for 7 hours, when you know you have the materials that workers are waiting for, then you've got a major problem. NOT good time management at all!!! She really needed to go. Maybe even at the first episode. Sorry to see Micky V. and Michael go. They were very gifted. Glad it wasn't up to me to send someone home last night.

Posted by Vickie Schneider – July 14, 2008 9:55 PM

I agree that all nine designers have left something to be desired. Where in the first two seasons, it became apparent by the third or fourth show, who the top prospects were, this season, no one has stood out from the group. Each has good ideas, but nothing special. I agree that HGTV could actually just not have a winner this season. I've been watching, but I'm not impressed.

Posted by Tom Oesterle – July 14, 2008 8:47 PM

Josh, I would love to see you get your own show, too. I love your style (it really would perk up HGTV) and so would your personality! I hope someone from HGTV reads these comments!

Posted by Sally – July 14, 2008 8:41 PM

This season has been a real disappointment so far. There is either no talent there or they haven't gotten around to showing it. Poor judges, nothing to judge!

Posted by jan – July 14, 2008 7:25 PM

I am disappointed with this season. I think that HGTV went down the wrong road with trying to make this a "reality" show just like any other one. I was so impressed with season 1 and the professional attitudes for the most part. It was more about design and not drama. This kitchen episode was very uncomfortable to watch with these selfish "designers" who were more interested in the failure of one. In addition, none of them were respectful of each other. These message boards go on and on defending this one or that, but in the end its just evident that the producers wanted what they made it. How sad for just plain folk (like me) who dream of ways to make their homes better looking with ideas from HGTV. Please HGTV exec's - hear the plea's of those who want a design show and give the design stars realistic projects with a realistic budget AND give them carpenters and TIME to complete them. My 2 cents...

Posted by Gaby – July 14, 2008 7:08 PM

The show isnt' worth watching any further to find out who would be the next design star. It just has gone down the tubes. Booorrrriiiinnnngggg. The judges don't know how to judge.

Posted by Just me – July 14, 2008 6:19 PM

I liked the kitchen, it had the granite
and stainless steel appliances, but it was kindof boringgg and blahhh. I would LOVE
to have the kitchen, but if i signed up for 6 PROFESSIONAL designers and put my kitchen on NATIONAL t.v, than i would have wanted them to spice it upp.
but i liked itt. but i LOVE Mikeyy V.
He was a good carpenter, good designer, he know how to fix EVERYTHINGG.
My Final 3:
Mikey V,
The bald guy (srry i forgot his name)
Trish
:)
Reply if you agree with me!

Posted by Amani – July 14, 2008 4:28 PM

Sparkle:
What a great vlog and kitchens makeovers in 24 hours are impossible. I was impressed that the kitchen was presentable given the circumstances. Tracee does not have leadership abilities and her talents are shopping and taking too long at the stores. One can't blane the group for not wanting to work with her. The other four were troopers in finishing the project.
Sparkle needs his own show on HGTV! He would add some great wow factors to some of the duller shows at this time.

Posted by Delvia Logan – July 14, 2008 3:43 PM

I was very upset with Tracee, because she was a team leader and know one listened to her. It was very uncoverable sitting at the end when it was time for the judges to make a decision. It wasn't
right to bring up Trish's finger. Tracee, I don't
understand, why you looked at 7 stores, when you knew that everyone was working on the prodject, and that you should have been working on the project to. What is the big Idea for buying aprons for the mother and father. Also, what is the idea for the pillows for and the horns for. I could have done a better job picking out things for the kitchen. The home owner asked if they could install tile or bring in color for the backspach. Tracee didn't hear what the home owner wanted. I was very upset how Tracee acted on the show. I am glad that she is off the show.

Posted by Liz Sitton – July 14, 2008 3:34 PM

I think Trish is awesome. I am a Home decor Rep in Michigan and we need a winner to help us out! She has talent and is just adorable. I hope and pray she is the winner and remembers us Michigan folk.

Posted by Candy-o – July 14, 2008 1:51 PM

Of the 3 left, I wouldn't watch a show with any of them. I have never heard the judges mention the word watch-ability or like-ability. 10 minutes of Jennifer or Matt and I'd want to hang myself. And Trish, well, she's just too self focused and phoney.

Posted by Dina – July 14, 2008 1:03 PM

Tracee was still blaming her "peers" for that bland boring kitchen on her ride down to oblivion. She actually thought she hadn't erred at all. I really doubt her "employees" love her. ! So glad she is finally gone. A true legend in her own mind. Tracee is not a very good manager of time or design. Mrs. Page said she wanted RED in her kitchen, why not a red backsplash in those small glass tiles? Tracee brought the materials back for the dining room walls right away, why didn't she do the same for the backsplash tiles? Seven hour shopping trip? Please! The amount of real work she did in that kitchen didn't fill a thimble. Me thinks she doth protest too much!

Posted by Cathy – July 14, 2008 12:47 PM

The kitchen wasn't so much bad as it was unfinished. Not from a carpentry point of view, but from a "wow" point of view. I'd have liked to have seen a red wall somewhere and not so much white. I felt sorry for Tracee; none of them would listen to her. I have to say that I agreed with her exit remarks. Jennifer's the only one in the final three worth watching. Too bad Sparkle Josh wasn't there; he would have "wowed" it and be nice to work with.

Posted by nikkymac – July 14, 2008 12:27 PM

Hellooo Josh, So good to see you back on HGTV.Starting out without a plan? One definitely can't wing it in the design world, especially in a kitchen. I really don't understand why Tracee didn't delegate,delegate, delegate instead of going shopping herself.I just loved it when she said well nobody told me I should have gotten the tile, brought it back and then gone back to shop. Duhhh... she shouda had a V8. She was the team leader she needed a plan from the get go, and should have been there to see that things were accomplished. I love my HGTV, and especially Design Star, But will admit I have been very dissappointed this season. Will be watching you as you Sparkle ony your new hosting spot.

