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Originally Posted by wolf
I'm quite amused that the Brits consider LaToya Jackson to be a celebrity.
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Well...D-list celeb. She's on for freak value as much as anything. There is nothing the great British public enjoys more than a full on 3 ring circus complete with sadistic ring master and a few sideshow geeks chewin on chicken heads. Look at every reality-show we've given to the world and you'll find that particular blend of sideshow freakery, under-dog worship and a sadistic overlord to hold it all together. It also always has the capacity for mob response in the form of the public vote.
I'm not sure what 'Celebrity' actually means in America. I know the most obvious meaning of the word, but I don't know what other levels of meaning it has for you. Here 'Celebrities' are often nobodies who happen to have caught the media attention, ex-contestants on reality shows, soap stars who've been playing the same role for 40 years and ex-wives of ex-band members of once popular boybands.... all the way up to James Bond himself, Daniel Craig.
When Celebrity BB first came around it was a one off charity gig and they managed to get a few interesting people: not massive stars, but respected and/or popular current 'celebs' (as well as a healthy dollop of freakery obviously). These days they struggle to get anyone who isn't either off the radar, or trying to rescue a career. They've always tried to get a mix though. Celebs we like and celebs we want to laugh at. The Jacksons, Jackie Stallone, and some of our obscure eccentrics get in their for freak value. There's a couple who are brought in to be hated. And a couple who will win out in the public's affections.
Coolio is pretty high list celeb for bb.