Macomb hosts state’s ‘Biggest Loser’ auditions

By Erin McClary
C & G Staff Writer

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Nearly 800 people showed up at Gardner White furniture store March 22 in hopes of becoming the next “Biggest Loser.”

The line, which began forming around 6 a.m., stayed wrapped around the building until almost 4 p.m.

Some drove from as far as Atlanta, others from just around the block, but everyone who waited shared the same urge: must lose weight.

Macomb Township was the last stop for casting directors of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” which is a reality series that pushes contestants to lose weight through a healthy diet, exercise, and perhaps most importantly, the motivation of being on national television. The contestant who loses the most proportionate amount of weight becomes the “Biggest Loser,” and subsequently, the big winner.

“The Biggest Loser” visited 15 different cities around the country, said casting director Brandon Nickens. The show is looking to cast 15 to 20 contestants.

The casting call at Gardner White was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22 and only the first 700 people to show up were guaranteed a chance. By 3 p.m., casting directors had only seen 350 people.

“We’ve had a great turnout,” said Nickens. “This is it, our last stop. It’s been a good day.”

Just before 4 p.m., production assistant Brandon Crawford went outside to tell the people waiting without a number that their chances of being seen were slim to none. The crew stopped passing out numbers at around noon.

They weren’t happy, but Crawford said they should’ve showed up sooner.

“There was way more of a turnout than they expected,” he said. “We’ll probably go until about 6 p.m. … We’re only about halfway (through) and they guaranteed 700 tickets.”

He said he felt awkward, being a mere 160 pounds, controlling a crowd of “very large people.”

“But everyone’s in really good spirits,” he said. “They’re just happy to be here.”

Lauren Doyle, 25, of Warren showed up around 7 a.m. She was part of the next group to be seen, holding a ticket that read “353,” shortly after 3 p.m.

“I have no willpower to do it on my own,” she said. “This is sort of a reality check.”

Her goal is to lose 100 pounds.

Sue Paré, 49, of New Haven waited next to Doyle. She hopes to lose 125 pounds if offered the chance to be on “The Biggest Loser.”

“I’ve spent my whole life taking care of everyone else,” she said of being a single mother and full-time accountant for St. Johns Hospital. “Now it’s my turn.”

Paré said that reaching her goal on national television would only motivate her more.

“The support system they have really makes a difference.”

Nickens told those auditioning that the show was mainly looking for couples, or two people — friends or family — sharing the same motivation to lose weight; however, they wouldn’t look past those who showed up alone.

Blair Braden and his wife, Apriele, drove up from Detroit. Braden, who struggles with diabetes, like many of the shows applicants, said he and Apriele both need professional help to lose weight.

“I’m here because I’m fat,” he said. “I’ve tried every diet … I’ve got to do something before I die.”

Braden’s goal is to lose 135 pounds.

Auditions were set up in 10-person group discussions. During the discussions, which lasted about 10 minutes each, Nickens let everyone introduce themselves and share their weight loss goals.

While some argued that dieting doesn’t work and exercise is hard to do when you’re carrying hundreds of extra pounds, Nickens explained that 90 percent of losing weight is attributed to eating right and that it’s important to stay motivated, as “this is the most overweight country.”

This season of “The Biggest Loser” is expected to hit the air over the summer. Nickens said they’re scheduled to start shooting May 7. 

Those who have potential to be the next “Biggest Loser” can expect a call back in mid-April.