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Anderson's Bailey Hanks wins MTV "Legally Blonde" reality show
Bailey Hanks of Anderson was named the winner of MTV's reality series "Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods." Hanks competed with 15 other finalists to play the lead role in one of Broadway's biggest hits.
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ANDERSON — It’s official. Anderson’s own Bailey Hanks has been crowned the next Elle Woods.
Viewers found out Monday night that Bailey, 20, won the role of Elle Woods on Broadway on the MTV reality show “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods.”
“I’m just overwhelmed and excited. It’s a big realization for me. All of my dreams have literally come true,” Bailey said in a telephone interview on Monday.
Hanks, a Pendleton High School graduate, attended a finale viewing party with her immediate family and cast members Monday night in New York City.
Hanks’ parents, Brad and Angie Hanks, said they were excited to see their little girl accomplish her dreams.
“I really don’t know what to say, … she just went from a little baby in Anderson, South Carolina to a star, literally overnight,” Angie Hanks said.
Bailey’s father remained speechless, even months after he found out the news live.
“I can’t describe it. It is something that she has been wanting for a long time, to see it actually come to fruition for her, you just can’t describe it,” Brad Hanks said. “She really deserves it.”
Bailey Hanks said she began rehearsals for the production about three weeks ago and it was hard leaving Anderson unable to explain her reasons.
“It feels like a 10-ton pound has been lifted off my back,” she said. “Now for them to realize why I haven’t answered phone calls … it’s a huge relief.”
Robb Alverson, who has directed Bailey since she was 6, said the crowning of Bailey Hanks is one of the best things that has happened to Anderson.
“I think it’s probably one of the biggest that Anderson has ever had happen for one of their young people. Anderson should be proud,” Alverson said. “I just couldn’t be happier to tell you the truth.”
Wednesday is the opening night of the production and Bailey Hanks said she is ready for eight shows a week. She has signed a contract with the production for six months, but she could be on longer.
She said her ultimate goal in life is to be a successful Broadway star and the next role she would love to “snag” is Glinda in “Wicked.”
“I’m going to take it all day by day and let it just soak in,” she said. “I wanted to scream out the window, and now I can do that. I’m the next Elle Woods.”
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Congratulations Bailey!! We're so proud of you!
Congrats Bailey! I am so excited for you! I know you will represent Anderson well! Best of Luck!!!!! Hope you have the time of your life!
Congratulations ... birth of another brain dead celebrity bimbo ... just what the world needs.
in response to Bobbymac
Yea, and another no thinking fast typing blogger…..
in response to Bobbymac
Your a moron... You don't know this young lady. She is a smart articulate person. The world needs less brain dead people like you.
Congratulations To Bailey! Great to see a local young lady attain her dreams.
However, I have this to say about AIM: Once again I "love" the way this paper really cares about Anderson. I am well aware that it was late last night (11:00 P.M. to be exact), BUT another really wonderful thing happened for a young adult from Anderson! Guess what, I guess all the newspaper staff has an early curfew, because there is NOTHING in the paper about Bailey Hanks being named Elle Woods for the Broadway play! NOTHING! Well let me explain something real simple, it appears that if it is good news about someone in Anderson that reflects well on her/his family, and her/his community - by George, we can't tell good news in Anderson. Way to go AGAIN to the Editor, Publisher and staff! Hope your beauty rest was worth it.
I kinda figured she had won when in a previous AIM article about her it stated "Bailey, who now lives in NY"
I watched the program last night and in my personal opinion the other girl had a much better singing voice but she was several years older.
in response to zeldaz
A teaser for the Bailey Hanks article located on page 3A in today's AIM is on the front cover.
in response to zeldaz
zeldaz. Bailey was on the front of Tuesday's paper and the story was on 3a. It says, "Bailey is the new Elle Woods" and features a picture of her.
We are so happy for you Bailey!!! Congratulations!!
I never saw anything on the online edition until later this am. Guess I should be glad that someone will step up and support this paper.
As I commented on a similar article, I am proud of her or anyone else who makes it that far. But for AIM to say that's "....the best thing that has happened to Anderson"??? Does the writer think that little of our community to say that's the BEST thing about Anderson? Come on, now.
