After earning the title of Mr. World Canada 2012, Frankie Cena has become a well-known emcee in the pageant world serving as the Mr. World 2014 host as well as the web presenter for the larger Miss World 2014. In 2017, he hosted the first ever Miss World Head-to-Head Challenge, a 10 x 30-minute segment streamed all across the world on YouTube. This Fall 2018, Frankie will once again join the Miss World Team as their host in Sanya, China. I was lucky enough to be able to catch up with him regarding the lessons he's learned, reality television and his goals for the future. Check out the Q&A below:
What have you learned about yourself throughout your time hosting Miss World? I have learned so much during my time hosting Miss World, but I think 3 very important things I’ve learned are: 1. I’ve learned that I am capable. The Miss World experience really threw me to the wolves—asking me to host the world’s largest and oldest beauty pageant, despite having, at the time, a pretty fresh hosting resume. I had to learn how to use auto cue and teleprompter and interview people and speak off the cuff and write scripts, and all these things that I’d never really done before. And I had to do them with confidence, and the pressure of an enormous production looming over me. But I succeeded. And I came out of it with more confidence than ever. 2. I’ve learned that the world is filled with amazing individuals. People might believe the stereotype that Miss World contestants are unintelligent and only there to be beautiful—but that is so far from the truth. Miss World’s motto is “Beauty with a Purpose,” and it recruits some of the most talented people I’ve ever met. They are doctors, lawyers, actresses, athletes, people who’ve raised thousands and thousands of dollars for various charities, people who’ve travelled the world. And just through having met them all, I’ve learned that there are so many wonderfully talented and caring people out there. 3. I’ve learned that there are people alive who, somehow, can just do more than others. I worked very closely with Miss World chairman Julia Morley—a woman who’s been around the organization for many years, yet still comes to work in the office every day and oversees every aspect of the organization. She speaks to every contestant and staff member, makes sure everyone is happy, travels the world to ensure that her charity is helping the greatest number of people possible—I’ve even seen her move sets! She would do anything for the organization, because she knows that it’s hers. And it’s been through her that I’ve learned how to be a CEO, a leader, a business owner, and a good person. Your Instagram bio says that you’re a reality TV fanatic - what’s hot and what’s not right now? Big Brotherand Survivorare still killing it. They’ve both been around since I was nine years old, so more than 15 years, and remain so amazing. They still showcase human psychology in its best form, putting people in strange environments and having them get by on their personalities—on their ego, charisma and merit. I’d highly, highly recommend. As for music: The Fourhas been a spectacular series, with probably the best singers I’ve heard on any singing show. Every single singer in the season-one finale was just tremendous and awe-inspiring, doing vocal things that no other show has quite come close to. Another great new one is World of Dance. It’s taking the dance genre to a new level. Jennifer Lopez is amazing, stunning, and so fun to watch. And the show itself includes dancers from all around the world, including Canada—and getting to see local talent on American television has been very inspiring. Where do you see yourself in the next few years? I would love to have my own television show. To host a game show like “Chopped” or “Cupcake Wars”, or even something as big as “Survivor” or “Canadian Idol”—that’s my big dream right now, and it feels like the right time. So, if anyone out there has a pilot or is looking for a host, please do contact me! |
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