Comedy and drama might still be the most glamorous Emmy categories, but the race for unscripted programming has more twists and turns. With "Top Chef" toppling seven-time reality-competition champ "Amazing Race" in 2010 and last year's reality program winner, "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution," lacking enough qualifying episodes for submission, both contests are heating up. Here's a look at a few of the major reality and reality-competition program contenders that are likely to be among this year's Emmy nominees.
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Where the race gets real
The Emmy money's on a few shows that keep it fresh.
From left: "American Idol" judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez… (Fox )
REALITY COMPETITION
"AMERICAN IDOL," Fox: Twelve crooning contestants compete for a recording contract in this 10-year-old British import.
Why it still matters: Creator Simon Fuller says the show's ability to reflect current pop culture and musical tastes keeps it relevant for viewers. "It is sincere and respectful of the viewer, with full transparency and no tricks or gimmicks," he says. "We celebrate the fundamental notion of fulfilling dreams and promote the 'anything is possible' attitude that America stands for."
Keeping it fresh: Two new faces on the judges' panel — Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler — breathed new life into this season, but Fuller says it wasn't easy figuring out how to replace Simon Cowell. "We knew it would be a mistake to replace Simon with someone similar, so we used the opportunity to give the show a whole new personality and spirit of optimism and fun."
Host: Producer extraordinaire Ryan Seacrest brings an "American Bandstand"-like charm and enthusiasm to the stage.
Emmy history: It has been nominated for outstanding reality-competition program every year since 2003, but has never won the top prize. It does, however, have six Emmys for behind-the-scenes achievement, such as directing and editing, plus three nominations for Seacrest.
Emmy chances: It's important to remember that it's an honor simply to be nominated, though the new "fun" "Idol" could go the distance this time.
"THE AMAZING RACE," CBS: Eleven teams find clues that take them across continents in a race to finish first and win $1 million.
Why it still matters: After 10 years and 18 cycles, the show still manages to earn respectable ratings from legions of fans, which producer Bertram van Munster says is because of its wide appeal. "Every week it's a completely different show. It's a different country, different weather … ," he says. "We shoot 12 episodes in three weeks, while we're driving 40,000 miles or more and schlepping almost 100 people around the world. Logistically, it has always been a phenomenal feat."
Keeping it fresh: While Van Munster says that bringing fan favorites back has given the format a little twist in the past, he still has a few tricks up his sleeve. "I have some plans that, unfortunately, I can't reveal to you yet," he says.
Host: Phil Keoghan, who was no stranger to adventure as a TV host in his native New Zealand, serves as a friendly through-line for competitors and viewers alike.
Emmy history: Its seven-year winning streak ended when "Top Chef" cooked up its first win last year. Keoghan also has two noms.
Emmy chances: A nomination is assured, but last year's upset might indicate that the TV academy is turning its attention to different fare.
"PROJECT RUNWAY," Lifetime: Aspiring fashion designers strive to show their style by designing a new look each week, with the hopes of winning $100,000 to start their own fashion line.
Why it still matters: The show continues to be the jewel in Lifetime's schedule, but its success always hinges on the contestants, says host-judge-executive producer Heidi Klum. "It's all about those designers, and if they're great, then it's a great season," she says. "When you meet people in a casting, you never know what you're going to get. We don't really know, do they really make those clothes or did a friend make them?"
Keeping it fresh: While Klum says having another all-star show to accompany Season 9 will be fun, the rigors of devising increasingly difficult challenges is tough. "It is. I'm not kidding. We sit around this gigantic desk and ideas are flying across the table, and sometimes something sparks off of someone and we take it to the next level. One of my favorite challenges [came from an idea] that I had in the shower. I have all my good ideas in the shower."
Host: Klum's supermodel status gives competitors access to a real-world expert.
Emmy history: Klum has earned three nominations for her hosting duties, and the show itself has 15 additional noms. Its sole prime-time Emmy was in 2009 for editing.
Emmy chances: "Runway" has been nominated for six consecutive years, which means it will take a very strong upstart to knock it off its platforms.
"DANCING WITH THE STARS," ABC: Celebrities train with professional dancers to show their moves and burnish their public profiles.
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