If you were one of the thousands that tuned into the series premiere of the Real World-version on how to make a boy band, then you were sure to be hooked. If not for the attractive all-male cast, then for the intriguing look into the pop music scene that's been well-respected in the last couple of years. And, if you were like us, you had your heart set on Jackie Salvucci, one of the top 25, making the final cut. Tears of sadness erupted into the crowd and with viewers as Jackie was made number nine, a person too late. That's not the end of his career, though -- he shares exclusively with gt magazine the ups and downs of getting to the top...

gt.com: tell us a little about how you became interested in the acting / music industry.

JACKIE: It was a calling for me. I can remember the first time I was on stage. It was a Broadway revival show, and I couldn't get enough of the applause -- that's what did it for me. It was [such a natural] high! I never wanted that feeling to go away. Not to forget the New Kids on the Block. I always wanted to be one!

gt.com: moving ahead, how was your experience during the tryouts and on the show, Making the Band?

JACKIE: Making the Band was just incredible! It was by far the best experience of my life. At first, I sent a tape in and didn't get a call back. Then, someone at TransContinental told me about the auditions, so I went. I showed up for the audition, along with almost 200 guys! I was one of three who got picked that day. That's when I made the top 25 who got selected to go to Orlando! In the end, when the final eight were selected, I placed ninth. I realized then that everything happens for a reason. For those of you who don't watch the show, start, because I may make a comeback!

gt.com: how did your mother react to the news that you were to be heading down to Orlando for the taping?

JACKIE: My mum went crazy when I was chosen. On the premiere, she even said, (in her beautiful Italian-Boston accent), "He's been my stah since he's been born!" She knew it was going to happen someday.

gt.com: have you kept in touch with any of the guys from the show?

JACKIE: Yes -- I do keep in touch with all of the eight who were selected and a handful of the seventeen who didn't make it. The worst thing for me was out of all the guys who made the top 25, I bonded the most with the guys who made the final eight. Five of the eight mentioned my name in their thank-you speeches. I was the unsung hero that night.

gt.com: what was it like appearing on The Rosie O'Donnell Show?

JACKIE: This was another one of the greater experiences of my life. I love Rosie!

gt.com: so, Jackie -- what are you up to now?

JACKIE: Right now, I just shot a couple commercials, did some modeling, and I'm just working on my craft. I've been doing a radio show in the Boston area, and I actually just got back from New York again, where I tried out for a few soap operas. I should hear from them by the end of the month!

Jackie may not have made the band, but five
lucky guys did. Discover more at www.breaktv.com!