It’s so far so good for Anderson native and 2006 Pendleton High School graduate Bailey Hanks and her bid to win the title role in “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods” on MTV.

For six more weeks, at 10 p.m. each Monday, viewers will see just how long Bailey lasts among the other finalists to be the next Elle Woods on Broadway. Bailey already has made a name for herself on the reality show. She won the first acting challenge presented, she has garnered plenty of compliments from the judges, and on MTV’s Legally Blonde Web site, Bailey’s page has more than double the views of any of the other contestants.

Things are looking good for this small-town daughter of a South Carolina pastor.

And the host and executive producer of the show, Haylie Duff, had some good things to say about the Southern belle.

“You know, in every workshop we put (Bailey) in, she really worked hard and gave her all,” Duff said. “She is a very talented and sweet girl, and she has the talent and potential to really succeed.”

Duff is the host and mentor to the remaining contestants. As a cast member in “Hairspray” on Broadway, she provides the girls with insight they might not get anywhere else.

It was that, and the fact that the world could see what happens during a Broadway audition, that intrigued Duff to play host to the program in the first place.

“What intrigued me was being on the other side of the audition process,” she said. “I get to sit back and watch this group of girls on the verge of experiencing this life-changing experience. And as I watch them, I know what they are going through.”

Though the winner has been decided, they won’t be named for another six weeks. But whatever happened during filming, it was enough to make Bailey decide to change her life drastically by moving to New York City.

“She has always wanted to move to New York and has been in musical theater all her life,” said Brad Hanks, Bailey’s father. “It is tough for the family, but we will support her and help her every way we can.”

Duff said family and friend support is key, especially for 20-year-olds such as Bailey who have never been to New York in their lives. Duff said all of the contestants for the role are professional beyond their years and took to the experience with grace.

And the usual drama that takes place on reality shows was not as prevalent as viewers might expect.

“The stakes are so high for this show,” Duff said. “It’s not just money and a cover of a magazine. It’s a career they are getting. So, it was nice to see them helping each other the entire time.”

In the end, only one will be the next Elle Woods. Bailey certainly is one of the favorites at the moment, but that can change from week to week.

“I think the girl who won certainly took everyone by surprise from the first time we met her,” Duff said. “They are very confident in who they chose to take over the role.”

See Bailey Hanks on “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods” at 10 p.m. each Monday on MTV.

McGee’s Irish Pub and Restaurant and the Alverson Center Theatre both are playing host to big-screen events each Monday to see how Bailey does throughout the competition. McGee’s is located at 116 W. Orr St. in Anderson; the ACT is located at 133 E. Whitner St. Each gathering begins at 10 p.m.