The Ultimate 'Big Brother' Tactic Revealed: How Taylor and Janelle Conquer Fear to Dominate the Game

Taylor Hale and Janelle Pierzina Gregory Pace/Shutterstock; Courtesy of Janelle Pierzina/Instagram

Big Brother icons Taylor Hale and Janelle Pierzina are sharing their thoughts on a strategy they believe houseguests should employ more frequently. As the conversation revolved around the impact of online criticism on the game, Hale, 28, provided We with exclusive advice for players who aspire to be cunning without facing severe backlash on social media.

"People often use social media as a platform, but they forget that they have the ability to communicate directly to the camera," said Hale, who made history as the first Black woman to win the reality competition in 2022 during season 24. "We have lost sight of the fact that we can still say negative things and manipulate others. However, if we were to simply address the camera and admit, 'I am intentionally behaving this way, but it does not reflect my true self,' it may not be enjoyable to watch, but it would at least garner respect. We need to move away from being cautious and hesitant."

Unlike contestants on other reality competitions, Big Brother houseguests have the advantage of being able to speak directly to viewers through the 24/7 live feeds. Pierzina, who participated in seasons 6, 7, 14, and 22 of the CBS series, pointed out that she hasn't seen houseguests using this tactic in recent seasons. "I don't think anyone has done that recently because everyone is so afraid," she explained.

Pierzina, who made her debut on Big Brother in 2005, noted that the current concern of being "canceled or fired" for something said on the show was less prevalent in the past. She mentioned that during her initial appearance, the only platform for online interaction was Myspace, and they didn't have to worry about those consequences. However, Pierzina did recall an incident where fans targeted her Myspace friends and even reached out to her then-boyfriend, criticizing her character. Despite the ordeal, her boyfriend was unfazed, as Pierzina described with laughter.

Hale and Pierzina had an opportunity to discuss their opinions on Big Brother during Entertainment Tonight's 25th anniversary television special, set to air on Wednesday, July 26th at 9 p.m. ET. They shared their hopes for the upcoming season, expressing their desire for a divided house with rival alliances battling for power. Pierzina admitted that the live shows are particularly thrilling for her because she becomes deeply invested in her chosen favorites, making their losses all the more devastating.

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Hale expressed her dissatisfaction with a single "dominant alliance" overpowering the rest of the houseguests, mentioning that it becomes monotonous. "I hope to witness individuals prioritizing their own strategies rather than blindly following others. This will undoubtedly give rise to captivating conflicts and intriguing connections," she stated. "I'm eagerly anticipating a return to a more traditional Big Brother style of gameplay."

Hale garnered attention in season 24 for the mistreatment she faced from some of her fellow houseguests. Xavier Prather, the winner of season 23, voiced his concerns about this behavior in July 2022, stating on Twitter that individuals from the Black community, particularly Black women, as well as other people of color, are at a disadvantage in the Big Brother house due to the perpetuation of micro-aggressions and unconscious biases that exist in our society.

Despite being targeted from the beginning of the game, Hale triumphed by winning the grand prize of $750,000 and also received the America's Favorite Player award. In an interview with Us, she expressed the advice she would give to future houseguests who find themselves on the receiving end of exclusion from their fellow cast members.

“Do not allow individuals to manipulate you into believing that you are a morally deficient individual,” Hale asserted. “It is quite simple — if you have good intentions and simply want to engage in the activity, as I did — it is very tempting to be receptive when someone claims that you have caused them harm and to inquire, ‘Alright, how can we find a resolution?’ However, if individuals are withholding the necessary information to achieve a resolution, they are attempting to gaslight you.”

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Hale made a strong statement to the jury during the season 24 finale in September 2022, declaring herself a victor rather than a victim. She firmly believes that having the right mindset is crucial for success in playing Big Brother.

Expressing her disapproval, Hale shared her disdain for those who simply give up or stop participating in the game when things don't go their way. She explained that unless there are extenuating circumstances such as mental health issues or family problems, she lacks respect for individuals who choose to abandon the game. Hale emphasized that playing Big Brother is a lifelong dream for some people, making it incredibly disrespectful to give up and quit over minor setbacks. She urged contestants to fight until the very end, emphasizing that the game is not over until they leave the house.

ET’s Big Brother 25th anniversary special airs Wednesday, July 26, at 9 p.m. ET

Big Brother 25 premieres on CBS Wednesday, August 2, at 8 p.m. ET