For two former Horned Frogs, reality TV is real life. Kristin Holt ’03, a semi-finalist on last summer’s “American Idol,” has joined the talent-search show in its second season — this time as a co-host.

The former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader joined the program after hearing the show was without a co-host for Ryan Seacrest. So she called the producers who remembered her from the first season and asked for the job. A couple of tryouts later, she was on the show.

And Holt sees her job as more than giving introductions. “I can be there to give advice and perspective, or just be a shoulder to cry on.”

For Brian Ching ’96, reality TV has turned out to be less rosy. After starting as one of 25 bachelors vying for the heart of 29-year-old Trista Rehn on ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” Ching made the cut the first night and enjoyed a group date on the second episode. But it didn’t last long, as Trista passed him over at the end of the second show.

But no hurt feelings, Ching says. “I believe you have to experience life, and this is a unique experience to meet a potential soul mate, as well as a chance to travel, be on national TV and add a new chapter to my life.”