You may recognize Kelli Zink as the host of CelebTV.com. And last month she made an appearance on the premier of American Idol Season 10! Kelli Zink is know as the “It Girl” of Chi-town & she’s making her way up the entertainment world latter. Reporting the biggest celebrity news from the CelebTV studios in Chicago, you can also catch a few episodes of her on the reality show, Guiliana & Bill which airs on the Style Network.
Check out this exclusive interview with Kelli as we talked about who’s her favorite person on Twitter, working out & being on American Idol.
Celebrdee: You are a writer for CelebTV.com and CheekyChicago.com, if you were to write a book what would it be about?
Kelli: Dealbreakers in dating. I was a single girl for 8 years and I’ve had some wild adventures dating guys of all ages, races and professions. Plus- I have a lot of girlfriends who’s stories are equally as nuts!
Celebrdee: Hometown being Detroit, are you an Eminem fan?
Kelli: I respect how he’s changed the game for rappers and I love to work out to Eminem- I’ve yet to meet him personally and speak on his character- but he’s great to run to!
Celebrdee: You’ve said before that you have a Twitter addiction (I totally understand that), who’s the biggest celebrity that has tweeted at you?
Kelli: To me a “big celeb” has a different meaning than to most girls. Trey Wingo, who’s an ESPN anchor and an idol of mine follows and tweets with me and I think that’s pretty cool. I also enjoy tweeting with Nate Berkus, Victoria from Cobra Starship and Terrell Owens. (Told you they’re different!)
Celebrdee: Congratulations on your fitness! You look great! What is your workout regimen?
Kelli: Thank you- that’s one of the biggest compliments someone can give to me since I work so hard at staying in shape. I have the body type that looks bulky on camera if I’m not dedicated to working out at least 5 days a week and eating well. I do classes at both David Barton Gym and Equinox and let me tell you- they kick your butt! I also enjoy running along the lake once the ice melts.
Celebrdee: When you’re not at work or in front of the camera what do you like to do on your downtime?
Kelli: I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Ryan Poli- who’s a chef. We rent a lot of movies and generally are pretty low key. I also love working out and spending time with my girlfriends.
Celebrdee: If you could choose one product that you can’t live without to endorse and they would give you a lifetime supply of it for free, what would it be?
Kelli: Impossible to choose just one! I guess I’m lucky that Dior sneaks me samples of their amazing facial products- Capture Total. I swear I can see a huge difference in my skin when I’m using the products.
Celebrdee: You have appeared on a few episodes of the Style Network’s Guiliana & Bill would you ever consider filming your own reality show about your life?
Kelli: I’ve been on two reality shows and they are a ton of work. Lots of scheduling and filming goes on behind the scenes that the viewers don’t see. Let’s say we film for an hour- maybe 3 mins makes it to TV- if at all. That said- I think the right show gives viewers a chance to get to know you outside of work and I’d be very open to doing another.
Celebrdee: For all the women out there who want to have a career in the entertainment world, rather that be starting a celebrity web site or becoming a journalist, what advice would you give them?
Kelli: Intern and learn from the best. Work for free and be on time, work on holidays and don’t complain or ask a lot of questions. Figure it out and observe- you’ll be the one who gets hired.
Celebrdee: Who will you be rooting for in the Super Bowl this year, Steelers or Packers?
Kelli: The parties! Weather permitting I’m heading down to work the parties on Friday and they are hands down my fav part of the Super Bowl weekend.
Celebrdee: Who are your mentors that inspire you or have helped you to get to where you’re at today?
Kelli: Rich Eisen who’s the host of NFL Net- my previous job- is a huge mentor for me I still call him for advice. Mark Shaprio is another TV guru that I rely heavily upon.
Celebrdee: You said, “The older we [women] get the more I’ll deal with, as far as what I want with a guy, and the less I’m willing to give up.” Love that! Can you elaborate a little further on that. And has it worked for you?
Kelli: When I was younger I wouldn’t consider dating a guy who was under 6ft tall or had tatoos. Now I’m in love with a 5’8 guy who’s got an armful of ink. When you get older you realize that physical stuff isn’t as important as it is to find someone who loves, respects and pushes you to be a better person. I also don’t want a man who won’t let me have a career- and that will never change.
Celebrdee: Two words for you: American Idol!!! Season 10 premiered Jan. 20th with 26.2 million viewers and they showed a clip of you reporting some American Idol news for CelebTV.com! Did you know you were going to be on? Where and what were you doing when you found out?
Kelli: We did know- they actually emailed us and asked to buy the footage from us! I didn’t tell many people since I wasn’t sure it would run. When it did I was in a class at the gym and when I came out my blackberry was filled with well wishes from people I haven’t heard from in years. It was the ultimate “get” in our world and it felt awesome that they recogonized CelebTV.
Celebrdee: Do you have a memorable celebrity store you can share with us?
Kelli: Jason Schwartzman is one of my favorite actors, and he when he was promoting “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World” he came into our studio. I knew his nickname on the set was “Jason Swordsman” and was going to ask him about it, but wasn’t sure when. He was unbelievably nice and funny- and when the time came I asked “So did Jason Swordsman do all his own stunts?” He laughed, paused and asked me if I just said “Swordsman” on purpose. Then he complimented me on camera. It was a moment where preparation paid off.
Celebrdee: Can you tell us some of your future projects you have in store for 2011?
Kelli: In 2011 I’m continuing to do lots of CNN and TV Guide as well as see what other TV opportunities there are for me. Right now I’m really looking forward to Dallas!
Celebrdee: Tell me some of your favorites… favorite TV shows?
Kelli: Modern Family and Top Chef
Celebrdee: Favorite nail polish color?
Kelli: Changes depending on my mood.
Celebrdee: Favorite web sites?
Kelli: USMagazine.com, People.com, Fitnessista.com, CelebBuzz.com, NFL.com, Hollywoodlife.com, FabFitFun.com, CheekyChicago.com
Celebrdee: Favorite person to follow on Twitter?
Kelli: My boyfriend @RyanPoli- sometimes he surprises me with sweet messages.
Celebrdee: Favorite books?
Kelli: The Manual, Audition, any British chick lit
Celebrdee: Favorite clothing store?
Kelli: Sofia
Fine knowledge! I have been seeking for things like this for a while today. Many thanks!