Made to Shade nominees in the Virtual Reali-Tea ‘VRT’ Awards 2025

It’s not reality TV if there’s not shade being thrown, but it takes a certain type of person to fearlessly go head-to-head with co-stars and come out on top.

This year brought us tons of jaw-dropping moments on the small screen, mostly thanks to certain stars who weren’t afraid to stir the pot for the greater good.

In honor of these shade queens, we created a whole category honoring them at our first-ever Virtual Reali-Tea “VRT” Awards: Made to Shade.

You can vote for the person you think should be given the crown from now until Aug. 27, and come celebrate the winner live with “Virtual Reali-Tea” hosts Evan Real and Danny Murphy at City Winery in NYC on Sept. 17.

Chrishell Stause, “Selling Sunset”

Chrishell Stause may have started as an underdog on “Selling Sunset,” but she definitely found her voice as time went on.

Stause, 44, walked into Season 8 ready to take on anyone who came at her, and Nicole Young quickly became a target.

One of the former soap opera star’s most iconic moments came when she called out Young for allegedly being “on drugs” in an explosive fight that left co-stars literally speechless.

Phaedra Parks, “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”

Whether it be to her co-stars faces or in a confessional, one thing Phaedra Parks is going to deliver is an iconic read.

After a six-season break from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” the reality TV vet came in hot with her return, giving fans exactly what they were craving: ultimate shade.

Before Season 16 even premiered, Parks was already armed with some serious shade and told “Virtual Reali-Tea” that castmate Drew Sidora was “forgettable” — OUCH!

Whether you love her, hate her or fear her, it is undeniable that Parks has earned herself a spot on this list.

Gizelle Bryant, “The Real Housewives of Potomac”

In the great words of Gizelle Bryant, “I’m no angel, but gimme some grace and you’ll learn to adore me.” 

As an OG cast member of the “Real Housewives of Potomac,” Bryant has always been known to bring her sharp wit — while still keeping it classy — to every scenario.

In Season 9, Bryant, 54, was especially vocal about fellow “Housewife” Mia Thornton, whom she called out at the reunion for allegedly faking her breakup and home address.

“You fly in for your interviews. You’re on the back of the plane,” Bryant proclaimed in a heated moment as Andy Cohen looked. Yikes.

Emily Simpson, “The Real Housewives of Orange County”

Emily Simpson is known to be outspoken — and that’s why she’s loved by so many fans.

The “Real Housewives of Orange County” star won over viewers by always keeping it real, whether that be by candidly showcasing personal life or going after her co-stars.

Fans can be sure there will be even more shady moments from Simpson in the current season, as the brunette beauty teased that Season 19 is one for the books.

Demi Engemann, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”

Demi Engemann threw so much shade this year, it earned her the official villain title on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.”

Engemann infamously declared herself the “leader of MomTok” and proceeded to act accordingly all season long, fully flipping the script from her debut season.

The influencer solidified her spot on the “Made to Shade” list when told co-star Taylor Frankie Paul to “take the b–ch level down a notch” during a heated exchange front of the entire group of women.

Now that you know the nominees, you can cast your vote for the reality star who should be named the “Made to Shade” winner at Virtual Reali-Tea’s “VRT” Awards.

And don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of juicy interviews with iconic reality stars at our live show on Sept. 17!