The newest winner talks about her unlikely path to reality TV glory.
It was perhaps the most remarkable and unexpected journey inBig Brotherhistory.
(Tamar Braxton won the second season ofCelebrity Big Brotherin 2019.)
Taylor Hale on ‘Big Brother’.CBS
We choose persistence as a reason to win this game?"
The jury responded by awarding Taylor with eight out of nine votes.
How did she craft that epic speech?
Taylor Hale on ‘Big Brother’.CBS
And what did Nicole say to her on that finale stage?
We asked the champ all that and more when we spoke after her historic win.
(Also read our final interviews withrunner-up Monte Taylorandthird place finisher Matthew Turner.)
Taylor Hale on ‘Big Brother’.CBS
TAYLOR HALE:It is the exact goal that I had coming into this entire game.
And we can go on week to week of how many times I sat on the eviction night block.
And I saw Danielle and the win that she should have had get taken away from her.
Taylor Hale and Nicole Lyong on ‘Big Brother’.CBS
I think everybody can understand that.
But my purpose for coming to this game was so much bigger than just Taylor Hale playing.
It was so much bigger than just trying to make a name for myself.
Taylor Hale on ‘Big Brother’.CBS
They can just be themselves.
I thought about them all the time.
When it was hard, I thought about them, and I thought about Da’Vonne in her first season.
Even Kemi was really bullied her season.
Even though she was talking about, “I was a high school bully” she still got it.
So I just want there to be freedom for us to exist.
It paid off, and now there should be freedom for the rest of the future.
Let’s talk about that epic speech.
You found a way to make a super compelling case while also playing to the jurors' emotions.
I saw some wiping of eyes during that.
Take me through how you crafted that whole thing in your head?
Well, thank you.
You know I love giving a good speech in this house.
But there’s so much more that is happening in this game."
We can make a better game.
How are we impacting people in this game?
Yes, you have to win things and be really competitive, but we’re still people."
How confident were you before the jury Q&A and speeches?
I’m sure you were doing jury math in your head, so what were you thinking?
The whole day I practiced my speech, but I was ready to sit there for second place.
Even third place if Turner ended up winning.
So I did not think my speech would resonate.
Part of me thought that it might land as trying toguiltthe jury into voting for me.
What votes surprised you the most?
Terrence and Indy by far.
He called me a brat!
I was positive it was not happening.
And when Indy put the key in, she said, I’m giving this to my favorite person.
I said, “All right, Monte.”
Pat him on the back.
“So that’s your vote, not mine.”
How important were those in terms of your jury management strategy?
Because I think it went a long way.
I think it did go a long way.
When it came to jury management, I always made it clear what my intentions and my goals were.
What did she say to you after your big win?
The first thing she said to me was “I love you.
And she said, “There’s a lot out there.”
I said, “What?
About you and me?”
She goes…[makes a gesture with her hands]because you know how Nicole talks.
“There’s a lot out there.
Just know that I love you.”
And I told her I love her too, because I do.
I think the circumstances of the game might have brought out a different side or player in her.
But what I know about Nicole is that she will always own her stuff.
So I will see what actually happened with Nicole.
And I think I’m looking forward to seeing if she and I can build a relationship.
But, you know, it’s no secret I am relatively new to the fan base.
I watched last season and got excited about it.
She just wants to be an Instagram influencer.
We don’t want her.”
You had maybe the ultimate rollercoaster experience in theBig Brotherhouse.
A lot of highs and a lot of lows.
What was the lowest moment for you?
There were some pretty ugly moments.
In fact, I was trying to express empathy and sympathy and hold space for these people.
But that was a very, very difficult moment.
But the lowest point was also the beginning of the highest point for me.
When will you start watching it back?
And then maybe I’ll start doing my deep dive after a month.
I only know my perspective.
Will you play again?
Okay, I need like a couple years.
I need a handful of years.
I knowAll-Starsjust happened and I know we need some space between that.
I’m trying to actually win comps.
I played nine Veto comps and I didn’t win a single one.
I need Michael to not be around so I can win a Veto.
I think he’d swap places with you if he could.
[Super Excited]Okay, I wanna be at the after party!
RiRi, hit me up!
Did she say anything about our season or is she just staying quiet?
She’s quiet, but you know, maybe you might hit her up at the Super Bowl?
My God, that’s so good.
And I will be there.
I will be at that Super Bowl.
