The first round is over, but there’s still time to audition to become Paris Hilton’s new best friend forever (BFF), meet the star when she hits Dubai later this month, and win a trip of a lifetime to LA. Interested?
More than 500 girls have entered. They’ve been whittled down to just 20 by a panel of judges picked by Hilton, but producers say they are still looking for more.
Creative consultant Mary Ghobrial says Hilton will watch footage of all 50 and pick the 12 finalists she believes stand the best shot of becoming her new BFF.
“We now have around 20 girls of different nationalities, including Arab, Asian and Western – a mix which nicely reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan feel,” she said.
“But we need more so Paris has a wide range of talent from the region.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be best friends with one of LA’s finest, experience Hollywood glamour, but also learn life in the spotlight isn’t always as you’d think.”
But it’s not only girls hoping to befriend the blonde star who need apply. Producers are also looking for people with plush pads to host the star and her wannabe mates.
While the Middle Eastern version of BFF will be very similar to the previous British and American versions, Hilton is expected to adhere to the strict behavioural guidelines enforced in Dubai.
This means she will have to tone down her notoriously sexy wardrobe, and refrain from drinking and foul language – as will her wannabe mates.
Hilton will fly in with her boyfriend Doug Reinhardt and her entourage, including a business manager, two fashion stylists from LA, a hair stylist and make-up artist and security guards.
Filming will take place all over Dubai and will last approximately 20 days.
Ghobrial added: “Contestants can expect lots of surprises, but we are certain nobody will be left disappointed. We don’t care how you look, its all about personality.”
Open auditions have been held for the past two months at locations including The Four Seasons Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, where girls from all nationalities registered, underwent psychological exams before given a series of tests by the panel of judges.
Potential BFFs are first required to record a message for Paris Hilton as to why they think they’ll be a good friend.
“They need to show their personality, how they interact in the group, how they can make decisions, how they act under pressure, and what their special talents are,” says creative consultant Mary Ghobrial.
“It’s not easy but if you really want to be involved, it’s worth it. It also helps to show a knowledge of Arab culture and Dubai in particular.” Those chosen will then return for a second day for a one-on-one interview with the executive producer and a psychologist.
“If these parts are passed then a final screening is done which will go directly to Paris in LA so she can chose her favourites.”
The 12 girls will then go head-to-head in Dubai and one contestant will be eliminated each week. The final three will then fly with Paris to LA where the final challenge and screening will take place.
“Paris Hilton is a global phenomenon. Behind the celebrity is a genuinely sweet girl who wants to find her best friend on her trip in the Middle East,” he said. “I came here with a full team from LA and the UK to find the right girls.” says judge Jake Atwell.
Having worked on previous seasons with Lionsgate, the company producing the show, Atwell says the crew knows Hilton very well and know exactly what she’s looking for.
“Our first job is to introduce Paris to girls with style, humour, intelligence, and who can share with her key tips of Arabic culture, and show her an exciting time in Dubai.”
If you think you have a strong personality, you believe you have something to offer Paris Hilton – and bear in mind, she says she’s looking for REAL friends – then send e-mail to Paris@viola.ae to apply. Contestants must be aged between 18 and 30 and auditions are only open to girls.
Anyone who owns a fancy home, car or business which could add to Hilton’s experience in Dubai should send e-mail to maryosama@gmail.com at the earliest opportunity.
