By Michael Kinney
For eight seasons, NBC's hit TV show "The Biggest Loser" has scoured the country looking for men and women interested in losing. Next month producers of the show have decided to make a stop in a city that is used to winning.
The Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that Norman would be part of "The Biggest Loser" 15-city cross-country search to find new contestants for the next edition of the show July 25. Family teams of two are eligible to apply for the new season, which will air in early 2010.
According to Stephen Koranda, executive director of the NCVB, Norman almost lost out in getting the show as late as Tuesday. But a last-minute push by the NCVB, Mayor Cindy Rosenthal, Anna-Marie Suggs and other community leaders persuaded the show's organizers that Norman would be the optimal site.
The casting call interviews are scheduled to be held at O'Connell's Restaurant on Campus Corner. Casting producers are looking for outgoing and charismatic contestants for their reality show.
The ninth season of "The Biggest Loser" will feature family teams of two which can be made up of parent and child, siblings, husbands and wives, couples, cousins and in-laws. Individuals who don't have a partner can audition on their own.
"The Biggest Loser" casting teams will try to see the first 500 people in line. People will not be allowed to line up prior to three hours before the start of the open call. Candidates should bring a non-returnable photo of themselves and their partner.
Contestants will compete to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Contestants work out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper.
Casting calls also will be held in Chicago, Detroit, San Jose, Tampa, Atlanta, Mobile, New York City, San Antonio, Dallas, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Des Moines and Los Angeles from June 27- Aug. 1.
Of the 15 cities, Norman has the smallest population. But that didn't keep city officials from going after the show.
"Norman is a city that encourages healthy lifestyles," Korando said in a letter to "The Biggest Loser" producers. "With the support of the community, the city is enlarging its Green Belt and adding more bike and walking trails. Why go anywhere else? Hold your auditions in a city of winners. What better way to promote, motivate and push qualifies to do their best than here in a city of successful individuals such as Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, college basketball Player of the Year Blake Griffin and Norman's own Miss Oklahoma, Taylor Treat. Let alone the winningest college football program of all time."
