Meet Ms. Chrissa Villanueva [photographed above in the pink evening gown]. She is Mnet America‘s (aka Mnet LA) newest VJ.

After a nationwide search (promoted on Allkpop) in the summer of 2011, Mnet chose Chrissa to host their brand new K-pop show entitled “Hello Pop“. The interactive show began on October 1oth for the American cable viewing audiences. Since then, Chrissa has interacted with fans on Skype for “Hello Pop” and even traveled to Singapore to be a part of the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards!

Below is part one of our interview with Chrissa. She explains her audition journey and what life as a VJ is really like Behind The Scenes.

BTSCelebs: How did you audition to be a Mnet’s [Hello Pop] VJ?

Chrissa: I sent in my headshot and resume to audtion

Is your first audition video available for us to view online?

They didn’t film our initial audition, but you can view my callback video on YouTube. 

Please tell us the steps in your audition process

After sending in my headshot and resume, they asked me to come into the studio to see me in person. When I got there, I was waiting with a group of girls who were auditioning separately. We were given a simple music video introduction to 2NE1’s  “I Am The Best” video and had a mini interview afterwards. Then, they called me back with the other finalists for the final round. It was definitely nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time. It was one of the coolest audtions I had ever had the experience doing. Then, the videos of the finalists were up for the whole world to watch and vote. Fans cast their votes and the rest is history! It was definitely a really exciting experience. 

What is it like to be a VJ? Do you enjoy your work?

I love being a VJ! I get to talk about K-pop 24/7. and have the chance to interact with fans about their love for K-pop. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I get to hang out and interview K-pop artists for “Hello Pop”. What is more exciting than that?  My favorite part of being a VJ is just simply being myself on the show. My style on the show and all of the cheesy jokes are 100% me in real life. It’s funny when we skype with fans because they ask me if  what I wear is a special outfit for the show. I always end up saying “Nope, this is how I always dress!” I am so thankful to Mnet for allowing me to be myself , because it’s rare to find a show that embraces your personality and explores my love of K-pop with others. I was recently given the opportunity to host the Red Carpet for the Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore, and the experience was mind-blowing. I got to travel overseas for the first time, hang out with K-pop stars, and talk to the fans who make our show possible. I continue to ask myself if this is really my “job”, because it is so awesome. I’m just incredibly grateful to be a part of this ever-growing K-pop movement. 

What was Chrissa’s first job, her major in college? What about her K-pop crush and the ideal K-pop artist she would want to share the VJ stage with…. the answers to those questions await you in part two of our interview with Mnet’s new VJ princess next week!

We send a  Special Thanks to Hannah at Mnet.

All rights to the images belong to CJ E&M, Mnet, Chrissa Villanueva, and Michelle Chia (featured in the first image).