By Stephanie Gray
What happens when a huge ‘Hills’ follower joins 500 lucky fans on the aftershow? Stephanie Gray reveals what went on backstage
The Truth:
I’ve been watching the ladies on The Hills with envy for the past two seasons. Fabulous friends (mostly), gorgeous clothes (always), fun parties (absolutely). Their entire lives appear glamourous, despite ongoing drama. With the anticipation of seeing them in person, it was like waiting for a rock star to hit the stage. Seriously. If you heard the screaming girls, that’s the conclusion you’d make.
The buildup to Audrina, Whitney and Lauren’s appearance, was like watching previews before a movie. Entertaining, but not what you came for. Each girl strode out solo, interrupted only by commercial breaks and autograph signings outside where hoards of other hungry fans waited.
But with any behind-the-scenes experience there are benefits and downfalls to getting the scoop. Here are mine:
You were lucky if you didn’t have to stand in the balcony |
Con: After watching an episode, I shouted my catty comments at the television alone in my apartment. At the aftershow they were now amplified by hundreds of adolescent girls. The oohhs, aahhs and boos almost made it impossible to catch all of the dialogue.
Pro: With a packed house and tons of energy, actually being a part of an audience beats watching it alone in my jogging pants at home any day.
Con: The content of the actual episode was disappointing. A main storyline was never completed. What about Whitney’s job in New York? Securing a third season can really wreck the end of the second season.
Pro: Pictures for Facebook anyone? I kept clicking until I didn’t feel like holding up the camera anymore.
Thousands of fans waited in the rain for a chance to see the ladies |
Con: My location. The balcony was good for an overall view, but once the commercial breaks hit, the fans swarmed in like vultures, making it impossible to get down there for a snapshot with one of the ladies.
Pro: Feeling like an insider. We got to watch the finale before the rest of the country, minus commercials.
Con: They didn’t ask the tough questions. Heidi’s boob job and nose job post-taping. Lauren’s sex tape scandal. Hello! We all obviously read Perez and would like the dirt from the source a.s.a.p.
Pro: Seeing the ladies in person. They all look even smaller and prettier in person (not that they aren’t on TV) and you can see all of their reactions even when the camera is not pointed in their face.
Audrina chats it up with a few admirers |
Con: Not meeting any of them. Wasn’t that the point of me being there? Before anyone was allowed to move, they were quickly whisked away, back to TV-land I’m sure.
Pro: A continuous, unedited encounter with the three gave me a small glimpse into the real world of twenty-something L.A. girls and despite living part-time “on camera” I discovered they’re actually quite normal.
Check out an exclusive interview with Lauren Conrad!
Photo Gallery: Young and Hot in Hollywood
Aired: Monday, April 23, 2007 (10 p.m. ET, MTV)
Published: Tuesday, April 24, 2007