Michelle Costa from 'Big Brother 10'
Over the past week, I had the pleasure of interviewing former houseguests from the reality series Big Brother.
Leading up to Tuesday night's two-hour finale of Big Brother 11, I will be posting a new interview each day, which features a different former houseguest discussing their time on the show, their strategies in the game, and their thoughts on their fellow houseguests. They'll also talk about who they think will win Big Brother 11, and how being on a reality show changed their lives.
On Thursday, Krista from Big Brother 2 was featured.
Today, it's Michelle Costa from Big Brother 10. Michelle lasted 52 days in the house before being evicted by a vote of 3-1. She became the third member of the jury and helped vote Dan the winner of Big Brother 10.
MICHAEL LANGSTON MOORE: How did you go about becoming a contestant on “Big Brother,” and what made you want to be on this specific reality show? Were you a fan of the show prior?
MICHELLE: I was a fan of Big Brother since day one. I said to myself the first minute I saw the show 'I gotta be on that show!'
I sent a video of [myself] for season 8, and things happened and I got on Big Brother 10, which by far is the best Big Brother ever.
Was the show more of a challenge than you anticipated?
It was crazy and more intense than I ever expected. No family, friends, telephone, TV, Internet, singing, writing--that will drive anyone crazy.
How did you handle the isolation that comes with the show?
I just thought about winning and how it would help my family and me so much [that] it gave me the adrenaline to keep going. I knew they were watching me so that helped.
What’s something that you can reveal about being a contestant on the show that most people wouldn’t know from watching the televised series or the live Internet feeds?
I think Big Brother fans know everything (laughing).
“Big Brother” is the ultimate "fishbowl" game—where people can peek in and take a look at what you’re doing 24/7. How did you initially handle that, and were you ever able to truly forget that the cameras were rolling?
I forgot the second I walked in. I actually couldn't stop talking to the cameras. I miss them (laughing).
A lot was said and done during the tenth season of the show. Is there anything that you said or did that you regret? Is there anything that you wish you could have done that you didn’t?
I said a lot of things. Regret them, though? Absolutely not. Everyone said something or did something that to others is wrong, but imagine your life filmed for 24 hours--you will definitely [anger] someone. You always look back and wonder 'what if,' but I may not have made it as far as I did.
Consequently, why do you think that your strategy didn’t get your further in the game than you would’ve liked? Looking back, would you do anything different?
Get more enemies. No one wanted to take me to the jury house because I had the votes, so more fighting for me (laughing).
You lasted 52 days in the house before becoming a member of the jury. The jury house scenes are limited on the TV broadcast of the show, however. Can you explain what, if anything, truly goes on there?
It's just a lot of sleeping and lying around, playing Wii, cards, and eating food I hadn't eaten for a while.
Dan won “Big Brother 10” unanimously. What did you like about his gameplay that you thought went above and beyond Memphis’? And did Dan’s decision to take you on a private beach getaway prior to the finale influence your vote?
Dan taking me to the islands didn't affect my vote for me. Memphis was my alliance not Dan, and when I asked Memphis during the round table about our alliance, he lied. That's why I didn't vote for Memphis--he didn't answer the questions at all. The 7-0 vote proved that.
Michell Costa from 'Big Brother 10'
Dan ended up being America’s Player, and last year you thought that he might be a plant or mole added to the show by the producers. Did all of this create a lot of paranoia in your mind? And how stressful is it to be on a show where people lie and deceive one another to stay in the game?
Paranoia is if you were wrong. I knew he [Dan] was America's Player, and if I figured it out I should have claimed his prize. How is someone controversial when they are right?
Going into the show, it’s made clear that “Big Brother” is obviously a game, one where people do anything to strengthen their chances at winning $500,000. Some of the contestants seem to internalize a lot of what happens on the show, however—from bold face lies to backdooring other houseguests for eviction. Do you think that “Big Brother”—or reality television in general—makes people hyper sensitive or over emotional?
Absolutely. Everything in that house is magnified. Think about competing with 13 people for $500,000, and at the same time living with them and eating with them. You just can't get away and that's when things start to happen.