Posted by Linda H. – July 14, 2008 12:25 PM

Yes....Sparkle....I agree with everything you said. I noticed no one wanted to cooperate with Tracee. That was a little unfair to her even though she may have asked for it. She said she didn't hear Mikey V to bring the tile back asap but common sense would have told her that. She's the one who was suppose to map the time frame out. Being the team leader on almost any challenge is the ticket to go home. I think Trish and Jennifer will be in the finals and the one I like best is Jennifer. Trish may be more refined but Jennifer is more likeable and friendlier and I think more people would identify with her. She is the most charming of all the contestants. So...we'll see. Love ya Sparkle Josh...still hoping for a show you will host someday! It's funny how YOU are the one contestant no one can forget about after 3 seasons! YOU are the one everyone wants to see host their own show. You are one in a million! Love the southern accent and that comes from another southerner. You are the host with the most!
God Bless!
Cindy from Texas

Posted by cindy – July 14, 2008 12:23 PM

Hi, Sparkle, glad you have this vlog. I was sorry to see you eliminated but I could understand how some people had an issue with your sparkly designs. I loved them. That would be some outhouse! I wish you had won, your show would have been something else (in a good way). I love your personality. Keep up the good work.

Posted by Carmen – July 14, 2008 12:19 PM

I really think the remaining three should all be cancelled. Tracee finally got her just desserts and Trish should be right behind her...That leaves Jen and Matt and what have either one of them done that you could say WOW! HGTV should take the high road and say thanks but no thanks...there doesn't have to be a winner...the talent is just not there.

Posted by stephanie – July 14, 2008 12:14 PM

I don't think Mikey V should have gone home. After all, he was a nice guy and had a lot more to offer. Plus, Jennifer was talking 90 miles an hour! Slow down! I think sending Tracee home was a good decision. The design star should be a good team player.

Posted by RR – July 14, 2008 12:11 PM

couldn't you just eliminate all of them and start over? From what I have seen none of them would make a pimple on a good designers back side i.e. vern, david, kim, sparkle josh and Alice This season has the biggest bunch of no talent designers I have ever seen on hgtv,not to mention that they are downright mean none of the designers I mentioned have ever turned in a bad design, I watch david, kim and vern every week, even the reruns, but this season, no matter who wins I will not watch

Posted by judi – July 14, 2008 10:29 AM

couldn't you just eliminate all of them and start over, from what I have seen none of them would make a pimple on a good designer's backside(vern, David, Kim, and Sparkle Josh) even the 2nd place finishers from the last two seasons this season has the biggest bunch of no talent designers I have ever seen on hgtv and no matter who wins I will not watch. I love david and Kim and watch all the time even the reruns None of the good designers I mentioned have ever turned in a bad design

Posted by judi – July 14, 2008 10:13 AM

josh....so glad you are a part of HGTV...sparkle is truely fun to watch...can we vote you the next design star!

Posted by deborah – July 14, 2008 10:06 AM

Hey Josh!!! Great to see you as always!! Just wanted to mention I spotted you on an episode of “Cash In The Attic”—lookin’ good!!! I agree that Tracee wanted to include everyone, but unfortunately after a bad start with her co-candidates, she had left a bad taste in their mouth and cooperation was not an option. She consistently passed the blame and refused to accept responsibility for her own bad decisions. More than once she interrupted or argued with the judges about their interpretation of her challenges. She was LONNNGGG overdue for a return trip home. I’m pulling for Matt, but I think the judges are leaning towards Jennifer or Trish, so I’m hoping Matt pulls out the WOW factor for this next challenge!!!

Posted by Iris – July 14, 2008 8:42 AM

It's about time they got rid of Tracee!

Posted by Mary – July 14, 2008 2:28 AM

I just finished watching Design Star 3, Kitchen remodel. Tracee really should have called a cast meeting and hashed out everyone's role in the design. Absolutely, she was getting payback. Headstrong people indeed! The room needed style as all of the judges noted. Where is "the other Josh" when he is needed. What was wrong with them this time?? No Confidence? Just poor leadership? NO Design from any of them? Yes, Yes, and Yes. Really, isn't that what it's all about? Inspiring others to beautify their own spaces. To be proud, and bring a little happiness to someone's senses. A big plate to fill. There could have been a tile back splash if the time had been used more wisely. Hey, I like shopping too! not on a deadline as short as theirs. Hmmm,. what would I have done to spice up this kitchen? Copper insets glued to the doors, as a back splash, and as a square above the light over the table, with the light hanging from the center (I've forgotten what they are called, the round ones emphasizing the lights). A nice copper patterned curtain for the window. Numerous copper decorations, table settings, some beads to hi lite here and there, etc.; would have brightened it tremendously. Or white accents, with brown back splash. Hey! I can even come up with some ideas! Love ya Sparkle, YOU hi lite the rooms you walk into. Sheryl

Posted by Sheryl – July 13, 2008 10:53 PM

Josh - they needed your sparkle this week. The kitchen, though done, was far from spectacular.

Posted by Terry – July 13, 2008 10:38 PM

ODE TO JOSH:

In every plan, in every design,
You need someone who can refine
Your den, your bedroom,
Or where you dine.

Who would that be?
Who can we find?
I know someone
I have in mind.

There is only one
Who can get it done.
He’ll make you smile.
He’ll make it fun.

Dear Sparkle is the only choice.
He always makes my heart rejoice.
HGTV-
Please hear my voice!!

Posted by Mary Ann Cobb – July 13, 2008 10:37 PM