Ask any two people what constitutes tacky behavior and you'll likely get very different answers. For some, tacky means excessive lawn ornaments, a dozen cats, and farm animal-themed toaster cozies. For others, it's driving a car with bumper stickers or letting your bra straps peek out from underneath a tank top. And then there are those types who think you're tacky if you wear white after Labor Day or butcher the pronunciation of "foie gras" in a restaurant.
Regardless of your standards, I think most of us will agree on the tackiness of the candidates below.
10. Richard Simmons - I think he's awesome, but look at the man - the shiny (waxed?) legs, the hot pants, the spirit fingers?? That's enough to earn the #10 spot on the list.
9. Bret Michaels - As the lead vocalist of Poison and star of the reality show "Rock of Love", there's no denying that this guy is exactly what fathers fear most when raising daughters.
8. Miss Cleo - The infamous phone psychic. Not only does she prey on gullible, often undereducated cable TV fans, but she was found to be involved with e-mail spamming and a variety of deceptive practices. Today, she provides private spiritual consultations and energy cleansings.
7. Fabio Lanzoni - Yes, Fabio has a last name. In addition to appearing on the covers of hundreds of romance novels, he's also written a few of his own: Pirate, Rogue, and Comanche. As if that weren't enough tackiness for one man, he also designed a line of women's outerwear for the Wal-mart's Sam's Club warehouse stores.
6. Star Jones - In addition to being all-around irritating, this former co-host of The View took advantage of her celebrity status to earn freebies for her wedding. Classy.
5. Tonya Harding - Perhaps more trashy than tacky, I'd like to think both labels apply to this ex-figure skater. Although she's most commonly known for her plot to injure competitor Nancy Kerrigan, her life since then hasn't been much better. She's been involved in a steady stream of calls to the police, women's boxing events, and generally unsavory habits.
4. Al Bundy - No, he's not real, but when your signature pose involves a ratty couch and a hand in your pants, you can't be excluded from a list like this one.
3. Pamela Anderson - Even before the enhancements, she was a very attractive woman. Unfortunately, I can't look at her without feeling like I've been violated.
2. Paris Hilton - To avoid making this list look like PerezHilton.com, I've limited myself to just one young Hollywood starlet. Given that limit, Ms. Hilton was the obvious choice. In spite of growing up wealthy and connected with every imaginable opportunity in the world, she's managed to conduct herself with no more dignity or class than the average rural, welfare-raised, high school-dropout bar floozies you see all over the country.
When Paris Hilton gets #2 on a list like this, you have wonder, "How on earth could anyone earn the #1 position?" The answer is simple: By actively embracing the tackiness in such a ridiculous, over-the-top way that no one could possibly compete...
1. Liberace - This eccentric musician may have had a difficult time growing up, but he later learned to embrace and celebrate his differences. His elaborate home featured a piano-shaped pool and his costumes...well, you can see those above. In a number of wild attempts at extending his own brand, he created a chain of hotels, a cookbook (with Liberace Sticky Buns), and a line of men's (yes, MEN'S) clothing.
David Bowie didnt make this list? For shame!
I agree, Liberace was amazing. 2-10 are tacky in a negative way, but Liberace definitely made it work.
I have to admit,I do agree will all your choices but Liberace was a gifted performer.