Annie Zirkel

Ann Arbor-based counselor and relationship consultant Annie Zirkel is one of 20 finalists to become the new advice guru on the national ABC TV show "Good Morning America."

Announced on this morning's show, the 20 finalists are vying for a full-time position as a sort of on-air advice columnist for the popular morning show.

More than 15,000 people initially applied for the "Dear GMA" job, and the show whittled the number down to 20.

Zirkel first heard about the opening through her parents, she noted in an email, "And it was a real compliment that they thought I would be good at it. I really appreciated that."

Viewers are now invited to submit a question to the finalists, some or all of whom may appear on air before GMA makes its final selection.

"I would like to think that I do have some good insights for people, but the original reason I applied was because I honestly just wanted to answer the advice questions that were part of the application to see what I could come up with in the 150 word limit," ZIrkel related. "I never expected it to go much farther than that."

Her answers to the questions are on her website at www.anniezirkel.com, and her application for the job is posted on the show's website along with the other finalists.

"At this point I am just sincerely thrilled to have made it into the top 20. What an honor! Of course I would love to get the opportunity to help that many more people have better lives but either way, I am already doing what I love so I'm happy," Zirkel wrote.

Zirkel is a certified counselor with a master's degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan University. She lives in Ann Arbor near Allmendinger Park and is also a former AnnArbor.com contributor. More about her can be found on her website.

"The people at Good Morning America have been really generous and genuine," Zirkel concluded. It has been a bit nerve-wracking up to this point but I am very grateful for the opportunity and the fun I'm having. Though frankly it's somewhat surreal."

Watch a video introducing the top 20 finalists: