The Houseguests Are Here! Meet the Full Cast of 'Big Brother 25' (Including the New 'Survivor' Alum Houseguest!)

The Big Brother 25 logo with host Julie Chen Moonves.

Age: 27

Hometown: Edinburg, TX

Current City: Brooklyn, NY

Occupation: Medical Receptionist

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I have been waiting for this season for so long. I've watched all 25 seasons. This is a huge deal. This is a big season to be on. I'm so excited, and so ready to play. I can't believe that I get to be part of this historic moment. I'm ready to play. 

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I have no idea what Big Brother has in store. I'm ready for anything. I've seen every season. I know there are twists and turns every day. I've watched every episode ,so I'm excited to play. I don't know what's gonna happen. But I'm bracing myself and I'm ready.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
So I'm a huge BB super fan. I've been watching this for the last 15 years. So I want to go into this playing the game that I personally love to watch. So I'm going to be in here lying, backstabbing, and blindsiding with whoever I can, whenever I get the chance. I plan to stay low at the beginning, just because I feel like that strategy has worked for past players. But I'm definitely just going to be the sweet, bubbly, charismatic person and try to get to know everybody and be genuine with them. And then lie to whoever I need to. I don't mind. I'm going to do whatever it takes to win the game. 

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I've been wanting to play this game so badly since I was 10 years old. I've watched it on TV and I've been like, "I can do this." Even at 10, 11 years old. I'm just like, "Oh, wall comp. Easy. I feel like I could hold on." So to have the opportunity to be here and do this, it is insane. I am ecstatic. I'm just out of my body right now, having an out-of-body experience. 

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Oh my god, Julie Chen is an icon. She is Big Brother. There is no Big Brother without Julie Chen. She's been here since the beginning. And I'm so excited to get to talk to her, to get to see her. It's going to be surreal for me. It's so crazy.

What is your strategy going into the game?
So I have a couple of strategies going in, playing this game. I definitely want to lay low at the beginning. Have people underestimate me, have them see me as this bright, bubbly, cheery girl. So that's step one. Step two, I love cooking and I don't mind cleaning. So I'm going to play the kitchen strategy and just try to get on all the houseguests' good side when it comes to that. And then I'm definitely going to flirt it up a bit with the boys and just have some fun.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
So I have an Ivy League degree. So I'll definitely be keeping that from my fellow houseguests. I just don't want to come off as the smarty pants and automatically be targeted because of it. So I'm going to keep that a secret.

What makes you most nervous about being in the Big Brother house?
I'm just worried about being homesick. I am a huge family girl. I talk to my mom every day. We have a big group chat with me and all my five siblings. So we're just on constantly talking back and forth. So I'm worried about missing them while I'm in here. But other than that, I'm ready to play, and I'm ready to have a fun summer.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm the one to watch out for in this game because I know this game. I've watched it for 24 seasons. I'm gonna go in here full throttle, just playing 1,000% all the time.

Age: 25

Hometown: Riverside, CA

Current City: New York, NY

Occupation: Brand Strategist

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I want to be on Big Brother because Big Brother requires two things: Strategy and a social game, which honestly, I have both. And the money won't hurt!

What is your strategy going into the game?
My strategy going into the game is lying about my job so they don't know I'm a strategist, winning the competitions, and playing a mean social game.

Age: 45

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Current City: Los Angeles, CA

Occupation: Barrister/DJ

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I'm so excited to be part of Big Brother's 25th anniversary. It makes it that little bit extra special. There's a bit more of a buzz going around. And we're out of COVID! I'm so excited.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I've been trying to think about what Big Brother might have in store for the 25th season. And I'm thinking it could be something like bringing back some challenges from the past seasons. I don't know. Perhaps you bring back some of the winners, and they're going to be having a little go in the house. I'm not sure. Maybe some intruders; that'd be cool.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I wanted to be in the Big Brother house because I love Big Brother. I love the game. I think it's really interesting. It's so crafty. I don't know how anyone wins this game. So anyone who's going to come in and win, it's absolute rubbish. You've just got to pivot, pivot, pivot. I'm excited to play the strategy and get involved.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
When I first moved to America--I've been here for about eight years--I started watching Big Brother here, and my jaw nearly fell to the floor because boy, is it hardcore. It's hardcore strategy, very different to Australia. I really enjoy the seasons here because of all the strategy in the alliances. So let's crack and get in a good alliance. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
When I get in here, I want to get in the big alliance straightaway. Because if you think there isn't a big alliance in the house, bub, you're about to get voted off.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
So I have a few secrets which I will be keeping. My age, because I'm 45, but I never even think about my age, and I never tell people my age. So in the house, if anyone asks, I'm 34. Don't tell anyone, alright? I'm also a lawyer, and I'm not going to be telling people that. That is how you get voted out, saying you're a lawyer.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I think I can win this season because I do get along with people. And I'm used to getting along with all sorts of people: Young, old, party people, quiet people. I think I can mix with anyone. So I'm hoping that strategy will get me through to the end.

Age: 34

Hometown: Eastman, GA

Occupation: Stay-at-Home Dad

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
Being a part of Big Brother history is incredible. Being part of the 25th season, silver anniversary, I can't wait to see how nuts this gets. It means more to me that I'm a part of something in 25.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I've been racking my brain trying to figure out all the stuff that they could pull out for the 25th season. I'm just excited to know that it's going to be crazy. I can't wait to see how jumbled up and crazy everything gets. 

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I love Big Brother so much. I love the willpower that it takes. I love the fact that you've got to gamble on everything and leave everything behind and go locked down in a house with a bunch of strangers. I love the mental fortitude that it takes to run this game. Some people aren't built to go the distance. Some people are built to be sprinters. You've got to play the game the way that it's designed. And that is to have absolutely no idea what you're doing until you come face to face with a brick wall of what you've got to do today. I'm not a marathon runner. I like to blend with each portion of my strategy. You definitely can find a lot of other historic people's gameplay within my gameplay. And I hope that I do them justice and I give them a nod along the way. 

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I am a huge super fan of Big Brother. I've lived to come into this house. Every season I live with my, "What if?" I almost got to this point. I've probably auditioned five or six times. And finally getting into the house right now, for the 25th season. I cannot tell you how special it is just to be sitting in these walls. I can't believe that my next 14 weeks is on the other side of that door right now. I cannot believe this. 

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie Chen Moonves was my first crush. She put me to bed three nights a week. I mean, Julie is incredible. I can't wait to meet her honestly. Not too soon, Jesus! I can't wait to meet her. She is historic, not only within Big Brother, which is a huge love of mine, but in television history, period. I mean reality television erupted in the early 2000s.  And the fact that I saw Julie Chen three nights a week, at the very bare minimum, it's really cool, man.

What is your strategy going into the game?
My strategy going into the Big Brother game is not to win too many competitions. Definitely not to win any soon. Not to lay too low as if I'm a floater. But to be right down the middle. I want to build connections with people and drive relationships forward.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
The only secret that I'm probably going to hold back from the houseguests is how big of a fan of the show that I am. I'm gonna have to downplay that a little bit so as to not put a big target on my back. I don't necessarily know why being a superfan of Big Brother puts a target on your back, but it definitely does. People hold back that information. And I think I'm going to try to flirt the line between having actually understood the show in depth and being a super fan. It has definitely worked in a lot of people's favor, like Ian from season 14. He was a humongous fan of the show and it actually worked in his favor.

What is your reaction to Big Brother 25 playing out into the fall?
Big Brother's running a little late this year, which is exciting for me because I'm a huge fan of football. I love football, food, friends, family, sweatshirts, bonfires. And in the Big Brother house, I have no idea what to expect.

What makes you most nervous about being in the Big Brother house?
Everything about the entire process of living in the Big Brother house has me excited. The only thing that I'm nervous about is nothing regarding the game or the house, but I've never actually been away from my daughter for this long. This is going to become tough on both of us.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I've been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. And I'm definitely going to win this season because I have what it takes to go the mile. I'm athletic, sharp. I build relationships and go the distance. I have an incredible knack for learning people very well. It's a salesman tactic, but moreso I just love connecting with people. My ability to connect with people is going to help me understand them in depth so that I know what kind of moves they would make and I know who I can try to trust and who I can definitely not rely on.

Age: 53

Current City: Walterboro, South Carolina

Occupation: Nurse/TV personality

Cirie is a four-time Survivor player and winner of The Traitors U.S. She is also the mother of fellow houseguest Jared Fields.

Age: 21

Hometown: Weston, FL

Occupation: College Student

Cory is the younger brother of Survivor 42 contestant Zach Wurtenberger.

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
Well, it's incredible. I mean, season 25. I feel like all of these milestone seasons [like] 10, 20, they've all been spectacular. And to be a part of this season, it's incredible. And I feel like not only is it going to be fun for me, but it's almost my duty to make this season as amazing as it can be. So I'm looking forward to it. I hope everyone else is pumped, especially showing up here. I guess I've already been in the house ,which is incredible to think about. Just the simple things, walking, sitting at the kitchen bar, going outside, playing pool, probably being horrible at pool, going upstairs ,sitting at the chessboard. There are just so many moments I want to have, and I'm going to be able to, it's going to be awesome. 

