I Want to Be a Milliionaire

I went to the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire audition held in Charlotte on June 15th. My husband informed me earlier that morning that the show was having auditions and told me I should go. I immediately said that I was not going. Then, after a moment of introspection and realizing that I didn't want to go because 1) I didn't think I was smart enough for the show and 2) I didn't want to be embarrassed if I did poorly on the show, I decided to give it a shot.

I didn't make it past the first portion of the audition, but it was an enjoyable experience. I arrived around 9 am and was the 28th person in the 3rd group of people. The other 2 groups had either gone or were in still in the auditorium taking their test.

I talked to a couple people in line and learned that we would take 2 multiple-choice tests. One would be general trivia and the second would be based on movie trivia, possible since the show is sponsored by Netflix.

While waiting, a cameraman for CBS-WBTV asked if he could interview me. I accepted and was asked if I watch the show (I don't), if I study trivia with family or friends (nope, just watch TV and read) and why I want to be on the show (to win enough money to pay off my student loans). I haven't been on TV since 1995 or 96 when I was in the audient on the Jenny Jones Show and lied and said I met my boyfriend on the internet.

Once our group entered the auditorium an hour later, we were explained the rules and handed the first set of test materials. This general trivia test was a trip. There were questions like, "In urban language, a hoopty refers to what vehicle?" "Who made the single, "Touch My Body" that broke Elvis' record for #1?" and "Chitlins refers to the intestines of which animal?" I aced those three questions, but don't think I knew the type of fish that was on the 2000 commemorative quarter. I apparently did not know much of the movie trivia, either.

During the time between the two tests, we were allowed the chance to win shirts. I raised my hand and said I'd play Truth or Dare for a shirt and that I would take Truth. The moderator said she couldn't think of a question she could ask, so I said, "Ask me if I want a shirt," and she did!!! Yay me, I got a shirt out of the deal, along with a pencil, a fan and a magnet...all of that for the lowly price of $5 for parking and however much I spent in gas to get there.

So, if I had passed the two quizzes, I would have filled out an application, had my picture taken and returned to a one-on-one interview. Those who make it through the interview will then be sent a postcard in about two weeks notifying them if they will be put into a contestant pool with others who made it through the process as far back as 2007.

If chosen from the contestant pool, the person will be selected to be on one of 11 primetime shows being hosted by Regis Philbin or in the syndicated shows hosted by Meredith Vieira. If chosen for Regis, SOME of the contestant’s travel and lodging fees are covered. The contestant pays for ALL travel and hotel charges if chosen to be on Meredith's show. The winner receives his/her money 30 days after the show airs.

Since I didn't jump high enough to make it through the hoops, I'll just have to make my riches the old fashioned way...through hard work and dedication. That is unless I win the Power Ball or Mega Millions!

http://www.wbtv.com/global/category.asp?c=151146&clipId=3867361&topVideoCatNo=default&topVideoCatNoB=168978&topVideoCatNoC=135991&topVideoCatNoD=139409&topVideoCatNoE=139408&autoStart=true