"It feels like a 10-ton pound has been lifted off my back,”
Uh, how much is a 10-ton pound and how do you weigh that? Oh, she is a real blonde, I get it.
Congratulations to her and hope she does great, just don't become another BS,PH,LL and all the other bimbo stars of today.
in response to mousetravel
mousetravel. Just to be clear, it was Robb Alverson who said it was one of the best things to happen to Anderson, not the writer of the story.
in response to mousetravel
I agree with you, we had "Midnight Man" with Bert Lancaster back in the late 60's/early 70's, can't remember exactly, and more recently George Clooney and "Leatherheads" Yes it is great an "Andersonian" is on Broadway, but for someone to say it is the BEST thing that has happened to Anderson is a bit much.
USA Today article:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2...
The negative posters on here should be ashamed. Bailey has made it into many top newpapers, etc. all around the U.S. Her own hometown is posting horrible comments for anyone doing searches on articles on Bailey can read. No wonder Anderson is known (now throughout the country) as a redneck town! Be proud of your hometown talent. Look how many Anderson young adults that are in gangs, on drugs, involved in crime, etc. Is that the kind of news the majority of AIM readers are only interested in? Or is it the negative AIM posters club?
"Best thing to happen to Anderson". Did we all forget the BASS Masters just this year!!!! Come on now!
in response to zeldaz
You would think AIM would have an inside scoop that Bailey won since her grandfather is the atheist columnist for the paper.
You know some if the comments people are making makes Anderson look like a bunch of IDIOTS.Are you people jealous that this young lady got out of Anderson and did something with her life.
Not jealous, I am very happy for her. I just don't think it is quite the "best thing that happened in Anderson".
I got to be in a few plays with Bailey when I was in high school. She is one of the kindest, classiest people I've ever met. Congratulations to Bailey and her fine family, and thanks to the paper for your excellent coverage.
Congratulations. I am happy for you. Just ignore the negative comments. Take the advice you can use and delete the rest. I don't know you but now I will pray for you. Good luck!
in response to tmsales
I agree with you, it is great she got the role, but not the "best thing that has happened in Anderson"
How is that statement being jealous?
Anderson is listed in the credits of "Midnight Man" as is Clemson, Anderson is listed in the credits of "Radio". Anderson is not listed in the credits for "Leatherheads", South Carolina is though. I think any compliment made about Anderson is good, whether it be person, place, or thing. Be happy for her, people!
I teach my children that maturity means understanding that while you have the right to think what you want you don't always have to speak it out loud.
I don't know anything about this girl, but I congratulate and wish her luck...period.
Some of you folks are simply unhappy losers that apparently can't stand to see others have a little success in life. You have taken a great success story and torn it apart for the sake of satisfying your petty urge to bicker like children.
Congrats! You are a STAR! More young people should work hard as you to reach your goal.
in response to Scratch
Maybe you knew she won a month ago because "YOU HAVE THE POWER OF THE FIVE" ~ROTFL~
in response to Laughing_Out_Loud
Laughing Out loud: I totally agree with you.
Even Inside Edition covered the story last night. She is a star & famous. People posting negative comments on here are making Anderson people look really stupid. I don't know Bailey, but I'm so proud of her.
As far as the comment someone made about her grandfather, why bring him up. Everyone has relatives they might not be happy with. I had an alcoholic grandfather I wasn't proud of, but it didn't have any impact on how I turned out.
I am so proud for Bailey. I appreciate her getting Anderson some positive publicity in light of all the negative, national attention that Senator Bryant is getting.
in response to teacher07
So true. At least she didn't drive for 16 months with an expired license or drive a float drunk in the Christmas parade. GEEZE remember when all that made newspapers around the country. ~LOL~
I just hate it that she said she'd have to drop her Southern accent for the play. I think her accent was cute.
Everyone knows that the best thing that ever happened to anderson was landing the jockey lot.
in response to truth28
Sorry I disagree on that, I think the best thing that happened to Anderson was getting Olive Garden *LOL*
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