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
Can I pitch you what I think the twist is? All winner season. Cory has a Pandora's Box twist that they're gonna have the opportunity to open on Week Three. And because it's week three, it'll probably be endurance. So I'm guessing  Nicole Frenzel is probably going to win. So she's gonna have the option to open the box. And then Cory enters the game of all winners. It's a crazy twist. I don't know how you guys came up with it, but should be fun, I think. 

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
This one's simple. When you talk about my skill set, whether it be my weird bouts with athleticism, or my persuasive speaking skills, you have all of that. And then you also have this super deep pool of social strategy, knowledge, and Big Brother super fandom. And you have these two ideas. And it's like, "What do I do with both of them?" It's kind of only Big Brother. I can't go play mahjong or chess and get that same rush. So I'm here to play. I'm here to have fun.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I'm a super fan of this show. So being in the Big Brother house is more than a dream come true. After I leave this house, I'm gonna have the opportunity to watch myself play the game two or three times, assuming it's a good season--I hope it is. So it's incredible, every single part. The Diary Room, HoH, Veto, just sitting in the house lounging. I'm excited for all of it.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie Chen does a spectacular job of getting at what the houseguests don't want to talk about. And that's why she's so great. She asks the questions that the audience wants, even if it's not what the houseguests want. I need to win the show just so I don't have the interview after the fact. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
My strategy going into the game is pretty straightforward. I'm going to try to lower my threat level as much as I can. That being said, try to win the first HoH. If it doesn't happen, I'm entering full, "I'm a child, help lead me. What do I do? Where do I go? I don't know how to do laundry. Do you know how to fold a shirt?" Once I enter that mode, I think people will start looking at me as someone they can bring along, as opposed to someone who's going to be this massive force they need to oppose. 

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
Generally, I think a lot of people come into the house hiding so much when it's not even necessary. I've seen people go in being like, "I don't want to tell people I'm a student, because then they'll think I'm studious." And I'm like "Dude, no one cares if you're a student! Just be honest." You don't have to lie the entirety of the game. I would love to lie about my age, but I look closer to 15 than I do 25. So I think I'm just gonna have to deal with that. Otherwise, I think I'm gonna go full honest. 

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm gonna win this game because I'm built. 5'4", 140 pounds. Face 9, body 6, IQ through the roof. I think I'm in pretty good shape for this game. And I think you all will see.

Age: 63

Hometown: Tacoma, WA

Current City: Kennesaw, GA

Occupation: Real Estate Agent

Felicia is the first woman over 60 to compete on Big Brother.

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
Well, I'm excited, I'm actually a little nervous because I thought, "It's the 25th season, they're going to do some crazy stuff, something we haven't seen before." I'm sure there's going to be all kinds of surprises, they say, "Expect the unexpected. "Well, for the 25th season, I'm assuming there's going to be a whole lot of that. So I'm excited to be a part of it, but a little nervous about what all of that unexpected could possibly be.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I can't even imagine what they're going to do. I believe they're going to bring in some old stuff, some new stuff, a combination is tough. And I've racked my brain thinking, "What are they going to do?" It's the 25th season, so I know it's gonna be crazy. And I'm just ready for whatever they throw at us. I think it's going to be exciting, and I can't wait to be a part of it.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I think part of the reason why I wanted to be in the Big Brother house is to prove to myself. I've always looked at myself as a people person, as a social person, as a relationship person. And this is going to let me know if how I've always seen myself is how other people see me. I believe I know how to strategize and play all the little different things you need to do to get to the end. So I'm going to see if how I see myself, other people see me, and will it carry me to the end?

I know my age and experience is going to be an advantage for me. I'm hoping it's not looked at as a disadvantage to the 20- and 30-somethings in the house. But I genuinely connect with younger people very easily. My son is 24, and so I don't think I'll have a relationship problem. They might just say, "She's old, and we need somebody to go out first. So let's just pick her. Aside from that, I think I'll be able to establish a rapport with everybody in the house. And they may look at me as their go-to person. I'm not intimidated by anybody, because I feel you're only as strong or as weak as you believe you are. And I've always looked at myself as a survivor. And I don't ever let anybody else take my power. So I can only control me.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
I love Julie, I can't wait to get in the house and hopefully see her and meet her. And I think she's perfect for the show because she's just grown with the show. And I don't know if it would even be the same show without seeing her face every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. She really is the perfect mediator, moderator, announcer whatever you guys want. She's the perfect host for Big Brother.

What is your strategy going into the game?
Again, my strategy is to be my authentic Felicia, build relationships, build trust. And then from there, wherever the game takes me it takes me, have fun. I want to have fun.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
I don't know if, right off the bat, I'm going to tell them that I'm 63 years old. Now they'll be able to guess that I'm somewhere around 50, maybe 55. But they won't believe that I'm 63. And I may not tell them that because they might really look at that as, "We can't let this old person stay in here." So I gotta make them believe that I'm a little bit closer to their age. And I also may not tell them I retired twice. Because they might decide, "We can't let her win because she she got two retirement checks." I'm just gonna talk about stuff that I've done, but not say that I'm actually twice retired. 

