My interview w/Joey Lawrence...

Joey Lawrence has so much going on right now that when we gabbed last week, we almost forgot to discuss "Master of Dance," the new reality competition show that he hosts.

First we had to talk about last week's 'Dancing With the Stars" finale since Joey made such a splash on the show a few seasons back and went on to headline three "Dancing" national tours.

"I think Kristi (Yamaguchi) deserved it," he said of the celeb champ. "Her ice skating background helped but skates and bare feet really are totally different. The unfortunate thing was she was so much better than anyone else and you sort of knew she'd win."

For Joey, his involvement with the celebrity dancing show helped him to cross the often treacherous bridge between being a child star and teen idol to adult stardom. He shaved-off the shaggy locks from his years on NBC's "Blossom" and "Gimme a Break" and along with a sculpted body, was able to show the viewing audience that he is now a
man.

"I always hated long hair!" he confessed. "I had to have it, became known for it. But I don't want to be the guy who grows up still trying to look like I did when I was 18."

But shaving his head was just the beginning. Last season, Joey landed a three-episode arc on CBS' "CSI: New York" where he got to play against type in his role as a serial killer. He also took on the role of Billy Flynn in a touring production of "Chicago" where he was able to show off his singing and dancing abilities and is planning his
first album in more than 10 years.

"You gotta keep banging away, only the strong survive," Joey said. "It's all about growing gracefully and finding the right time. George Clooney jumped around until he was like 36 before he got 'ER,' Patrick Dempsey found 'Grey's Anatomy' at 40."

So what about this "Master of Dance" show which premieres on June 9 on the TLC channel. Contestants will be judged on style, genre and personality as they compete for a $50,000 grand prize.

"Dude, it is so much fun," Joey said. "We had a standing room audience..it looks like a rock concert. Everything came together. I think the fans will have such a great time. It's like a big popcorn show but there's drama and stakes. People go nuts."