Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper discuss Biggest Loser

Last week I had the opportunity to join a media call with Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. For Biggest Loser fans- no explanation is needed. For those of you have yet to jump on the incredible Biggest Loser bandwagon- these are the brilliant trainers who inspire and motivate not only the contestants, but people literally across the world. Also on the call was Mark Koops, Executive Producer of the show.

It was a really casual conversation that gave much more insight into how the show works behind the scenes and into Jillian’s and Bob’s opinions and experiences with the show. The hot topic discussed was the “America Votes” twist that will be discussed on the show tonight. The end of last week’s episode from Australia revealed that this time, America will have the chance to vote for the two people below the yellow line to determine who goes to the finale (Live, April 15). While Jillian and Bob were not completely on board with the idea, arguing that it’s up to the contestants because they live with each other and know each other and so much of their success rests in game play. Mark Koops argued on the side of us, the fans. Mark and both trainers agreed that everyone remaining- Ali, Mark, Kelly and Roger, deserve a place at the finale.

“What better way than to, let the fans just follow the, incredible personal tales of transformation through 15 weeks – you know, have a say in that, have a voice in that process,” explained Mark Koops, “Which journey has inspired [the viewer] the most?”

They knew before the season began that they would open the final vote. They wanted avid fans, especially those who’ve followed all five seasons, to be a part of the program. He felt that fans deserved the opportunity to have a voice. Be sure to watch Biggest Loser
tonight to learn more about making your vote count.

In what became more Q and A with Bob and Jillian, where the banter is quite similar to that of best friends or siblings, they each shared their opinion of the other as a trainer. Jillian on Bob – “He’s a great trainer. I mean, he’s – I think that he’s a lot tougher than a lot of people would imagine him to be.” Bob on Jillian – I think Jillian is probably one of the best trainers in not only the country, but the world. And I’ve seen them all. And she actually has made me become a better trainer.”

Bob and Jillian were asked if they watch much TV. A point of hilarious contention for the two as Bob watches American Idol, Lost and a variety of other shows that Jillian doesn’t look to favorably on. “Idol is the worst show on TV! It’s just bad karaoke,” was her response to Bob. I did ask her if she watches Biggest Loser and she said she does. She wants to be sure that it is edited fairly and see what we’re seeing. Jillian added that this season has been the most accurate so far.

Bob and Jillian talked about the early days of Biggest Loser. Bob shared his certainty that early on he knew it would be a success and was glad to be on board. Jillian says she hated the name and worried that the show wouldn’t work.

Thankfully for fans like us, and the contestants, she was proved wrong.

Don’t miss tonight’s final episode before next week’s live finale. Tomorrow you can catch the DietsInReview.com recap and Thursday you’ll find interviews with the two contestants who fall below the yellow line.

Friday we’ll share more of the call with Bob and Jillian- opinions about the somewhat awkward product placements and Jillian’s reaction to how she was recently portrayed during a weigh-in argument with Allison.