What is your reaction to Big Brother 25 playing out into the fall?
Well, I was just talking today that normally the show ends around August, September, and now we're starting August. We're going into the fall; this will be different. Hanging out by the pool in October will be a little bit different. So what I'm thinking we're going to spend more time inside the house versus outside the house this year. 

What makes you most nervous about being in the Big Brother house?
Probably the only thing that really makes me a little nervous is the sloppiness. And I know young people can clutter; I'm a very organized person. And so that will probably be something trying to clean up behind 15 other young people, but I'll work it out. I'll work it out. I'm gonna just manage me. 

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I really believe that I'm going to win because I believe I have all the skill sets and experience in life, and just my ability to again connect and read people. I really believe that my natural self is going to carry me to the end. I believe that.

Age: 45

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Current City: Seattle, WA

Occupation: Geriatric Physician

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I am beyond thrilled to be on Big Brother season 25. This is a historic milestone, which means that this game is going to be more competitive, the house's going to being more interesting, and it's going to blow people out of the water. And I'm so thrilled to be part of something so big.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
The reason I wanted to be in the Big Brother house was that I work with older adults every day, and you are not guaranteed another day. If you live to be 100 years old, you only get 36,500 days to live. And most people only live into their 70s, which is around 27,000 days. I wanted to make sure that every day that I lived mattered and counted, and I was living it to its full potential, going on adventures, and experiencing new things.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
I think that Julie is an iconic person in the show because she has been with the show, from its very inception. She has a background in actually interviewing people and had sort of a career prior to starting Big Brother. She consistently comes back and her outfits get more and more fierce every year. And  I think that the questions in the probing and the conversations that we're having are a lot more meaningful. We're talking a lot about race now and what it means to basically develop an alliance and what it means to move dynamically in this new climate. And I think she's a great guide for all of that. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
So my strategy for the Big Brother game is to find someone who's conscientious and agreeable to be my ride-or-die. I want them to be someone who is good at keeping their emotions in check, and someone who's intelligent and sort of maneuvering strategically. Then the two of us will sort of maneuver to create two fashioning groups that basically get split, while we sort of live in the middle and then are able to sway the vote based upon the dynamics of what is happening, never allowing either side to get too powerful. I think that one of the problems that has happened in past seasons is people ride or die is not that competitive and not that good at winning, and then you watch the two of them sort of fumble at the end. And that is not my plan.

Age: 32

Hometown: New York, NY

Occupation: Professional Flutist

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I mean, I think there's a lot of pressure being on a historic season. Hhistoric seasons, maybe sometimes for the audience can feel like a letdown. But not this season! Season 25 is going to be the best for sure.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I think the theme is comics. I think it's BB comics.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I mean, I'm a proud queer woman. And I think that that representation hasn't really been at the fullest in Big Brother. And so I want to be a strong powerful representation for my queer community. And that feels really important to me. 

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I am a huge fan of the show. But the little fun fact is I only started watching the show in January of 2023. But I have seen almost every season twice now in that time. So I'm a huge fan.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
I mean, she's gorgeous. But Julie Chen, I love that she's a news anchor for the show. I love that it's breaking news. I love that she brings everyone into the drama in the way that she does, in this professional and unbiased way. And I think that's really important.

What is your strategy going into the game?
As a musician outside the house, I think it's really important for my game inside the house to crescendo. I want to start low and just observe people and fit in socially. And then towards the end, I can turn on that comp beast when no one will see it coming.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
I don't plan on keeping any secrets about my personal life from the houseguests because I absolutely cannot keep up the lie. And I don't want to step in it. I'm going to do enough foot in my mouth throughout the season as it is. 

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm going to win Big Brother because when I walk into a room, all eyes tend to go on me. And I think people find me pretty disarming. I think everyone's guards are going to be down. They're going to tell me their secrets. I'm going to have all the information in the house, and I'm going to use it to my advantage

Age: 25

Hometown: Omak, WA

Occupation: Truck Company Owner

Jag is the first Sikh houseguest to compete on Big Brother.

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I've actually been thinking about this so much. The 25th season, that's insane, the silver anniversary for Big Brother, and for me to be part of that season. Also, making history as the first Sikh Punjabi houseguest on the show is so incredible. It's so humbling. I mean, you can tell my excitement through this already. It's my dream, so it's everything I could have imagined. And it's the perfect season for it as well. Representing my Sikh community is so important to me. I wear a turban. This is how I represent myself every day. So to come to the show, be who I am, represent not only myself, but my family, my people, my community, it means the world to me. 

