The BBB selection process is one of the best-kept secrets of Brazilian TV, but a former participant decided to reveal the behind-the-scenes. In an interview with CNN, Michel Nogueira, a teacher from Minas Gerais who entered BBB 24 through the “Puxadinho,” detailed each stage of the long journey to confinement. The Minas native applied 11 times before securing his spot, an example of the persistence required of the thousands of Brazilians who try their luck each year. In January 2026, with a new season airing, understanding this mechanism becomes even more relevant for the audience following the reality show.
The path, according to Michel, begins with an extensive 90-question survey about the candidate’s life, sent right after host Tadeu Schmidt announces the registrations. In this initial phase, which happened in April for him, it is also necessary to record a five-minute introduction video, unedited, to capture the person’s essence. The search for authenticity is so rigorous that lies mean immediate elimination. From then on, the chosen ones go through a marathon that includes virtual and in-person interviews, medical exams, and the dreaded “electric chair,” where they are interrogated by Boninho and his team.
The Behind-the-Scenes of Anxiety and Mental Preparation
Michel says the “electric chair” is one of the most challenging stages, as producers ask repeated questions in different formats to test consistency and reactions under pressure. However, anxiety remains until the last second. The ex-BBB reveals he never heard the phrase “you’re in.” Confirmation only came when the production team picked him up at home for confinement, already without his phone. Therefore, he emphasizes the importance of total secrecy during the process, as any leak leads to disqualification.
Furthermore, the teacher gives a crucial warning about mental health. He recommends that all candidates seek psychological support before and after the program, due to the abrupt life change and intense pressure. In his words, post-BBB therapy should be scheduled in advance. This way, the participant protects themselves from the emotional impacts of going from anonymity to having paparazzi at their door.
Profiles, Strategies, and What to Expect from BBB 2026
Reflecting on his experience, Michel believes the production seeks specific types of characters to compose the house. He speculates that, within each profile — like the “chubby teacher” he represented — the producers choose whoever stands out the most. Despite getting in, he assesses he could have prepared better, creating a stronger visual identity and closing with a team, without ceasing to be true. His tip for future 2026 candidates is clear: if you realize you are advancing through the stages, start preparing psychologically and strategically.
With the current season bringing novelties like the Veterans group and the possibility of replacing brothers with new participants from a “laboratory,” the selection process gains extra layers of complexity. Therefore, understanding the secrets revealed by those who lived the experience becomes a valuable asset for fans trying to decipher the game’s direction. The search for the next brother or sister, thus, continues to be an engaging mystery, full of carefully planned dynamics to generate the greatest possible entertainment.
