BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
‘Mom, I’m on a reality television show.?
As reality TV grows in popularity with American audiences, that phrase might just be one that family members of participants hear over the phone. It was the case for Clarkston Middle School principal Linda Foran.
Foran’s daughter, Dani Armstrong, was one of seven contestants on Country Music Television’s ‘Cowboy U?, a reality show that took ‘city slickers? and turned them into cowboys by the show’s end.
‘She never really had an interest to be on a reality show, but when I think of some of the other shows she could have been on…,? Foran said.
Armstrong, a singer/songwriter based in California, saw an ad in an entertainment industry trade paper looking for participants willing to work with animals.
‘I like animals, so I thought the show might be something to do with vets,? Armstrong said. She went to the casting call and made it to callbacks.
The show’s eight episodes were filmed in 23 days during November 2003. Foran knew her daughter was working on the show, but didn’t know where Armstrong actually was or details about the production.
‘All little girls like horses, but she never wanted to be a cowboy,? Foran said. ‘A singer, dancer or Broadway star- yes.?
Not knowing became especially hard when Armstrong broke her wrist midway through taping. Foran and her family had to see it happen on TV.
‘When we saw her break her wrist, that was the hardest for us,? Foran said. ‘Her wrist was never even in a cast. But it’s okay now: I know she’s gone through it. I have more of an understanding of her.?
Some of the skills Armstrong had to acquire included roping animals, trail riding, and participating in a rodeo during the show’s final episode.
‘The hardest was training with the bulls,? Armstrong said. ‘Everything related to the bulls was hard.?
‘I’ve seen her do some pretty unusual things,? Foran said. ‘I could never do it. I really admire her.?
Back home, Foran and family members kept friends and even her students updated on Armstrong’s progress after each episode, making her a bit of a celebrity.
‘People come up to me and say, ‘Cowboy up!?, a phrase from the show,? Foran said. ‘When they say that, I know they’re talking about Dani.?
When the show debuted, Armtrong spent the day dealing with media inquiries, which included 18 radio interviews.
‘She’s really modest about the whole thing, but taking it all in stride,? Foran said.
Although Armstrong didn’t win the $25,000 grand prize, Foran couldn’t be prouder. The entire family came together to watch the final episode on Feb. 6 and cheer her on.
‘Since she rode a bull, roped a heifer, and went barrel riding, she’s a winner,? Foran said.
The entire process proved to be an important lesson for both Armstrong and her family.
‘She was isolated from her family, her friends, and her support system,? Foran said. ‘Yet, she showed integrity and a great sense of humor. I’m proud of her as an individual.
Armstrong hopes the show will aid in her career as a performer. For Foran, it was a chance to see her daughter in an unusual situation that made her proud as a mother.
‘People connect her with me,? Foran said. ‘How could you not be proud of your own child??