Upon gaining widespread notoriety as the girl that won rock star Bret Michaels’ heart on season 2 of the Vh1 Rock of Love series, the two formed a strong friendship after dating for almost a year. Prior to ROL2, the Alabama native moved to Chicago, where she co-hosted and produced the syndicated TV show “Health & Lifestyles Weekly”. She has now relocated to Los Angeles where she hosts high-profile live events at famous venues like The Whisky on Sunset and is a very popular emcee all over the country. She currently co-hosts the weekly TV series “Focus in the Mix with Denise Ames” conducting celebrity interviews (including actor/musician Frank Stallone, Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot and Ratt, Expose’s Gioia Bruno and Cleopatra Records CEO Brian Perera) as well as delivering entertainment and local news to viewers throughout Southern California. Lake is also an accomplished actress, dancer and clothing designer.
AAM (Debra Stocker) What were you doing with your life prior to Rock of Love 2?
Ambre Lake (AL) Living in Chicago, TV Hosting and Acting full-time and loving my life! Who knew a Rock Star by the name of Bret Michaels would come into my life and sweep me off my feet.
AAM: When did you realize you wanted to be in front of the camera?
AL: Since I was born? Ha-ha. Honestly, I thinking I sang and danced my way out of the crib. I used to put on personal concerts for my dolls and animals….actually anybody who would listen. I would just make up songs and sing and sing…bless their hearts.
AAM: How did you get on Rock of Love 2?
AL: They called me in to audition. I was a HUGE fan of the first season and Bret seemed like a really cool and down to earth guy. I was like “heck yea I’ll audition!” and the rest is history… Let me add to that. Being on “Rock Of Love II” and meeting Bret has been one of the most significant, beautiful and enriching experiences of my life.
AAM: Where the girls on the show as evil as they appeared to be on TV
AL: ha-ha… the word evil makes me laugh. I don’t think anybody was actually “evil”. Wait a minute, there was one but she was an exception to the rule. She wasn’t evil, just soulless. I think we all have “not-so-pretty” moments when the cameras are filming 24/7. It’s unavoidable. For example, have you ever talked to yourself and then caught it and thought “wow, glad nobody’s around”. Think about those personal moments in your life and then have them exposed on National TV.
Don’t get me wrong. I signed up for this, good or bad. I learned a lot about myself through this journey and I wouldn’t change one single moment. I just think we all had different experiences on the show… some good, some bad and some just plain ugly.
AAM: Why do you think you won?
AL: Ya know, I’ve thought a lot about this and I’ve heard numerous theories on why I won. I think the overwhelming answer is I just stayed true to myself. I didn’t play a character or try to be someone I’m not. I was fearless and open with my heart which was scary; I mean who is ever completely fearless with their heart? Especially when you’re exposing your vulnerability and dangling your heart out there for everyone to watch. But, most of all, I think Bret was fearless too. We opened our hearts to each other which allowed me to experience one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever encountered. We had instant chemistry and took the time to develop it. It wasn’t just physical, we became friends first and the rest fell into their perfect place. I think this is the reason we’re still so close. I trust him with my heart and I think he feels the same about me. I love him and I always will.
AAM: Do you and Bret still keep in touch?
AL: Very much so. I just saw him in Denver and I’m at the airport now heading to Santa Fe where I’ll see him again. We keep in touch on a personal basis but I’m also fortunate enough to be allowed to help emcee his solo band shows and host his after parties. Bret is so good and supportive of me. I owe him so much.
AAM: You recently accrued the title "Bomber Girl"? Where’s that come from?
AL: I was approached by Wing Man American Lager to be their official spokesperson. This is a new beer with an advertising campaign I love, embodying a classier but sexy “pin-up” style. Not only do I think they represent me very well, I think they represent and produce a fantastic beer. You should try it and check out the new posters and pictures on my myspace page www.myspace.com/ambrelake and for more information about Wing Man beer please visit their website at www.wingmanbeer.com
AAM: You also began co-hosting the So Cal weekly TV show "Focus in the Mix with Denise Ames" ~ how did that come about and how are things going?
AL: Denise Ames (the host of the show) asked me to be a celebrity guest. When she was interviewing me, we just had great chemistry!! Shortly after, she came to the Whisky to film and interview LA Guns for their kickoff 20th Anniversary show which I was emceeing. The next day she approached me about guest hosting with her and well, we just have a great on-camera connection and work really well together. I see great things for the show’s future and am really excited to be a part of it!
AAM: Where do you see yourself next year, or say in 5 years?
AL: Honestly, I’ve never been a person to plan out my life. I’ve always been very focused and career-driven but have allowed myself to remain open to new opportunities such as Rock Of Love for example. I mean, if someone had told me 5 years ago that I would win a reality TV show and end up dating Bret Michaels from Poison, I would have told them they were CRAZY!!
AAM: Who are some of the people whom have most influenced you and how?
AL: First of all, my Dad. He’s been the rock in my life and has guided and molded me to be a strong, independent woman. I trust him with my life. He was the ONLY person that knew I won Rock Of Love 2 and didn’t tell a soul including my brother (who I’m very close to as well). He played it off so well that my brother didn’t think I won. Ha-ha.
Secondly, my Grandmother. I’m estranged from my mother so my grandmother was the strongest female figure in my life. We may have disagreed about many things because of generational differences but I respect that woman. I remember when my grandfather passed away, and we were all falling apart around her and she was the rock in the middle of the storm. At the time they were married 57 years. I remember looking at her during the funeral and looking into her eyes. I saw the hurt and pain but she remained strong for the rest of us. She gave us her strength. I will never forget that. She’s the smallest, cutest, church-going woman and she’s the strongest person I know.
AAM: Upcoming projects?
AL: I just signed on for a film that is being shot this summer. I am reading 2 other film scripts that I’m deciding on now. I’m still Co-Hosting for “Focus in the Mix” with Denise Ames, which I love. I continue doing voiceover work; I’m recording another “Twilight Zone” episode for WGN Radio in a couple of weeks. There are a few pilots that I’m discussing with different networks, one in particular I’m extremely excited about but can’t disclose anything yet. Believe me, as soon as I can you’ll be the 1st to know!!
I’m also still traveling and emceeing concerts including many of Bret’s. I never get tired of seeing Bret perform; he inspires me every time I see him. I feel so very fortunate to have him in my life. I have also become close to the rest of the guys. Big John, Pete, Chuck, Rob, Ray… those guys are like family to me. I will always love them all… especially Bret.
AAM: What is the best way your fans can keep up to date with all that's happening your way?
AL: www.ambrelake.com and www.myspace.com/ambrelake I try to update my page with blogs and upcoming events so people can come out and hang with me in their hometowns. I’ve met a lot of people that way.
AAM: AAM would like to thank you, Ambre for gracing our cover this issue. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview or say to your fans?
AL: Thank you. I can’t say it enough. Thank you so much for being my friends and just being so supportive of me through the ups and downs in my life. Through the triumphs like winning “Rock Of Love 2”, through the difficult times like our breakup, my friends/fans have always been right there beside me supporting me along the way. I am deeply touched by the most sincerest and heart-felt emails and comments that I receive on a daily basis. Please know that I dearly love you all.