In a hockey themed POV challenge, you selected a Hawaiian vacation prize that was quickly taken from you by Libra. In turn, Libra gave you her prize—which turned out to be the red unitard. You were clearly upset by this. Were you more frustrated by the fact that Libra took your vacation prize, or that you were forced to wear a red unitard on national television?
Love the unitard--still have it and wear it all the time (laughing).
Libra? Well, the house was fighting right before for hours [and] it was a continuation of that. [Plus], it was 5 am.
During the Veto meeting, in which Memphis removed himself from the block, Dan (the HOH at the time) decided to play a game where the houseguests verbally announced in front of one another who they would like to see nominated. What did you think of Dan’s strategy in doing this, especially as it landed you on the block (and eventually led to your eviction)?
I think it was lame. A grown man scared of a girl makes me laugh. As much as people say he was a good player, why didn't he just say that? Instead he copped out. Just lame.
During a food competition, you ate both pig ears and crickets. What was that like?
Well, I pulled cricket legs out of my teeth for a few days and [it] felt like there were crickets crawling down my throat. The pig ears were just raw and hairy. Nasty.
How do you feel you were depicted on the show? Do you feel that you received a fair edit?
I actually haven't seen all of my show.
How has “Big Brother” changed your life, and what has been the feedback that you’ve received from fans almost a year since the show concluded?
I have the best fans ever. Doesn't matter if I'm in Rhode Island or in Arizona visiting, they approach me all the time. They are all supportive and just happy people.
[Big Brother] has changed my life so much. I have a radio show called "Manic Monday with Michelle" on Blog Talk Radio, and I just do many events and charities. I love every minute.
How do you handle any criticism or negativity from people that are written on forums or blogs? Does any of that bother you?
Nope, doesn't bother me. People have their opinion. I have heard all the positive [comments] and pay no mind to anything else.
Are you currently watching “Big Brother 11?” If so, who do you think has the best chance to win the game? Whose strategies do you most like and dislike?
I am hoping Kevin wins, but of course Jessie was my favorite and is good friend of mine. I overall wasn't crazy about this year--the theme was good but the cast was [just] okay.
On your season of the show, you formed a close bond with Jessie. Have you maintained a friendship with him to this day, and what did you think about his stint on “Big Brother 11?”
I am just so happy for him. It gave me someone to cheer for this season.
A lot has happened on this season of the “Big Brother,” most notably Chima getting expelled from the house for repeated violations, including throwing a microphone in the hot tub. If you watched this season, what are your thoughts on Chima and the reaction from the producers to evict her from the game?
I'm shocked that someone got expelled. Chima was a very interesting person. I always wanted to see what she would do next, but when you push the envelope it punches back.
In the wake of Ryan Jenkins, [the former contestant on VH1’s “Megan Wants a Millionaire” and the unaired “I Love Money 3”] who recently killed his ex-wife Jasmine Fiore before being found dead himself in a Canadian hotel, what do you think about the practices that some of these companies utilize in casting reality TV contestants?
I don't have a clue. I am just shocked that someone who seemed to be the most normal was far from it. Big Brother does an extensive casting process and now I am glad [that] they do.
If CBS decided to bring you back for either “Big Brother 12” or a second “Big Brother: All Stars” edition, would you be willing and why?
Absolutely. I just need another opportunity. I will do whatever it takes to win.
Has being on the show allowed you to do more reality programs or elevated your profile in any way?
I am just waiting on [a potential second edition of] "Big Brother All-Stars," then I may explore other avenues.
We know the upside to being on a reality show—potential fame, money, and a unique human experience. But what are the downsides or challenges that you feel you’ve had to face since being a “Big Brother” contestant?
There hasn't been a downside for me. I am just cherishing every moment and will continue to [do so].
What are you currently up to these days?
I have my radio show [that] I talked about earlier. I am still a realtor. I also have been doing spokesmodeling work and promotional work.
I have done many charities, which is on the top of my list. My next event will be [about] Autism. I reside in Rhode Island and [am] just waiting patiently for "All-Stars."
What advice would you give anyone who is considering applying for a reality show, especially one like "Big Brother?"
Make a video and be yourself, not what you think they [the producers] want. People can see right through that. So just be you.
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