Find Love on Reality TV by Competing on American Idol

American Idol is one of the best shows on all of television. Not just because they actually succeed in finding talented singers that go on to have semi-successful careers, (if you overlook the Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Fantasia Barrino train wrecks)but also because this show is a breeding ground for love, relationships and marriages that typically last longer than six months.

Recently, Season 8 competitor Danny Gokey announced that he would be marrying Leyicet Peralta, which is significant because I cannot pronounce her name and also because Gokey rode a wave of sympathy during his season on the news that his first wife had recently died due to complications from a congenital heart defect. Gokey went on to a third-place finish on the show while constantly referencing his first wife. After the show, he established Sophia’s Heart, a charity that honors her memory. So the news that three years later, he’s been able to move on is relatively huge.

What other relationships have occurred because of this show? Here is s small handful:

• James Durbin – Durbin finally married long-time girlfriend Heidi Lowe on New Year’s Eve. Mother to their two-year old son, Heidi supported James during his season and apparently doesn’t mind his facial tics and musical stylings that mostly involve him screaming. Hold on to her, James. Closely.
• Paul McDonald – McDonald was famous for his unique voice and teeth white enough to brighten up a dark room. After watching him on the show, Breaking Dawn star Nikki McDonald pursued the singer and they wasted no time in getting married on October 16, 2011. See what I mean? This show spawns loving relationships between beautiful people!
• Fantasia Barrino – And just because she was on the show, I will mention this one… Continuing to make quality decisions, Barrino recently gave birth to a baby boy she shares with boyfriend Antwaun Cook. Apparently this guy is a catch, as they started their relationship while he was still married. In fact, Antwaun not only spells his name phonetically, but he is also still currently trying to get divorced from his wife. Good luck with all that, kids.
• Carrie Underwood – Season four champion, Underwood, recently married professional hockey player Mike Fisher. Not only does he actually have all of his teeth, but he also can take out anyone that tries to attack her on stage. Also, she gets pretty good seats to his games. This is a win/win all around.
• Pia Toscano – After appearing in the most recent season of American Idol, Pia was mostly known for her big voice and good looks. It didn’t take Dancing with the Stars pro, Mark Ballas long to notice and he actively pursued her. Maybe it was because he was only 5’8” or maybe it’s because he’s famous for being on a dancing show, but Pia broke up with him recently.
• Ryan Seacrest – Not one to be left behind, Seacrest has also been busy on the relationship front as well. After a brief fling with Teri Hatcher, Seacrest has been dating Julianne Hough for the last two years.

Forget The Bachelor. If you really want to find true love, go on American Idol.