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
Look, this is what keeps me up at night. I'm trying to figure out what Big Brother's gonna do for season 25. And I feel like every season just gets crazier and crazier with twists. So honestly, I think this season, they're going to bring back all the fan favorite craziest twists, because it's what I would do if I was behind the scenes as a producer. And probably even more stuff, like new things that we can't imagine. So I have no clue. I'm excited. But I also feel like throwing up at the same time trying to think of it.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I mean, there's so many different reasons. I'm a huge fan., so I genuinely would enjoy playing the game, or I think I would from the outside; it seems  so much fun. You see people that actually form genuine friendships with each other. I'm super competitive. I love any sports, board games, anything that has a competitive edge to it. And Big Brother's literally one huge competition. Being the first Sikh Punjabi on the show is huge for me. And then also, let's not forget, we're playing for money here. So I'm really just trying to make it all the way to the end and get that 750k as well. So there's so many reasons, it's like, "Well, why not go apply for the show?"

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
So you can't think of Big Brother without thinking of Julie Chen Moonves. She's an icon. She's been there every season, and it wouldn't be complete without her. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
Here's the thing. I feel like, at the end of the day, this is a game. Houseguests knows it's a game. So we're gonna get blood on our hands. And I'm willing to do what it takes to go to the end. I want to do is as much as I can, keep myself safe, and have some close allies that I can take with me to the end so it's not a lone wolf game that I'm going to play, I'm not going to make it to the end that way. So as much as I can be loyal to my closest allies, that's how I build trust. I think it's good for jury management to stay loyal to some folks. But obviously, there's going to be lying, there's going to be deception, there's going to be backdooring. All of that is natural for a game of Big Brother, and it's something that I've just come to terms with.

I'm not afraid to get blood on my hands. I usually have this personality as the jokester. I'm just super social with other people. I've got charisma and stuff. I want people to think that I'm airheaded or don't really know what's going on. But really, I'm a secret genius. And I want to keep that under wraps so people don't know, and they don't think that's smart to get me out. But once they're out, it's going to be too late. And once they realized that I was playing everything behind the scenes, they'll only have Julie Chen Moonves to talk to.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
I'm not gonna tell them my occupation either. So I'm an entrepreneur, I own a gas truck company. I also do real estate, and I'm a realtor. I feel like some of those professions are easy to pin as cutthroat or super driven, or might have some negative connotations that might paint a target on my back. But I'm going to tell everyone that I'm a substitute teacher and a Special Olympics coach, which is true. It's just a partial truth because I don't want to share everything else that I do.

What is your reaction to Big Brother 25 playing out into the fall?
I'm just imagining my family and friends are going to be out there for Halloween, and I'm going to be in here fighting for my life, probably wearing a really stupid costume for Halloween andtrying to win the veto or something. I just can't stop imagining me in Halloween in the Big Brother house and what Big Brother's going to do. Halloween is also my favorite holiday. So I'm just super excited for that specifically in the fall.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm gonna win Big Brother because I'm charismatic. I like to bring people in towards me, I think they'll be able to trust me, and they'll want to take me to the end with them.

Age: 25

Hometown: Norwalk, CT

Occupation: Exterminator

Jared is the son of four-time Survivor player and Traitors winner Cirie Fields.

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
It's iconic. I was thinking about it last night to myself. And I'm like, "This is not anything ordinary that any ordinary person can say they've been a part of." I guess I'm gonna be part of history.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I plan on everything being thrown my way. I really don't know what to expect, just because Big Brother's such an elaborate game. I know that they've got some stuff coming for us for the 25th.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
So I'm the youngest brother of 11. I can prove to America that I am the big brother, not only to America, but to the 11 other guys who swear they're my older brother. 

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I'm a pretty big fan for sure. I'm right under that bar that meets super fan. A super fan will probably beat me in a test. But I think I'll be able to hold my own for sure.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie's got this thing about her. I don't know what it is. But I've watched a lot of shows in my life. And Julie has this thing that my mom likes to call "the it factor." And no one can explain it. But Julie, you got it. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
So my strategy for the game is to be fluid, be like water, respect, and accept all walks of life. And try not to make such a presence for yourself until it's needed. My strategy is to minimize my presence as much as possible unless it's needed. I don't want to paint targets by having a showmance. I  don't want to paint a target on my back by winning too many challenges. Hell, I don't even want to fart too loud! [Laughs.]

