LOS ANGELES, CA — The 10 contestants who will compete in "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search For the Next TV Star" have been announced. More than 15,000 people auditioned to vie for the opportunity to have their own show on the new network, and 10 contestants with determination, passion and drive were plucked from obscurity to compete. The one-hour series premieres Friday, January 7 (9:00 PM ET/PT).

"Your OWN Show" contestants:



Zach Anner, Austin, TX

Elizabeth Espinosa, Los Angeles, CA

Aunt Flora, Cincinnati, OH

Leigh Koechner, Valley Village, CA

Kristina Kuzmic-Crocco, Alhambra, CA

Ryan O'Connor, West Hollywood, CA

Dr. Tony Roach, Abilene, TX

Terey Summers, Phoenix, AZ

Alicia Taylor, Las Vegas, NV

Eric Warren, Lawndale, CA


When auditions closed June 26, 2010, there were more than 9,500 online videos and more than 6,100 contestants who came to open casting calls in New Jersey, Texas, California and Georgia. Over 143 million votes were cast online.

In each episode of "Your OWN Show," from Executive Producer Mark Burnett, hosts Nancy O'Dell and Carson Kressley guide the hopefuls through intense challenges designed to see if they have what it takes to have their own show. Each episode the contestants will be mentored by A-list hosts. Dr. Phil, Suze Orman, Gayle King, Arsenio Hall and more will make appearances on the series, to guide the contestants and judge the episode. Challenges will range from producing style makeovers and cooking segments to successfully completing a pilot presentation. The winner will receive—their very own show!