Slidell, Louisiana resident, Victor Arroyo III, is getting back into the swing of things after a whirlwind summer on season 18 of the CBS series “Big Brother.”
Arroyo made history as the first houseguest with three chances to win the $500,000 grand prize. His game ended a week shy of the finale, with a 5th place win finish, but he walked away as America’s Favorite Houseguest and its $25,000 prize.
The Daily Reveille sat down with Arroyo to discuss his experience as a “Big Brother” houseguest and his thoughts on the ground breaking season.
The Daily Reveille: How are you feeling now that the season is over?
Victor Arroyo III : It’s bittersweet. Being in the “Big Brother” house was an experience of the lifetime. But it’s nice to be back. The support I’ve received has been amazing.
TDR: How does it feel to have gone in a regular guy and come out with fame?
VA: One-hundred percent f- – -ing crazy. When I left Slidell, I had 400 followers on Instagram. On finale night, I had 35,000. Now I have about 114,000 and DMs for days. Everybody knows me. People know me better than I know myself. But I like it because I like interacting with everybody.
TDR: Why did you want to be on “Big Brother?”
VA: I was at a point in my life where I wasn’t 100 percent satisfied with what I was doing. I thought I should give it a shot and see where it takes me.
TDR: Can you explain what the audition process was like?
VA: I went to open auditions. It’s an extensive process. I also applied to season 16. I went through the process and didn’t get picked. Then when I saw they had auditions again, I decided to go for it. I had nothing to lose. I was in it for the experience.
TDR: How does it feel to have had three chances at the game?
VA: I feel like a cat. I can never die. It’s bizarre. I thought I was gone day 23. I wasn’t expecting to go back in the first time, much less the second. Got evicted again, and I thought to myself, “Well at least I made it to jury.” And then I’m right back in the house about an hour later.
TDR: What was your mentality going into the Battle Back competitions?
VA: I didn’t stress myself too much with making sure I won. More so, just giving it my best shot. I knew that alternatively, I would get to see my family. So the worst case scenario wasn’t that bad. I went into the comps knowing that it’s a little bit of luck and a little bit of skill.
TDR: How does it feel to have won America’s Favorite Houseguest?
VA: I wasn’t expecting it at all. I thought I had a chance but I didn’t think I was going to win. There were over 4 million votes. It was awesome that everybody saw through all the BS of this season and picked the straight shooter and loyal player.
TDR: Can you talk about your relationship with Paul?
VA: We talk everyday. We’re going to move in together out in L.A. He’s my boy — my best friend. We’re the same inside the house as we are outside the house.
TDR: How were you feeling when Nicole and Corey betrayed you and Paul?
VA: A part of me was sad because I thought they would hold up their end of the deal because of the friendship we had made. The other side of me understood why they would do it and it made sense. I wasn’t mad about it; it was a game move. Mucho friendship.
TDR: Why do you think you didn’t make it to the end?
VA: Because I’m El Fit Vic. The players knew that if they brought me to the end that there was a good chance that I could win the game, not only because of the comps, but also my relationship with the jury.
TDR: Is Paulie really as much of a jerk as America thinks? What was it like living with him?
VA: He’s really a nice guy. I’m cool with Paulie, especially after seeing him outside of the house. I can’t say anything bad about him. We clashed heads in the game, but it wasn’t anything malicious. What happened with other people was outside of my control.
TDR: What did you think of his argument with Natalie and his “fake as those things on your chest” remark?
VA: There’s always three sides — his, hers and the truth, which I haven’t been able to see. I don’t wanna say who’s in the wrong because I didn’t see all of it. But, it had nothing to do with her breasts.
TDR: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be on “Big Brother?”
VA: Be yourself. Don’t be something you’re not. They want to see who you are. I didn’t win, but being true to myself was the best thing because I didn’t have to worry when I got out. Things happen in the house but they only happen because we’re all fighting for $500,000. Leave what happens in the house in the house.
TDR: What’s next for you?
VA: Paul and I want to start a lifestyle channel on YouTube. It’d be awesome to go on “The Amazing Race” together. I’d also like to pursue acting.
TDR: Lastly, what does Louisiana mean to you?
VA: In a perfect world, I would live here and travel out to different places. I love the culture, the food and the Big Easy atmosphere is so relaxed. There’s always something to do. The Southern hospitality is real and we have our Saints, LSU and crawfish. Louisiana is home.