Oprah Winfrey's Search for the Next TV Host
Rahoul Ghose/ OWN |
Oprah Winfrey will make someone's dream come true when she gives them their very own TV show on her new OWN network.
Ten contestants who were plucked from obscurity from thousands who auditioned for "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" will compete in the New Year in hopes of landing their very own cable television show. Hosted by Nancy O'Dell and Carson Kressley, the 10 hopefuls will be put through a series of intense challenges to see who has the right stuff.
"It is a reality show, so there was some hair-pulling and some name calling and that was just Nancy and I," jokes Carson. More seriously, he adds, "We got out there and did our jobs. The thing is, all of these people are vying to have their dream come true. And it was really important to them -- our 10 contestants -- to do their best, so there was tension."
As for Nancy, she was very impressed by the talent, saying, "From all the audition tapes that came in, I was, 'Really, these people are this good with no experience, I hate them.'"
In each episode, the 10 hopefuls will be mentored by the likes of Dr. Phil McGraw, Suze Orman, and Gayle King, who share their knowledge with the contestants and also serve as a judge. Challenges will range from booking interviews and researching story ideas, to successfully completing a pilot presentation.
"One of the things that amazed me is how it progressed: From just a little bit of coaching them how great they became quickly," Nancy adds.
"Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" premieres Friday, January 7 at 9 p.m.
