Film credits: Directed by Elijah Chhum / Director of Photography Sarah Knoss / Edited by Richard Louprasong / Produced by Mojo Solo
Although some have tried, it's hard to pigeonhole Vita.mn readers. After four years of doing our pre-Valentine's Day Hotness search (which started humbly in 2008 as a Most Eligible Bachelor/ette contest), we have learned one thing, though: You people are pretty hot.
Another lesson? Hotness is definitely in the eye of the beholder. And no matter who you are, there's probably someone out there who thinks you're fine.
Once again this year, Vita.mn's contributors, Web users, Facebook friends, Twitter followers and readers nominated a whopping 211 friends, lovers and crushes on www.vita.mn, representing a broad cross-section of Twin Cities hotness. "Once in a great while," went one pitch, "a megababe emerges in the universe so powerfully seductive, so elegant and graceful, she lures us in like the savory scent of Beggin' Strips to an emaciated bloodhound." Another nomination gushed: "Her wit and humor can outlast any snow emergency. I am so very happy to have her 'hotness' warm me during these cold Minnesota nights." All together now: Awwwwww.
What is "Twin Cities hotness?" Is it the in-your-face, fake-boobed, airbrushed, L.A. version, as some have assumed, decried or even wished? Obviously not. Minnesota hotness is more unassuming, more natural, more eclectic, more real. (Once again, we asked pro models to sit this out in favor of amateur hotties.) One's hotness might not even have to do with looks, although -- who are we kidding? -- eye candy is always a plus.
Among this year's 12 Hotness finalists, the guys and girls who rose to the top with the voters and judges share a theme: They are engaged in some way with the community. The women (page 24) happen to be an artsy lot: a painter, a designer, a singer, a teacher and winning actress Melissa Anne Murphy (page 20), whose vintage-pinup glamour and geek-chic exuberance is a sexy mix of local subcultures. As for the dudes (page 26), we have a rapper, a retro rocker, a scholar, this year's token First Ave employee, a nice guy who looks like he stepped off the set of "Jersey Shore" and winner Jonathan Rabb (page 22), a charming local TV host who seems to exude south Minneapolis.
We met all 12, and we found them all charming, interesting and hot. But for each finalist who made it to this issue, we thought there were three or four more candidates who could just as easily be here.
Think you could compete? Then bring it. Hotness 2012 nominations open in December.
- Location: Woman's Club of Minneapolis
- Hair and makeup assistance: Jungle Red Salon Spa
Past winners: women
- Mara Castillo (2008)
- Alice Sydow (2009)
- Becca Bates (2010)
Past winners: men
- Ben Shardlow (2008)
- Rex Njoku (2009)
- Justin Plank (2010)
