Jersey Shore, Big Sexy, DWTS … Celebrity Tanning News

Every now and then, we like to update you on the world of celebrity tanning. Whether they’re making tanning look good – or … well, we’re not picky. Just keep the tanning love coming!

First up, our GTL friends from MTV’s “Jersey Shore.” Mike Sorrentino is laughing all the way to the bank. In an interview, he recently commented he was turning “The Situation” into “The Corporation” with all his business dealings. Thursday he made promotional appearances at four southern Florida Boca Tanning Clubs (BTC), where he has become the spokesman – as well as part-owner. Sorrentino travelled by BTC-branded Hummer between the salons, including stops at Boca Raton, Coconut Creek, Wilton Manors and South Beach Miami locations.

Besides the salon deal, the 29-year-old is also representing Flow Formal’s new line of tuxedos, as well as Devotion vodka – which is infused with protein, no less. Apparently The Sitch isn’t hurting enough financially to consider Abercrombie & Fitch’s offer to pay him to not wear their clothes (the clothing retailer feared he was giving their duds a bad name). In fact, last year – thanks mostly to endorsements and not just his MTV salary – he was the second highest-paid reality TV star after Kim Kardashian, reportedly making more than $5 million. Imagine if he got married!

Fans may continue to see more of Sorrentino on MTV, whether it’s via Jersey Shore or through spinoffs that are under way in pilot episodes.

In other news, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi rekindled her connection with anti tan-tax pal Arizona Sen. John McCain this week, electronically sending him happy birthday wishes as he celebrated his big 75. Politico reports she said, “Happy 75th Birthday Bro, You’re Still A QT To Me.” Maybe this one won’t go down in tan-tax history, but it’s still nice to see her taking an active role in politics.

Moving to NBC, in an interview with Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show,” “Project Runway” host Heidi Klum shared how she had gotten in trouble in Phoenix when she was discovered tanning topless by the swimming pool. The German supermodel was asked to put on her top, as hotel security reported they had received complaints. Apparently only Europeans are supportive of her “no tan lines” methods.

Outdoor and indoor tanning plays a part in the new TLC show “Big Sexy,” where plus-sized women challenge stereotypes by trying to break into the New York fashion and modeling scene. Caught on film – bikini designer Heather Roach soaked up the rays outside, while model Nikki Gomez settled in for a spray tan. Gomez later participated in a swimwear campaign, sporting her bronzed bod.

Lastly, ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” is ramping up for its upcoming season. Known for spray tanning its celebs for their dancing dramatics, this year’s contestants are no exception. However, some of the public figures are strangers to the world of sunless. U.S. women’s soccer goalie Hope Solo recently admitted she’s never had a spray tan, while talk show host Nancy Grace confessed she had never even heard of the service. Grace is reportedly researching the topic. Tune in to see who brings home the bronze later this month.

Sources

SunSentinel.com: The Situation: A visit with the Jersey Shore tycoon

NBC Miami: Situation: Shore Not Only Thing Going for Me

NBC LA: Jersey Shore" Star Gets Into the Tanning Business

The Daily Caller: Snooki still hearts McCain

OK!: Heidi Klum Got in Trouble for Tanning Topless? ‘People Were Complaining’

Mail Online: Spanx, swimwear and spray tanning: It's business as usual for reality TV's most voluptuous stars in new series Big Sexy

USA Today: 'DWTS' sticks with spray-on tans