Here we go – Chelsia was nice enough to answer some questions for us here at Big Brother Craze recently – enjoy!
BBC: Let’s start at the beginning! How many times have you tried out for Big Brother? What did the casting process involve for you? And, of course, what advice would you give those currently trying out for the summer season, BB10?
Chelsia:I tried out for big brother 8 because I had a rival that wanted to make the show. Before that I really didn’t know anything about big brother, and I didn’t watch reality TV. Some advice I would give is… BE YOURSELF! Don’t give them what you think they want, just be
yourself.
BBC:How much of a fan of Big Brother were you prior to auditioning? How much of the previous seasons did you watch/re-watch to help prepare you before entering the house?
Chelsia:I only watched BB8
BBC:How was your reception when you got home – friends, family, work, fans? Have you been able to catch up on the show since leaving?
Chelsia:When I got back to Iowa I was very overwhelmed. This whole experience has been so surreal. My friends and family were all very proud of me and happy that I made it home. I have not watched the season, life has been hectic I’m sure I eventually will but it’s not on the top of my list.
BBC:Many previous houseguests feel like they’re not accurately portrayed by CBS on the network shows – there’s many a discussion about getting a ‘good edit’ vs. a ‘bad edit’. How do you feel you were portrayed on the show? And naturally – do you think they’re portraying the other houseguests fairly?
Chelsia:I know that I was portrayed as a bitch; I’m ok with that because it was just a game. In real life I am not heartless, and I do not judge people.
BBC:Could you describe each of the houseguests for us – both as you knew them in the house, and any changing opinions since your eviction as you watch the show and hear of the house happenings? Many interviewers say ‘in one word’ but clearly I’m as verbose as they come, so go as in depth as you like for each of them.
Chelsia:I’m not gonna sit here and bash these people, the game is over. I think everyone knows how I feel about my houseguests. I can say that outside of the house it is very different. I went out with Sheila one night and had a blast with her. I am still very close with Joshy, and I am still talking to James. Jen has been very nice to me after the game, she understands that it is… just a game. Alex is another person that has been very nice after the game.
BBC:What was your strategy going into the game?
Chelsia:Any strategy I had went out the door when we got paired up into couples.
BBC:The Partners – tell us a bit about your thought process when you found out about the partners, and what you thought about being paired up with James? How did this change your strategy?
Chelsia:When Julie told us that we were going to be paired up into couples I immediately knew James would be my “soul mate”. I was happy that I was paired up with James because he was one of the only guys in the house (not gay) that I could sit down and have a normal conversation with. I was upset that I was paired up because any strategy I had went out the door.
BBC:Rule number one in the Big Brother House – beware the showmance! We saw you struggle from the beginning to justify your conflicting feelings between obeying that rule, and your feelings for James. Is he really just that irresistible? Where do things stand with the two of you now?
Chelsia:Ahhhhh the showmance! I knew from the beginning that James could be someone I would fall for. That’s why I laid down the rules: don’t touch me in bed! I don’t cuddle! All I wanted to do was play the damn game, I didn’t want to fall for anyone. And then… I fell for James! I guess I let my wall down and he sucked me in.
BBC:James had some pretty harsh words for you when he arrived at the Sequester house, saying that his eviction was largely due to “Chelsia residue” – do you regret leaving the house the way you did? On the other side of the coin – Is there anything else that you wanted to say but didn’t? And are you surprised to know that Sheila had never heard of that saying and completely missed the derogatory nature of “rode hard, put away wet”? (because I was – I knew and I live in the middle
of nowhere!)
Chelsia:I have no regrets in that game. You can’t go back and play the “what if” card. I’m happy with the way I left the house, actually no I take that back… I forgot to call Ryan out. J I was very surprised that Sheila didn’t know what that meant; I mean come on… just think about it! The whole James thing was so over done. It really wasn’t that big of a deal I was just upset because he was bringing that up when we were finally getting to see each other for the first time after a
couple weeks. Everyone wanted James out of that house, he was a huge threat. I could have left that house “breastfeeding” off of them and they still would have evicted James that week.
BBC:Team Pink/Evil Doers vs. Team Christ – The Major Alliances of BB9. (For the record, I’m 100% TP/ED – I have the t-shirt to prove it! *grin*) How did they come about? Was it simply a case of whom you got along with vs. who you didn’t or strategic? Looking back now, of all the houseguests – whom should you have aligned with, and for what reasons?
Chelsia:The whole Team Christ thing is BULLSHIT! You do not bring religion into a game like that. I think it’s pathetic that these people tried to say that they were the “good” in the house, really???
BBC:The internets went wild the night of Amanda’s collapse early in the game. Part of what they were very critical of was your statement immediately after hearing about it, before you went inside. You said, “She’s faking, I guarantee it.” Feedsters were whipped into a frenzy -care to clear the air?
Chelsia:Amanda loves attention! I totally thought she was faking it until I went in and saw her.
BBC:The Jury round table – you were pretty straight forward, (though some said almost hostile) in your questioning – confronting Ryan about his relationship with Jen. What was your thought process behind that question – as many people thing that in game play is what should determine the prize, not private life outside of the game? Also – they didn’t show what you asked Adam – what was the question, and how did both answers work in your decision to vote for Adam? Were you surprised that he pulled out the win?
Chelsia:When I questioned Ryan I was just confused as to why he would love someone who called him out as a racist on national television. I wanted Ryan to throw it back in my face but he couldn’t do that at all. My question to Adam was even more hostile. I was furious when he said that he worked with “retards”. That is a word you do not say around me and I did not understand why he would say that if he was really working for that foundation. After asking that question Adam
threw it right back at me, he said that he puts his heart and soul into what he does everyday from 9-5. That’s why I voted for Adam he threw my question back at me, and he said that he would donate some of the money to the foundation. (I look back and laugh now…)
BBC:And the biggest question of all – would you do it all again and what – if anything – would you do differently if so?
Chelsia: I would do it again in a second! I would play it different however! I WOULD NOT HAVE A SHOWMANCE!
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Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Chelsia!