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
Going into this house, I'm not telling anyone who my mom is. Imagine you hearing on a basketball court that you're playing against LeBron's son, you would think that he has the most game ever, and you want to take that chance.  I'm not taking a chance. My mom is basically the Michael Jordan of Survivor. So there's no way that I'm telling anyone in his game who she is.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I think I have what it takes to be the Big Brother because I'm willing to adapt, and I have it in me to win. I don't lose. It's not in my nature to lose. By nature,. I'm a winner. And I know that I'm very good at maneuvering people. So I believe that I can do that today for sure.

Age: 25

Hometown: Orlando, FL via Dominica

Current City: Houston, TX

Occupation: Molecular Biologist

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
This is the historic 25th Ssason of Big Brother. I'm 25. It feels like the stars are aligning for me to win this.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
The 25th season of Big Brother, I feel like they're going to make everything 25 times as hard, to be honest with you. But I think it's also going to be a little bit of a bigger reward. We'll see if I'm right. I am not a psychic. But if the prize was bigger, because it's the 25th season, don't say I didn't tell you. 

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
This is a crazy opportunity. And I deserve to win. I came to this country as a little girl chasing the American dream with my family. And I've seen them work and struggle. For that reason, I took myself from somewhere where we didn't really have a lot to having everything that I need to get by. I think, right now, it's more important to me to help those who are around me get to okay places and be able to live a happier and more comfortable life here in America. So I definitely want to help my family members and some people overseas who don't have some of the stuff that we have here.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I always watched Big Brother a little bit as a kid, and I just thought it was so funny seeing people in the Diary Room saying whatever they wanted to say on national TV.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie has the most soothing voice. She could say the most negative thing ever, and you'd still be okay with it just because her voice calms you down. I think that's important. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
My strategy going into Big Brother is aligning with the strong people right off the bat. I need a strong alliance out of the gate, and we're going to steamroll the other alliances.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
The one thing I'm going to keep a secret from the house guest is my background as a cell and molecular biologist. I'm going to tell them I'm a swimsuit designer because I don't need them knowing that I'm too smart. I don't need a target on my back. 

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm going to be the winner of Big Brother season 25 because I don't take no for an answer. I never give up, and I'm 10 steps ahead of everyone's game. They won't even know it.

Age: 30

Hometown: Weston, FL

Current City: Coral Springs, FL

Occupation: Illustrator

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
So this is the 25th year of Big Brother. It's a special momentous occasion. It's an anniversary; people are going to be watching pretty religiously. I think people are going to be coming back to it who haven't seen it in ages. And there's just something special about that number. I don't know exactly what to say, but I've got a good feeling about it. Instinct is telling me this is the season. 

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
Well, I've seen Big Brother get pretty creative over the last decade alone. So I can only imagine that on the 25th season, they're going to be pulling some stops. They're not going to be holding their punches. 

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
So my whole goal in getting into the Big Brother house is it seems so fun. It seems like such a life-changing time. It's a test of strength. It's a test of your ability to socialize and play mind games. But I mean, the money's also kind of tempting as well. It's quite a bit of life-changing money. So to be a starving artist, yo'veu really got to learn how to cut corners to maintain a hold of your dream. If I don't want to work a day job, I want to be able to stay painting all day, then I've really got to get smart with it. I gotta get crafty, figure out how to make my money work for me. And, ultimately, if I can manage to get $750,000, It's going to make that dream a lot more attainable.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
It wouldn't be Big Brother without Julie Chen Moonves. She is the face of Big Brother. She's the face of the show. She's iconic. She's eloquent. When you think Big Brother, you immediately think of her.

What is your strategy going into the game?
So my strategy going into the Big Brother game is to be the friendly guy, the lovable guy. Maybe I'm a little dense, maybe I'm a bit of a "himbo." But behind that persona, there's a bit cunning, there's a bit of planning. There's something going in there where I need to really be on my toes at all times. Because even though we'll all be friends, and I'm very genuine in this regard, there's going to be some backstabbing, there's gonna be some deceit. This is a game of deception.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
First thing I'm gonna hide from people is my horoscope. I'm Sagittarius. I'm a fire sign. We're unpredictable. We're crazy. You don't know what's going to happen next. I'm most worried people in the house are gonna think I'm too crazy to predict. You've got to have the element of surprise on you. It's very important in this game. 

What makes you most nervous about being in the Big Brother house?
The thing that makes me most excited about living in the Big Brother house is the close proximity to all these characters while these weirdos, for lack of better term. The one thing that really makes me a little nervous is only having one bathroom, to be perfectly honest.

What is your reaction to Big Brother 25 playing out into the fall?
The thing about fall in the Big Brother house is we're going to be experiencing Halloween. I don't know what they're going to be planning for that.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm gonna win Big Brother because I'm gonna throw everyone off balance. I'm a fish out of water everywhere I go, but I've been so used to it. I've grown legs. When they're all off balance, they're scrambling. I'm going to take that 750k.

