When an MTV crew showed up at the San Francisco Academy of Art to film one of Heidi Montag’s classmates, she wasn’t too impressed. You see, Heidi had never seen Laguna Beach or its star, Lauren Conrad. But, much to the delight of network execs, the two hit it off and started plotting a move to Los Angeles. The rest was history. Soon Heidi and L.C. were given their own spin-off, The Hills, and Heidi was a breakout star.
For the second season, Heidi has been promoted at her event-planning job with Bolthouse Productions—which means more fun out on the town. The camera-hungry hellcat was as eager to strut her stuff for Stuff’s lens as she is every Monday night at 10 P.M.—and the results speak for themselves.
STUFF: Did you have fun doing our photo shoot?
HEIDI: Oh, I couldn’t wait! I love being sexy, and I’m up for whatever.
So you went from Crested Butte, Colorado, to the Hollywood Hills.
Yeah, and it’s a long way! I’ve loved absolutely every minute of it.
Having cameras follow you around all the time never bothers you?
Reality TV is a really fun, privileged world, and I’m just happy to be a part of it. I mean, if you need a minute to yourself, you aren’t going to get it, but you just have to realize it’s what you signed up for, because those difficult moments are what make for a much better show.
Are any episodes particularly hard for you to watch?
No, I don’t take any of it too seriously. With friends it’s hard sometimes. You’re like, “Wait, I didn’t say that!†Or you say something you don’t want a friend to see and then she sees it, and you’re like, “Ahh, just kidding!â€
How about watching the sobfest when you dumped your lame boyfriend Jordan?
That was easy. It was the best decision of my life. I should have done that so much sooner.
Does that mean he and Lauren’s boyfriend Jason won’t be returning this season?
Oh, no! They are so done. They can have their own show called The Valley or something. This season is a million times better. It’s very Sex and the City—a lot more about sex and hooking up with guys, parties we go to and the whole Hollywood scene instead of us just sitting at home with our boyfriends. It’s a much friskier show now.
So no holding back this time?
Definitely not. I was a little more reserved last year, but now I’m like, whatever—I’m going out with a bang.
What’s the weirdest thing about people recognizing you?
When people come up to me and say things like, “You’re prettier in person.†I’m like, “Did you think I was a freak or something?†I don’t really know what to say to people with comments like that. But life after the show is great! It’s nothing but parties, having fun and meeting amazing people.
Which celebrities were you most excited to meet?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were really nice, but I think the best was when I hung out with Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton.
Did you talk with them about what it’s like to be on reality TV?
Yeah. They have a different version of it, but we’re definitely our own little community.
And just like Paris, you’re recording your own album, right?
Well, it’s under wraps right now, and I’m not sure what the details are, but it’s something I’m passionate about, and you’ll probably see some of it this season.
What kind of music is it?
It’s a mixture of Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. I want to bring older elements and albums into it, too. It’ll be very sexy and fun; it’ll be very Heidi. [Laughs] I want to make a new genre.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, hopefully I’ll have a couple of hit albums and do some movies, too.
And in the meantime you’re happy with life on The Hills?
Hey, it’s TV, so whatever. I just take things as they come and try not to have too-high expectations. I’m having a lot of fun, and that’s all that matters!
