If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our site, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Kathy Hilton has she was many things to many people: sister, mother, entrepreneur, philanthropist and television personality. But the Beverly Hills icon is adding 'leading lady' to the list by launching a new campaign for Smirnoff Ice Smash Tea.
Hilton takes center stage as the star of “Smash Tea Partay: A Smirnoff Ice Musical.” A new campaign centered on Smirnoff's new alcoholic iced tea, the spot features Hilton trading rehearsals for Hamilton-Lyrics and dance moves, accompanied by a cast of Broadway-style performers.
Starting with the famous Boston Tea Party, the ad helps launch Smirnoff's new 'Smash Tea' in peach and lemon flavors. The Punch: “This is a tea you won't want to spill.”
For Hilton, the mini-musical was a chance to live out a childhood fantasy by singing and dancing on stage while having fun with her reality TV persona. “I just thought the whole idea of 'drinking tea' was iconic, and I love the idea of the musical aspect,” he says. “So it piqued my interest and I said, 'Why not? “This could be a fun experience.”
Rolling rock caught up with Hilton on a recent afternoon to talk about her musical aspirations, her famous friendships and why rehearsals for the commercial hard in hard iced tea.
This commercial was so much fun to watch. What was it like working on it?
Well, first I went into the studio to sing, and I was by myself. And after listening to the song twice, I couldn't get it out of my head when I got home at night – I really liked it. Before we shot, we did a whole day, just to practice the rehearsals. And then it was two 10- to 12-hour days on your feet, and you know, it's pretty intense, so I got a good workout.
What was the hardest part of filming?
His dance part really scared me. I can dance if I'm invited to a party or just dancing at home, but having to follow certain steps and having to go to this side or raise that hand was different. But the actors and dancers were so sweet. They would tell me, “You're doing really well,” and that made me feel great and built up my confidence.
We've all heard your daughter Paris sing, but did you ever have musical aspirations?
I actually did an album when [my husband] Rick and I were together, just before I got married. It was middle of the road pop.
Did this ever come out?
No he did not. But I'm sure you've seen me do karaoke (laughs)
What about dancing? Have you ever taken dance lessons?
Oh yeah, when I was a little girl, I took ballet, modern jazz… and, you know, I loved all the 80s and 90s music, so I grew up dancing all the time.
Would you consider yourself a big music lover?
I love MUSIC. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I love music.
What kind of songs are in your playlist?
I really like classical music. I like some jazz. But it depends — I'm a Pisces, so there are the two fish. It depends on what I'm in the mood for. If I'm getting dressed and doing my makeup and just having fun and it's night, I'm going to pop. In the morning, I like to listen to a very sweet, beautiful, classical music. But I like jazz, a little bit of rock and roll, and believe it or not, I like a little bit of rap and hip-hop.
Speaking of rapping, did you and Nicki Minaj ever do it? they end up connecting?
We have sent messages about golf.
Wait… golf?
We talk back and forth so I wanted to see if she was interested in golf. I joked the other day that I want to rap with her, and you know, golf and rap go together right?
I love this friendship between you two.
She always wants me to come on her [Instagram] Lives. But I would wear a face mask and my hair would be wet and wrapped in a towel. But we have discussed it.
Besides Nicki, who are some current artists that you really like?
Rihanna is so beautiful and magical. And Beyonce. I've only met Beyonce once, but she was early in her career and she was, you know, a little shy. And it was just on a red carpet in London. But you know, they both have that quality star.
What about all time favorite musicians?
Well, I mean, he was a dear friend, but there will never be another Michael Jackson, always, always. If we went somewhere, or walked somewhere, it was like the seas parted. It's an out-of-body experience you can't imagine. That's how I imagine it was with the Beatles, but I was too young for that. But just looking at their pictures and comparing it to spending time with Michael, it was pretty crazy.
Have you seen MJ the Musical on broadway?
I had asked Paris [Jackson] — we call her “P2” — relatively. And he said it was incredible. It would be weird for me to see and I didn't want to at first, but Paris said the kids all went and loved it. And so I think the next time I'm in New York, I'll definitely try to check it out.
I guess this is a good segue back to the Smirnoff musical.
I was just happy to do something that was out of the ordinary like that. I love music and dance, and I just thought, 'What fun to do as a little off-Broadway mini,' or whatever you want to call it.
You know, during the pandemic, it was so boring to be at home every day and not be able to see people. And that was one of the reasons I said yes [Real Housewives of Beverly Hills], not just to spend time with my sister, Kyle, but with all the girls on the show. It was kind of an escape to be able to go and do that.
People love you Real Housewives and I think they will like this ad too. But what are the things that Kathy Hilton loves?
I would say my family and my friends. My idea of fun is to take the whole family on a trip and be all under one roof. We would go to Hawaii or our vacation home on Long Island. There is no better feeling than that.
For something different, I like to go to swap meets, I like to go to antique shows, go to Disneyland. I haven't gotten there yet with my grandkids, but it will be a lot of fun to see it through their eyes. I like to get out the glue gun and do some crafting. Oh, and I can't forget, I love playing slots.
Do you ever make money?
With our family being so into the casino, we always flew to Vegas for New Year's and one year Nikki said, “Mom, you have to try this slot machine.” I did it. And I won $100!
Do you stop while you're ahead or keep playing?
I don't like it when someone is looking at my camera and you can feel them sneaking up on you. So I'm going to put in every last penny, like, “No, no, I'm not leaving.”
But Rick is really disciplined like that. He'll play some blackjack and if he wins a few hundred dollars, he puts it in his pocket and says, “Okay honey, we're going up to the room.” And this is the way to do it.
from our partners at https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/kathy-hilton-smirnoff-iced-tea-musical-commercial-1234950593/