INTERVIEW: Matt Rogers spills ‘The Dirt’ before ‘Gold Rush’ premiere
Many fans will recognize the new TV host of The Dirt, the pre-show before Discovery Channel’s top-rated series Gold Rush. Matt Rogers was a season-three finalist on American Idol and has fashioned a unique career of music and TV work following his success on the FOX series.
After several years in the business, Rogers steps into The Dirt, likely with the hopes of revving up the fan base for an exciting couple hours of reality entertainment. His pre-show premieres Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m. on the network, followed immediately by the season premiere of Gold Rush.
Other TV credits for the reality-TV star include Coming Home, Really Big Things, There Goes the Neighborhood and Beat the Chefs. Right now he can also be found on Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family. He’s a busy man, but every week he’ll take some time to sit on the couch and welcome viewers to the Gold Rush pandemonium. The show is in the same vein as other series’ pre- and post-shows. For example, Deadliest Catch and The Walking Dead offer their fans this format as well.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Rogers to find out the dirt on, well, The Dirt. Answers have been slightly edited for style.
What first attracted you to Gold Rush as a fan?
The fact that I was watching a group of guys walk away from everything they have ever known to pursue their dreams really intrigued me. I felt I could relate to what they were going through, and they were very inspiring to me.
How did the hosting responsibilities come about for The Dirt?
I have experience hosting TV shows and serving as an on-air correspondent. So when they came across my previous work and asked if I’d be interested, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m such a big fan of Gold Rush, and it’s a dream come true.
What can fans expect from you on the talk show?
Humor and an honest opinion from a fan’s perspective. I’m going to ask questions that fans want to know and not be afraid to ask them even though they’re sitting right in front of me.
Why do you think Gold Rush has become the network’s number-1 show?
Because everyone on the show is doing what all of us wish we could do: play with big toys and get rich while doing it.
With so many projects over the past few years, do you find there’s enough time in the day to focus on music as much you would like?
There is never enough time in anybody’s life for music.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
- The Dirt premieres before Gold Rush. The action begins 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 on Discovery Channel. Click here for more information.
I can’t bear watching this new “hollywood JERK” already! Finally we have a great doc-series about real people and the executive producer puts this entertainment “hollywood want to be” hosting/narrating the show?! Already it’s quite obvious he doesn’t know how to INTERVIEW! I finally turned off the pre-show intro to this season because he was practically putting the miners on the spot and actually getting them to give up some info that I would’ve rather seen for myself thru the season!
Why on earth did they even have to give this guy a pre-season show?! Why not just start the season without showcasing this guy!?
Got to tell you, I was so turned off by Matt’s opening shots with the Hoffmans in his “Mr. Cool” underwear and telling the salt of the earth Hoffmans… ”this is how we do it in Hollywood!”
YUKK. Why did the producers taint this great series with HIM!!
Emily Kessling – It sounds like you’re jeolous of Matt’s success. He did an awesome job. You need to chilll.
Geeesh girl give the dude a chance! What a hater. He is a nice guy with a personality. Something Christo was lacking. I love the concept of the show and it has the potential to be great as in the Talking Dead concept.
I enjoy watching Matt Rodgers on the dirt. He’s doing a great job and he is a real down to earth kinda guy. You know Joe six pack. Christo did ok but Matt is knocking it out of the park. Great job Matt keep it real and don’t change a thing.