by Kristal Bailey

The Apprentice premieres tomorrow night and our own RealityWanted.com member Tyana is in the running to work for Donald Trump. Today, she chatted with us about how she was cast, how she wants to use her 15 minutes of fame, and what to expect this season on The Apprentice.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Why did you apply to The Apprentice? We watched the promo video with you talking about losing your job. Did that have any weight to your decision to apply?
A. Tyana: I’m actually the only contestant who did not apply to The Apprentice. I received a phone call from the casting department. I believe they found me after I applied for a program on RealityWanted.com some time ago. After I told them my story, they said I was perfect. Unfortunately, I got a call that same day that my father had passed away after battling with cancer.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Have you watched The Apprentice in the past?
A. Tyana: I watched season one and some of the celebrity episodes. I thought it was a great opportunity, but didn’t think I would be taken seriously if I had applied in the past. I never thought I’d be a good contestant. Luckily, I fit the criteria for this year’s theme and I was extremely happy that casting had saved my information.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Who’s your favorite past contestant from any of the seasons of The Apprentice?
A. Tyana: A combination of Sharon Osborne and Bret Michaels.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: You talked about applying for other shows in the past. What other shows did you try out for?
A. Tyana: I actually made it to the semi-finals of Big Brother this season after applying on RealityWanted.com. I have been called in on so many auditions thanks to RealityWanted.com; it has gotten me in so many places.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: What did you think of Donald and the Trump family?
A. Tyana: None of us had seen him before. So when we walked into the boardroom and saw him sitting in the chair, it was a bit overwhelming. Once we got accustomed to Donald, the flow of the program, and the tasks at hand we started to see how real it is. Donald is really pleasant and easy to deal with. The Trump family was also fabulous. Donald Jr. and Ivanka are both great people. Ivanka is very stunning in person and I have to also admit that I had a respectful crush from a distance on Don Jr. He is very funny and down to earth.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: You have been listed as part of the cast for a while now. Have you found yourself on any blogs as part of the discussion of the season?
A. Tyana: Yes! Someone said that I might be the crazy one in the show, and I found that very amusing. It’s funny to see how people are making assumptions about us based on the promo videos for the show. I am also Miss Cougar California, so I have learned a lot about putting your life online. I’m used to people saying good things and saying bad things.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: What can you tell Apprentice fans about the upcoming season?
A. Tyana: From what I hear, Episode One is full of drama. The boardroom is absolutely crazy! I have read blogs where some people are saying this season is about a cast of characters that are out of work so it won’t be as interesting. This is actually going to make it more cutthroat. It’s probably going to be the most dramatic season because we all want to win the prize so desperately. We’re all out of work.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Do you watch any other reality shows? If so, what are your favorites?
A. Tyana: I watch a lot of reality! In the past, I followed Rock of Love.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Since you made it on The Apprentice, and have been a finalist for some other shows like Big Brother, what kind of tips could you give to people who are trying to be in that position?
A. Tyana: Until you are chosen for a show, you don’t understand the importance of being yourself. What people need to understand is that if you don’t fit the theme of the particular season you applied for, do not lose hope. Look at me! You can get a random call a year later when the season’s theme fits your background and personality.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: What do you hope to get with your 15 minutes of fame besides hopefully winning and working for Trump?
A. Tyana: I want to take my 15 minutes seriously and use it as a platform to empower women. There are things from my past that may come out publicly and I want to help other women who have gone through what I went through.

Q. Kristal, RealityWanted: Any final thoughts?
A. Tyana: Everyone needs to watch this season of The Apprentice! It starts tomorrow and it’s going to be amazing. We are fighting for our lives. There are so many emotions and fights and the competition is at an all time high. There are tons of backstabbing, plotting, and alliances. I don’t think the viewers are going to expect this.

The Apprentice premieres Thursday, September 16, at 9/8c on NBC.

(Image courtesy of NBC)