EXCLUSIVE: Up Close with Shanna Moakler

EXCLUSIVE: Up Close with Shanna Moakler

After Barrington’s own Shanna Moakler caught the nation’s attention when crowned Miss USA 1995, the bright lights of Hollywood came calling. The actress, model, reality TV star and most recently, reality TV host, can currently be seen on Bridalplasty, a where 12 women compete to win a dream wedding and plastic surgery procedures. The program’s grand finale airs Sunday, Januray 30th at 9pm on the E! Entertainment network.

Despite the controversy, BridalPlasty seems to have a huge viewership. Why do you think it people are responding to it so well? Were you surprised it's been under such scrutiny?

I was surprised people attacked the show so hard before it even aired! But I understand that plastic surgery for some people is just difficult to begin with. Whether they like it or not, plastic surgery is alive and well, and many people are doing what we are showcasing (on Bridalplasty) before major events in their lives. I think people are curious as to why people would want to change themselves. I also think some people are into the medical aspect of the show. And of course, what woman doesn't love weddings? For me, it was interesting to blend the two...

What is it like working with some many brides to be? Some contestants seem to lack self esteem...what is you advice to women who stress over imperfections?

All the girls on the set were very nice to me, and they all were really good kids. I think if you push anything to an extreme or do ANYTHING in excess it's never good. These women weren't trying to change their entire faces, but they did have particular issues that were personal to them. I think a lot of women can relate to them actually, some of the women had pretty valid reasons for wanting plastic surgery: breasts disease, 100-lb. weight loss, being bit in the face as a child by a dog... I always tell women the most beautiful feature of a woman is confidence. You can have all the plastic surgery in the world, but if your not working on the inner you, you will never truly radiate beauty.

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The finale airs Sunday night. What do you hope viewers take away from the series?

I hope the viewers see that these women weren't trying to reconstruct their entire faces or be something they weren't. It is a competitive-style reality show that is supposed to entertain you. It's supposed to showcase what plastic surgery is really like; the procedure, the pain, the healing, the finished look. I think when people see the last bride standing (the winning bride) they will see what the show was really about and be pleasantly surprised.

You're really carving out a niche for yourself as a hostess...is hosting something you enjoy and why?

I have hosted for a very long time, and have been on E!, VH1 etc. I feel sometimes the tabloids just erase all the REAL work you have done! But I really enjoy hosting. I find it fun and easy, and I love the different people I get to meet and the controversial topics I get to tackle. I would love to do more!

Do you ever get back to Rhode Island?

I do try to come home once a year, I am a RI girl at heart and I miss home everyday. My father still sends me stuffies and I get my monthly shipment of Autocrat! I am very active with my fans and it's something I take pride in. Rhode Islanders are down to earth people and I like to showcase that, I have used social media networks for a long time to reach out and entertain the masses!

What's up next for you?

Right now I am just relaxing! After filming Bridalplasty , we wrapped up a press tour, and now I am just enjoying my kids! I am also the director for the Miss California USA organization and I am prepping our new titleholder for Miss USA! Hopefully I'll get back home and have some clambakes and chowda soon!