Fasten your seatbelts :: The 'A-List' is back...

Whether you loved them or loathed them, the boys from "The A-List: New York" left quite an impression last summer. The reality series quickly became one of LOGO's highest-rated shows and its cast - a cross-section of successful, young gay New Yorkers - became flash celebrities.

With the show returning this week - its cast intact - one thing for sure is that the drama amongst them will continue as new alliances are formed, old friendships tested and personalities clash. Anyone who's been anywhere since the show wrapped last year knows that these A-listers have been very busy.

EDGE caught up with some of them last week at the Red Carpet premiere in New York.

Derek regains control

The always well put together Derek Lloyd Saathoff seemed the most excited about returning for Season 2.

"I feel more confident this year," Derek insists. "We didn't know how that first season was going to pan out, or how people were going to react. I had to give up a lot of control. For me this season is more of a clean slate."

Knowing full well that his love life, however off the charts, would be heavily scrutinized by the show's audience, Derek revealed that his dating life will run a course quite vividly through Season 2. "It's been really rough for me dating-wise... you'll have to see how it turns out."

Of the cast Saathoff is among the most likely to be spotted taking in the local nightlife that truly constitutes the life of an A-Lister. "I've been lucky enough to be a part of the social scene here [in New York] for 10 years - I like to run the party!"

Mike - a calming force

If the "A-List: New York" has had one calming force amid the tempestuous storms the cast mates have weathered, that would come from the show's undeniable patriarch photographer Mike Ruiz who is also back for round 2.

"It's taught me a lot about rolling with the punches," Ruiz says about his experience on the show last year. "I'm pretty confident that a lot of my philanthropic work will be a part of the show this year." A very active contributor to various charitable efforts within the community, Mike has served as an example to many within the community, including the rest of the cast.

"They are all using this opportunity to the best of their ability," Ruiz says about the steps the rest of the cast have taken to really serve as role models within the gay community. "We've all kept really busy."

A new Reichen

One of the shows dangling plot lines from last year that left viewers with an uncertain cliffhanger, was the troublesome relationship between the show's two most hunky co-stars. Who didn't tune in to see Reichen and Rodiney in their revealing attire (or lack thereof) pondering the next steps they would take as a couple? Unfortunately, their relationship didn't last into Season 2, but the two are single. Although still good friends, the single life suits each of them well.

Sporting a very casual summer look ready for a Hamptons weekend is Reichen Lehmkuhl, by far the best-known A-List cast member due to his victorious stint on "The Amazing Race" in 2003. Since then he had a much-publicized relationship with singer Lance Bass, continued his successful modeling career and made use of his celebrity as an advocate for LGBT causes, most notably for the repeal of DADT. When not shooting the series he's been involved with various projects including several new business ventures and entrepreneurial opportunities has optimistically entered into meeting new potential admirers. "My dating life is going to play a lot into the show this season," he offers with a slight grin. As for eye candy, Reichen will be shirtless quite often, he promises. "Sure," he laughs as a blush flashes across his cheeks, "after all we shot often poolside and at the beach -�places that I'm usually shirtless."

Whatever Reichen is up to this season he will be fitting in quite prominently into the series' main plot lines. Audiences are going to see an entirely new side of Mr. Lehmkuhl. "It's a whole different world to watch me on the show compared to my real life," he admits. "You never know what you're going to get - it's like a box of Cracker Jacks."

Rodiney levels the playing field

As for his ex-... Rodiney Santiago. "I'm keeping up with my life and doing my things," he told EDGE. Rodiney has been actively working as a model, shooting a new calendar, as well as several ad campaigns -�yes...we'll see him in Speedos and underwear this season too, very different from the idle sided boyfriend he was portrayed as in Season 1. His goal for Season 2: to level out the playing field.

"I'm also going to be working on a play soon," Rodiney revealed, having just landed his first stage performance, Santiago is in the midst of rehearsals and the cameras will be rolling. "I came here to be an actor and model - now I'm more confident."

Last year it seemed that Rodiney was played as a victim to some of his cast mates' tomfoolery, but this year fans are in for a new Rodiney. "I know how to play this game now."

Austin makes good TV

And if anyone knows how to play the game it is Rodiney's archenemy (and the A-Lister everyone loves to hate) Austin Armacost. The pair clashed over Reichen's attention and came to blows in a celebrated tussle in an upscale bar.

"My antics are always dramatic - they're always eccentric and emotional," he retorted. "We've still got about a month left to shoot the rest of the season," he revealed some behind-the-scenes info. "The mayhem and madness of New York is so unmanageable to me - it can be too overwhelming." But it's the very energy that gives Armacost the drive and mileage for some of this year's best scene stealing moments.

"A lot of times I can take to truth and twist it to where it's funny - at someone else's expense," Armacost added, "but I'm not out to hurt anybody. It comes from a place of truth - life is too short!" Nor is he one to shy away from the camera lens. "I like to make good TV!"

Nyasha - the new A-Lister

The boys won't be the only ones with access behind the velvet rope, when newcomer Nyasha Zimucha is introduced in the premiere episode. "Welcome to my life!" Nyasha says. "This isn't my first time at the rodeo." She has already appeared on television on other reality series before joining the "A-List: New York".

"It's not as hard as it seems, but this is very different from anything else that's one TV." It doesn't escape Zimucha that a precedent is being met by "A-List: New York" which is one of the few shows on television to feature an all gay male cast. "And every gay guy needs a 'Nyasha' -�don't get it twisted."

But viewers this season are in for a few more twists and unexpected turns when the boys -�and their new gal pal return ready to invade the VIP room. It's first class table service all the way, but careful where you put that drink. The first season was just a taste of what New York City's A-List had to offer. Now that your appetite has been whet prepare to dive in for seconds when the new season of

"The A-List: New York" debuts on Logo Monday, July 25 @ 10/9c. Check your local listings. To learn more about the show and to watch episodes on-line, visit the show's website.