The hit US reality TV show, 'Jersey Shore', started on MTV last weekend and it didn’t disappoint. Expect major drama on the Shore in the coming weeks and it’s very likely that Snookie aka Nicole Polizzi, although her housemates seem to think her name is Snickers, will be at the centre of the action. Here she talks about how she found herself on the show.
So, tell us -- how did you get on Jersey Shore? How is this show different from all the other reality shows out there?
I got an invite on Facebook to try out for The Jersey Shore, so I went to Jersey and tried out for it. I pretty much nailed it. The show is so different from other shows because we don’t hold back. We are how tri-state is. We say how we feel, and we don’t care. That’s pretty much how we are. Other reality shows don’t go all out like we do. And people like that.
OK, so when you walked into the house for the very first time, what did you think?
Honestly, I thought it would be nicer, but then again it is the Shore and that’s how the houses are there. I just kind of expected it to be a little more… like crazy guidos... I expected more Paulys’! I walked in and pretty much wanted to party.
Who was the first person you met? Did you find that your first impression of her/him was true?
Mike was the first person I met. I thought he was this cocky guy that just wanted to get with girls. Well, that was true! J.Woww kind of scared me.. and that was true.
So, out of everyone in the house – who do you click with the most? Which of your housemates gets on your nerves the most?
I definitely get along with Jenni just because we have the same personality, same taste in guys. We like looking hot and being around guys. No one really annoyed me.
What’s the best part about filming Jersey Shore? What’s the worst/hardest part?
The best part about filming for me, personally, was to get out on my own and actually be an adult. At home, I’m very spoiled and my parents do everything for me. The hardest part for me was being away from my family and friends, but I got over it quick.
Do you find yourself wishing you didn't say certain things or do something after watching the show?
I regretted the first episode because I got so wasted. I woke up and was like, “Who are these people??” I regretted it for awhile, but I don’t know because it made me who I am today.
You guys are spending so much time together now, doing interviews, going to photo shoots and events, and so forth. Are you all closer now?
Oh, yeah… definitely. I think we got to know each other a lot more and really knew how to push each other’s buttons. The second season is going to be a lot crazier. We don’t care about hurting each other’s feelings because we are like best friends. We’re like a tight family now.
How did you come up with the nickname “Snooki”?
I actually got it in middle school. I didn’t come up with it. My friends did. It just stuck with me. Everyone high school called me that and in college.
Is the real Snooki the one we see on TV? If not, what are you really like?
I feel like I have two personalities. I can be that fun, party person, but I can also be that outgoing, chill girl. I am pretty much all in one.
You felt like an outcast in the beginning of the show. Do you feel like things changed?
Oh, yeah. I’m definitely not the outcast anymore. I’m best friends with everybody and talk to everyone at least once a week, see what’s going on in their lives. I think that when the cameras were turned off, we got much, much closer.
Everyone really rallied around you and became closer after you were assaulted. Can you tell us more about that?
I just feel like after that punch, we realized how much we cared about each other. We didn’t want anyone getting hurting in the house. I think that – deep down – we are about each other, and that’s what we got out of it.
Women everywhere are searching for that special guy. You talk a lot on the show about finding the man of your dreams, and how you like your men “juiced, tanned, and with big muscles.” Tell us more about what your dream guy is like. Have you found your Prince Charming yet?
For looks, I’m really picky and I shouldn’t be. I used to not be. I really like guys that are “muscley” and have that exotic Spanish/Italian look. If anything goes down, I want them to protect me and not be scared. I like guys with a sense of humor that can make me laugh and be dorky. And that’s really hard to find… a guy that has that package. And, yes, I found him!
Everyone’s been talking about your signature look. How do you maintain it? Can you describe your sense of style?
I like to be bold with my style… be different than everyone else… and sexy! I like my hair to be big. I like to tease it with hairspray. I really like to wear dresses. I don’t really like to wear pants because I like to show off my legs because they’re tanned and cute. You know, just be sexy and hot looking!
Do you see yourself doing this for a long time? Or would you ever venture into something behind the camera?
I love to be in front of the camera. I always knew that I was born to be a reality star. I definitely want to stay for awhile. All of my friends would be like “You are totally going to be on a show.” I love to be in front of the camera. I love reality.
How has being on the show changed your life?
It changed my life dramatically. I’m pretty much a reality celebrity. I can’t go anywhere without people recognizing me. I have to watch what I’m doing and who I’m around. It’s pretty crazy. That’s never happened to me. I tried to go out with my friends one night and it was a disaster. You have haters out there. I basically can’t go out with my friends, but then again… this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Jersey Shore is on MTV on Sunday nights at 9pm.
