Nick Lachey Talks About His High School Musical Days
Teens from all over have come to give their all in hopes of becoming a part of the
High School Musical phenomenon. As
High School Musical: Get in the Picture premieres Sunday at 8pm/ET on ABC, we caught up with host and artist
Nick Lachey to get the scoop on the new reality talent competition and what
his high school days were like. -
Gina DiNunno
TVguide.com: Why did you want to get involved with the HSM reality project?
Nick Lachey: The thing that excited me about this project was that it involved musical theater at the high school age. That was a big part of my growing up because I went to a performing arts high school. I felt I could really relate with what these kids.
TVGuide.com: What was it like a performing arts high school?
Lachey: I'd take my core classes, but along with that also take drama class, choir, band, and after school would work on plays. I was in
Peter Pan,
A Christmas Carol,
Sweeney Todd,
The Wiz,
Annie - instead of practicing football or soccer, you'd go to rehearsal. That was our thing.
TVGuide.com: If you were back in school, would you try out for this show?
Lachey: Absolutely. Obviously it's a huge, successful franchise and a great way for someone to jump into the business at the highest level. And it's a great experience because you're constantly learning and growing throughout it.
TVGuide.com: What do you think of the HSM franchise and its success?
Lachey: Honestly, I watched the first two movies as work research, but I ended up really enjoying them. They captured the spirit and excitement for life that goes with being a teenager.
TVGudie.com: Are you secretly hoping they add a Nick Lachey doll to the merchandise mix?
Lachey: [
Laughs] Having a doll is the ultimate form of flattery, so if I did get one, I'd be honored.
TVGuide.com: Did you have any 98 Degrees flashbacks while watching the kids sing and dance?
Lachey: I did in respect to how much preparation and rehearsal the kids put into it. That really reminded me of what it was like when we would be getting ready for doing shows on tour.
TVGuide.com: Any chance of a reunion tour like the New Kids?
Lachey: No plans. We left things open for if it ever felt right to revisit it. At this point, though, everyone seems to be pursuing their own individual passions. But at some point it could happen.
TVGuide.com: What's next for you?
Lachey: Besides getting ready to put out another CD in September, I'm going to be an executive producer a of a new MTV reality show that profiles students at my old high school in Cincinnati that's fallen on some hard times. I call it the antithesis of
Laguna Beach because there's nothing glossy about this urban and inner city school.