Age: 27

Hometown: Cameron Park, CA

Current City: Baton Rouge, LA

Occupation: Deaflympics Gold Medalist

Matt is the first deaf contestant to compete on Big Brother.

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I am super excited and super thrilled to be on Big Brother 25. And I'm ready to get in the house right now.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
To be on Big Brother, I really wanted to take on the challenge and the adventure it has. Just watching it before, growing up a bit and knowing I could put myself in these situations and these challenges. I think I could do very well in all aspects of Big Brother, and I want to put myself to the test.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I will say I'm a pretty decent fan of Big Brother. I've watched a couple of seasons. I haven't had time to watch a lot because I have a very rigorous training program to do. So I don't have much free time. But when I have free time, I'm watching Big Brother. I think the challenges that I will do really well, obviously, would be the physical ones. Just kind of the very active ones. I think we all know the only weaknesses will be the one where you've gotta listen a lot. That's my weakness, for sure.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
I think what makes her very unique is she has her own style, her own way of doing things. But she's constantly staying with the program. She's constantly improving and changing eyes. Big Brother changes, and she does a really good job with that.

What is your strategy going into the game?
Honestly, my strategy has been going kind of back and forth. There's a lot of ways I can go about this. There's definitely a lot of plays you can do. I think right now my main focus is going to be to try to win the first HoH so that people come to me to make the alliances, so I don't have to worry about that. But also if I try and go for that, don't burn too many bridges right away, and kind of float a little bit, but not too much. When I'm not doing anything bad, I don't want to get in anyone's way to become a threat. So I don't want to win every challenge I see possible. I'm gonna have to hold myself back a little bit on all those challenges I really want to win, because then I'll make myself a threat right away. I'm excited to be on Big Brother 25. I'm ready to take on the challenge to prove to everyone that someone with a disability could win the game.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house? 
When I get into the house, I'm definitely not going to let anyone know my little secret which is lip reading. I can read anyone's lips from far away or up close, and I'm not going to let them know that because that's gonna be a huge advantage for me.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I think I'll win Big Brother this season because of all the challenges I've had growing up. Whether it's swimming,g disabilities, social game, all that put together it's gonna be really good on Big Brother, and it's gonna show

Age: 30

Hometown: St Louis, MO

Current City: Upper Marlboro, MD

Occupation: Political Consultant 

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I am so excited to be on the iconic BB 25th season. I'm excited for all of the twists and turns. I'm sure we're going to see some things from the past and maybe some things from the future pop up. So I'm really excited for what's to come. I have no idea what Big Brother might have planned for its 25th season, but I am really excited to see what's in store.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
This season, I'm expecting a bunch of twists, a bunch of turns. Maybe some appearances from the most iconic players of the past. I don't know. Let's see what happens. 

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
Me wanting to play the Big Brother game is a combination of the fact of watching Xavier and Taylor walk away with a grand prize to show me that it is possible for African-American players to not only go far in this game, but to also win. I also got married, which is really expensive, so $750,000 doesn't sound too bad. And let's be honest. A one in 16 chance at $750,000, when else am I ever gonna have those odds in my life? If I'm gonna bet on anybody, I'm gonna bet on me. 

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie and Big Brother are synonymous I don't think you can say one without the other. Not only is she an iconic host, but she's also beautiful. I mean, she's stunningly dressed every time you see her. She asks the best questions, and she just makes you feel like family. So I can't wait to meet her.

What is your strategy going into the game?
I'm gonna play this game like a politician. I'm going to shake your hand. I'm going to kiss your baby. I'm going to smell your face. And when you least expect it. I'm going to stab you in the back and take all your money.

What is your reaction to Big Brother 25 playing out into the fall?
Big Brother in the fall, I think is a totally different game. I mean, I don't know how far are we going, but Halloween is coming up. Thanksgiving is coming up. I think that changes the state of the game and the type of competitions we're going to play. So I'm excited to see how things unfold.

Why will you win Big Brother 25?
I'm gonna win this game because I am the full package. I'm a mixture of Tiffany Xavier, Britney, Janelle, but a little bit of Tyra Banks.

Age: 37

Hometown: Gatlinburg, TN

Occupation: Sales

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
Being a part of Big Brother 25, I'm actually elated. It's something you watch on TV, and you can sit down and you can holler this and holler out about what you're going to do. I get an opportunity to actually get to test that, instead of saying, "Well, this is what I would do." I get to be the one making those decisions and that is exciting.

