Big turnout for 'Biggest Loser' casting call

By Lori Lyle

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) - Hundreds of people from Kentucky and several neighboring states are anxiously awaiting a phone call from the casting directors of "The Biggest Loser." Teams of two lined up for auditions in Louisville for hours Saturday, and as WAVE 3's Lori Lyle reports, only a few will make the cut.

People started lining up for auditions for season seven of The Biggest Loser around midnight Saturday. By 7 a.m., the line wrapped completely around the Louisville Athletic Club on 9463 Westport Road, and the auditions weren't scheduled to start until 10 a.m.

"I lost three pounds going to front of line," joked Taveras Whitlow. "So I'm ahead of schedule."

Brandon Nickens, casting director for The Biggest Loser, described the crowd as "some good southern folks and obviously those beautiful Kentucky women."

With so many people in line, Brandon didn't have much time to speak to each couple - 5 teams of 2 were each about 10 minutes to discuss their weighty issues.

Heather Taylor made the trip from Cincinnati for her chance to meet Nickens. "I want to be a role model for my own children and the 26 to 28 I teach every year. But most importantly, I want to walk into a bar have a gorgeous man like you want to leave with me."

Cheryl Jones has been watching The Biggest Loser faithfully, filled with admiration for the people who share their weight problems with the world, then transform themselves into healthier people right before her eyes.

"It's unbelievable when you see them," said Cheryl. "And you're sitting on your couch, watching them, thinking that could be me."

Cheryl's cousin, Erika Jones, said "she's been wanting to come on the show since the first episode. So I called her up and I said: 'Hey, guess whose in town?'"

High gas prices didn't stop Stephanie Griffin from making the trip from Alabama to Louisville. "This is my dream," she said. "I'd love to wear clothes like the skinny people do."

Kyle Shepherd appreciates being asked to speak her mind, and she said she was asked to "give some opinions about some things people my size think."

Susie Byrd wore orange coveralls similar to those worn by jail inmates, along with a ball and chain. She says the real her is trapped.

"There's a person inside of me that wants to come out," Susie said. "There's so much I want to do to be free to do and I can't do because my weight limits me."

Susie's teammate, Denise Bentley, said the audition is "an opportunity - win lose or draw - I know that I need to make some healthy changes."

The reality of this reality show is that most of those who showed up won't get a call back, but it took courage just to show up, and Nickens says the show has contacted people who wanted to be on the show but didn't make it, only to find out those people lost weight on their own.

"We'll revisit people, give them a call, and they're like, 'I'm not sure if you want me anymore, I've lost 90 pounds.'"

Those who made the cut were to receive phone calls sometime Saturday evening. Up to 30 teams will be chosen for a 60-minute interview an on camera with the casting directors next week.

They tell us they'll be happy if they find four teams they like enough to send to NBC for consideration.

The cast is expected to be finalized in August.

Online Reporter: Lori Lyle

Online Producer: Michael Dever