Reality Competition Genre Gets Makeover with HGTV DESIGN STAR
Eight-Week Series, Hosted by Clive Pearse of Designed to Sell, Premieres Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and runs through Sunday, September 10
Designers Cynthia Rowley and Vern Yip Join In Style´s Martha McCully on the Judging Panel
Suspense, excitement and incredible challenges will be on tap when 10 aspiring designers seek to impress home viewers and an expert judging panel with their design expertise, ingenuity, creativity and "it" factor during the reality competition, HGTV DESIGN STAR. Hosted by Clive Pearse, who also hosts the network´s top-rated real estate series DESIGNED TO SELL, the eight-week event will premiere Sunday, July 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. and will air weekly through September 10.
As the HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists navigate a gauntlet of clever design challenges for the chance to win the ultimate prize - their own show on HGTV - their efforts will be critiqued by renowned designer Cynthia Rowley; one of America´s favorite television designers, Vern Yip; and In Style executive editor Martha McCully.
HGTV DESIGN STAR´s contestants already have overcome significant odds for the chance to participate in HGTV´s on-air quest to find its newest star. More than 1,500 designers submitted essays, portfolios and videos during last fall´s call for entries. Nine designers were selected by the show´s producers and network executives, while the 10th candidate was selected by viewers and online users during a week-long February vote on HGTV.com. During the competition, the finalists will be pushed to their emotional, mental and creative limits as they attempt to fulfill unique design challenges in extremely tight deadlines. On each show participating candidates will be eliminated until only two remain for a final over-the-top challenge.
"Who wouldn´t want to win their own TV show?" said James Bolosh, vice president, original programming. "It´s unlike anything we´ve ever done on our network, but our viewers are definitely ready for it. They will get the information and ideas they want, but they also will love seeing how this story unfolds each week. Everyone loves a cliffhanger and our viewers are in for a great ride."
The series´ judging panel is the talented trifecta of McCully, Rowley and Yip. Ms. McCully is In Style´s executive editor as well as a trend watcher and style maker whose knowledge, keen insights and interest in all things home- related is second only to her expertise in beauty and fashion. Ms. Rowley is an award-winning international designer whose collection includes clothing lines for women, men and children, shoes, eyewear, jewelry, umbrellas, handbags, dishes and a signature fragrance. She also is co-creator of the bestselling line of Swell books and home products at Target. Mr. Yip is an award-winning architectural and interior designer who gained national acclaim for his expertise in transforming homes and restaurants in his private design practice and on primetime cable and network television series. He also has his own line of top-quality products and found time to write a book, Designing Spaces.
HGTV also will feature four lucky homeowners from across the country on HGTV DESIGN STAR. The network solicited and received hundreds of applications from homeowners who have a room that is in dire need of makeover. Viewers and online users voted in March to determine the last of four homeowner finalists who will get "matched up" with HGTV DESIGN STAR finalists for makeovers during the show. In addition, viewers will have the opportunity to vote on HGTV.com for their favorite designer finalist during the series´ seventh episode. They also can text-in their choice via cell phone to HGTV1 or 44881. After the final viewer vote, one talented designer will catapult to fame as HGTV´s next design star.
"This is our first venture into reality competition events, so we wanted whatever we did to be reflective of the spirit of the network and its evolution," said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, programming and content strategy. "HGTV DESIGN STAR will not only capture the best of this genre, with lots of human drama, and fun, entertaining elements, but it also will be true to the HGTV brand by emphasizing the finalists´ expertise -- giving viewers great ideas and takeaways that they can put to use in their own homes."
