Who wants to be a Hilton? They do. Kathy Hilton, matriarch of one of the most ubiquitous families in the world welcomes 14 eager contestants from all over the United States, as they join together in the heart of New York City to compete on NBC´s unscripted series I WANT TO BE A HILTON premiering Tuesday, June 21, 9-10 p.m. ET. The eclectic young cast ranges from a singing beauty queen, septic tank installer and Las Vegas showgirl, to a ranch hand and a synchronized swimmer, all competing for an extravagant prize package including a $200,000 trust fund, new apartment, wardrobe and the opportunity to live the high life, ala a Hilton for a year.
Everyone´s heard of the Hiltons, especially daughter´s Paris and Nicky, but what would it take to actually live like them? Hilton hosts this engaging and humorous series that follows 14 eccentric young contestants as they vie for the opportunity to live the glamorous lifestyle of high society. Hilton guides the contestants through a variety of weekly challenges set in glamorous Manhattan ranging from art and culture to beauty and fashion. Each week Hilton eliminates those who "didn't make the list" in her distinct version of "the board room."
"This is an amazing and diverse group of individuals," said Hilton. "I am so lucky to have spent time with each and every one of them. Every contestant has something to offer and I think America is going to fall in love with them." Residing at the historic Melrose Hotel in the heart of New York City, the contestants are divided into two teams: "Park" and "Madison." Immersing them in the New York society scene, Hilton educates the contestants in the do´s and don´ts of haute couture, etiquette and even how to handle unforgiving press. Tasks include dog grooming, a fashion show and organizing a charity event, to name a few.
NBC'S I WANT TO BE A HILTON Candidates
Yvette (Las Vegas, Nev.) Las Vegas Dancer
Yvette, 26, born in England, has traveled extensively with her professional showgirl-dancing career. She moved to Las Vegas two years ago and has no desire to leave. She formerly wrote a column titled "Making Vegas," about her life in ´Sin City.´ Yvette yearns to be swinging high on the Vegas social scene.
Jules (Port Station, N.Y.) Receptionist
Jules, 26, a Long Island native who currently is working as an apparel store manager, wants to be an event planner but dreams of having her own talk show called, "Tell it to Jules." Jules graduated from St. Joseph´s College in Long Island and frequents the club scene in New York City.
Latricia (Inglewood, Calif.) Motor Vehicles Clerk
A military brat born in Germany, Latricia, 31, moved to the United States at a young age. This Los Angeles DMV worker is a single mom devoted to raising her five-year-old son. Latricia will do anything to insure her son has the finer things in life. Despite having a routine life, she wants to dip her feet into the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
JW (Byram, Miss.) Construction Worker
JW, 24, lives in Byram, Mississippi, where he knows everyone in town. JW works for his father´s construction business where his mom brings him and his dad lunch every day. He went to Southern Missippi College on a football scholarship, but feels like not one of his dreams has ever panned out. Currently JW is playing Arena Football for The Lubbock Gun Slingers in Lubbock, Texas.
John (Queens, N.Y.) Plumber
John, 24, a plumber by day and a ´speaker dancer´ by night, splits his time between New York and Boca Raton, Florida. John attended St. John´s University but is currently pursuing a pharmaceutical degree at Florida Atlantic University. He once worked as a stockbroker and is an avid writer. John, the youngest in his family, has a brother and sister 18 and 19 years his senior, respectively. In his spare time, John frequents the beaches of Florida.
Ann (Plant City, Fla.) Former Miss Tampa
Ann, 28, has the uncanny ability to break out in song at a moments notice. The former Miss Tampa USA attends the University of South Florida as a graduate student, pursuing a Communications degree. Throughout her life she has volunteered for various organizations and most recently participated in an event to benefit the Tsunami relief. Ann is currently working on new projects for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
Jaret (Rendon, Texas) Telephone Salesman
Jaret, 26, a Texan who refers to himself as a sophisticated redneck, teaches kindergarten and spends most of his time with his family including his twin sister. At one time, Jaret ranked No. 1 in the state of Texas in the 800-meter. He continued to run track through college and graduated from Texas Tech. Additionally, he enjoys fishing and playing sports.
Jabe (Joshua, Texas) Ranch Hand
A charming construction worker who installs septic tanks, Jabe, 26, has an assortment of pets including goats, turtles and a donkey named Hank. A true southern gentleman, this hunky bachelor is quite the ladies man. As the owner of a construction company he rarely gets a moment to himself, yet he finds time to call his mother every morning before his day begins. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.
Vanessa (Las Vegas, Nev.) Bartender
Vanessa, 30, tends bar at the La Bete bar at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas, but studies at the Fashion Design School. She also is an abstract artist who works with acrylics and oils. Vanessa grew up in East Los Angeles in a rough neighborhood but moved to the Valley as a teenager.
Jackaay (Justice, Ill.) Landscape Supply Clerk
Jackaay, 25, lives in a trailer park with her mother, and boasts the nickname "trailer park Barbie." A self-proclaimed workaholic, Jackaay takes pride in her job working at a landscape supply company. Almost every weekend she takes in a different concert supporting her friends who play in local bands. She spends much of her time reading autobiographies- her most recent favorite is Marilyn Manson´s autobiography.
Alan (Los Angeles, Calif.) Perfume Salesman
Alan, 34, hails from Romania. He currently works at Bloomingdale´s as a fragrance manager and one day hopes to open his own cosmetic shop. Alan remains close to his family as they all reside in the same apartment building. He travels to Las Vegas often because of the shopping, shows and gambling. If not in Las Vegas, Alan can be found running on the beaches in LA or at the gym.
Niki (Riverside, Calif.) Fashion Student
Niki, 23, graduated in fashion design from California Baptist University. For the past 19 years she has been a synchronized swimmer. Currently, Niki works as an interior designer, specializing in residential and commercial design, and is best friends with her twin sister.
Rashad (Hollywood, Calif.) Waiter
Rashad, 26, born in Oakland, graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara where he earned his B.A. in fine arts. Like many young people in Hollywood Rashad can be found waiting tables where he practices the fine art of networking. He earns money on the side by investing in currency and commodities. In his spare time he loves listening to hip-hop music.
Brenden (Denver, Colo.) Golf Caddy
One class separates Brenden, 31, from his degree in broadcasting from the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Brenden´s main occupation takes place during the summer, where he caddie´s for the elite members of the prestigious Castle Pines Golf Club, in Castle Rock Colorado. The youngest of three, he is the quintessential outdoorsman, and enjoys golfing, sking, rock climbing and backpacking.