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
As far as what Big Brother might have in store for me, all I know is to expect the unexpected. Having watched all the other seasons, that's the one true constant. You never know what's going to happen. And that's kind of what I love about it. The possibility of the unknown intrigues me.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I think being on Big Brother gave me a chance, an opportunity, not only to financially get a leg up in life, but also just a chance to prove to myself that I can do something that's this challenging. I mean, it isn't just some TV show, Big Brother is mentally and physically very, very challenging. And for me, just to put myself through that test, to show for even myself, not just my kids, that I can do it, is something big for me.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
Well, I mean, I'll be honest. I wouldn't call myself a superfan. I watched it when it first come out and I watched it pretty religiously with my family because back then you didn't have TiVo or anything like that. When it comes on, the family gathered around, you pop the popcorn, Big Brother and Survivor was what's gonna be on TV. A Now you've got a stream and such like that. So for me, I stay busy. I stay outside, doing that kind of thing. So TV is just something I watch every evening. So it's extremely special to me to be able to come onto a show that was such a big part of my childhood.

So I had recently got back into watching Big Brother. And I'm definitely a big fan. But I wouldn't call myself a superfan. I classify a superfan as somebody who knows all the ins and the outs, that is writing things down and overpreparing for the thing. I'm wanting to basically fly by the seat of my pants. I would call myself a big fan. Maybe not a super fan, but a big fan. 

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
I can't wait to meet the beautiful Miss Julie. That woman has such style and charisma and she's really awesome. She makes the show, honestly. You gotta have a good host for a good show. And I think she definitely fits the bill, and I can't wait to meet her. 

What is your strategy going into the game?
I think my strategy going into the Big Brother game is to develop a strategy as I go. I don't think you can go in there with any one plan. I mean, you can have plans A through Z. But when you get in there, all that changes. The beauty of Big Brother is that you expect the unexpected, and if you cannot adapt. There ain't nothing you can really do to prepare yourself for what they're gonna throw at you. So I'm going to prepare myself to adapt.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
I might not tell people my initial profession right out of the gate, just as far as a salesperson, just because I think sales are associated with a little bit of a command and manipulation and that kind of thing. So I may go in there with a little bit of a different profession. I haven't decided whether or not I'm gonna let them know how old I am yet.

Age: 24

Hometown: Portland, ME

Current City: Nashville, TN

Occupation: Bartender

How does it feel to be on the 25th season of Big Brother?
I can't even believe I'm here in general. Like, this isn't real life. I keep pinching myself and I'm not waking up. So I'm assuming this is real. I'm super excited to be here. I'm honored that I was chosen to do this. And it's historical and the 25th season. This is awesome. 

What twists do you think are happening in Big Brother 25?
I'm terrified. What are they going to do to me? Have mercy on me! Please, I beg you. I have no idea. But that's the beauty of it. You literally never know what to expect. And I am so excited to embrace that. It's gonna be crazy.

Why did you decide you wanted to play Big Brother?
I think that I bring a certain flavor that is not so commonly seen on here. I have a lot to me that a lot of people just don't know, and I'm excited to share that with the houseguests and with America. I definitely am kind of all over the place. I'm a natural-born spaz. And I just think it's my life in general, I feel like I should have my own TV show sometimes, because everything is all over the place and crazy. But it's gonna be great. You guys get to watch and I might be crying at one point and then rolling around in the mud. You never know.

What's your experience watching Big Brother?
I am a huge fan of Big Brother, I always have been. My family dedicates a whole summer to the show. We're not even kidding. It's very intense in my house. I just love the show. I love the concept. It's so exciting and fun, and a really good thing to watch and see people do. And I just have always wondered what it would be like to be part of it. And now I'm here and I cannot wait.

What are your thoughts on Julie Chen Moonves as a host?
Julie, I mean, I feel like I don't even have to say it. Julie is just perfect and an angel and so beautiful. I just look up to her so much. She's just a staple in the show and in life. I just love Julie. She's awesome. She's great. I can't wait to meet her.

What is your strategy going into the game?
I think my strategy going into this house is just really going to be embracing my situational awareness and just keeping my head on a swivel. Staying on my toes, because you really never know what to expect. I feel like when you make a plan to do something, oftentimes it doesn't really turn out how it's supposed to. So I think just adapting to whatever's happening in front of me and not floating are going to be my two big key strategies here in the Big Brother house.

How much will you hide about yourself during your time in the house?
So I don't really have a secret to keep. I'm pretty much an open book. And, honestly, even if I was to keep a secret, I would probably accidentally blurt it out anyway. So I think I'd be pretty open.

What makes you most nervous about being in the Big Brother house?
I think it's just all brand new. This is a totally crazy once-in-a-lifetime type of situation where you're just kind of planted in this isolated house with random strangers and you just have to figure it out. And so that's one of those things that's super uncomfortable. But at the same time, I'm super used to being in uncomfortable situations and just embracing it and figuring it out. So I think we'll be okay.