It's hard to believe that it's been eight years since Tyra Banks first spoke these immortal words: "Congratulations, you are still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top Model." Admit it, when the show premiered you were hooked. There was just something about young women playing dress up and acting all catty with jealousy. So how exciting is it that Sony Ericsson is collaborating with the WTA for a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of women tennis players? The reality series — launched by Maria Sharapova and called Xperia Hot Shots — will debut in March and feature six young players "in their quest for fame." According to the show's Facebook page, these players "will get tips from celebrity mentors, meet stars from the world of music and film, perform stunts, film behind the scenes videos and tweet from the court, with one goal — to build the biggest fanbase on Facebook. The girl who will have gained the most fans this year will win a much coveted sponsorship deal with Sony Ericsson." Sounds awesome, right? No word yet on who the starlets are, but it would be cool if Sharapova took on the Tyra Banks role. I can already hear her saying, "Congratulations, you are Sony Ericsson's Next Sponsored Player!"
- —Sarah Thurmond*