The outlet’s second-annual “Virtual Reali-Tea” Awards kept reality television’s biggest names celebrating well past the final trophy on Tuesday night.
The exclusive afterparty, held on the Edison Ballroom rooftop in New York, stretched into the early morning hours with hosts Evan Real and Danny Murphy joining guests including Hilaria Baldwin, Scheana Shay, Meredith Marks, and the entire “Real Housewives of Rhode Island” cast.
“Summer House” star Kyle Cooke manned the decks for the two-hour affair, spinning killer tunes while an espresso martini bar by Kahlúa kept energy high following the lengthy red carpet and live ceremony. Mingle Mocktails provided non-alcoholic options including Cranberry Cosmos and Pineapple Palomas throughout the night.
The “Summer House” cast dominated the dance floor with particular enthusiasm. Exes Lindsay Hubbard and Carl Radke, who have clearly buried the hatchet, recreated Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s iconic “Dirty Dancing” lift before the stunned crowd. Hubbard later gave “Real Housewives of Potomac” alum Candiace Dillard Bassett a piggyback ride across the packed dance floor as guests cheered and laughed.
For attendees needing a refresh, CoverGirl operated a chic beauty bar where “Love Island USA” alum Kaylor Martin was among the celebs stopping to touch up her look. Once glam was restored, stars including Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa — who were notably PDA-heavy throughout the evening — headed to Cadillac’s LED wall display and Kahlúa’s photo booth to capture selfies commemorating the night.
Cooke invited fellow DJ Meredith Marks, named Style Icon of the Year earlier in the evening, to join him on stage for several songs as the crowd went wild. Marks’ husband, Seth, recorded the entire performance on his phone from the front row. Later, Cooke called up Musician of the Year winner Luann de Lesseps to accompany him in the DJ booth.
De Lesseps had already performed her hit song “Chic C’est La Vie” and announced a brand-new single during the ceremony itself. “Southern Charm” star Austen Kroll also took the stage to sing Blink 182’s “I Miss You” alongside Cooke, refusing to let the ladies have all the fun.
Sirius XM’s outlet Radio operated a confessional booth where reality TV’s most talked-about personalities shared unfiltered thoughts in real time, ensuring the tea continued flowing long after the official broadcast ended.
The second-annual “Virtual Reali-Tea” Awards ceremony preceded the rooftop celebration, honoring the biggest names and moments in reality television from the past year. De Lesseps took home Musician of the Year, while Marks earned Style Icon of the Year recognition. The full event was streamed live with Philo serving as the exclusive streaming home for the broadcast.
Fans who missed the live broadcast can watch the complete 2026 VRT Awards on Philo starting Oct. 9.
