Over the course of our 16-minute interview, Paris Hilton lets me know that something is “hot” or “iconic” or “sliving ” (a portmanteau of “slaying” and “living”) about once per minute. It’s the spirit we’ve come to expect from Paris the persona—and, most likely, a sneak peek into the vibe of her latest gig: becoming the first host of Guest DJ, a new series on Supernatural, Meta Quest’s virtual reality fitness app. As host, Hilton—a self-described “undercover nerd” who’s obsessed with technology—curated a playlist and provided voiceovers for a workout led by Supernatural coach Raneir Pollard. “I will provide the beats, I’ll provide the words of encouragement and that energy, [and Pollard] will be the one who tells us what to do,” Hilton tells ELLE.com. “I’m the pro of sliving, and he’s the pro of working out.”
While pulling together the track list, Hilton said she immediately knew she wanted to add her single “Chasin’” featuring Meghan Trainor from Hilton’s new album, Infinite Icon. “It’s my favorite song to work out to,” Hilton says. “It’s like an anthem. My son loves it. He just went to school the other day and said to the people, ‘Play ‘Chasin’.’ He’s only like a year and a half.”
Paris Hilton in the Supernatural virtual reality app. Participants will be transported to locations like the Maldives, New Mexico, and Egypt.
She also cultivated a handful of “iconic songs from some of my favorite icons,” including “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa and “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis. Of the latter, she says, “This one is a sick remix I played at Tomorrowland in Belgium in front like, 100,000 people. People were crying and dancing and singing. It’s really cool to be able to bring that into this new world.” When she also mentions Charli xcx (“Boys” made it onto the playlist), I ask if she found herself working out to brat this summer. “I’m the original brat, so yes. And I love Charli. I’m so proud of her and everything she’s done. It’s very fun, and it’s very me, and I love it.”
Otherwise, if Hilton is the one exercising, the speakers are probably playing something personal. “When I’m working out, which I usually do at my house in my Sliving Spa, I just listen to my albums on repeat,” she explains. “Dancing to ‘Bad Bitch Academy’ puts you in such a mood. And Megan Thee Stallion killed it on that song. That always really motivates me. ‘Legacy,’ that one is so inspirational. [Infinite Icon] just makes me feel so proud.” (When I mention that’s very Mariah Carey of her, she offers: “She’s iconic.”) “I’m listening to everything [fans] would expect from me,” Hilton continues. “It’s icons only, bitch. I listen to me, Britney, Madonna, Christina, Mariah, Janet. Katy Perry I love, too.”
Her music taste might be consistent, but Hilton admits over the years, her fitness and wellness routine has changed: Before she was a mom, Hilton says, “Sliving was my cardio, just going out all the time, going to clubs, music festivals, all of that.” These days, with two kids and a chaotic work schedule, it’s more likely Pilates a few times a week or taking the VR route.
She now also has the benefit of her aforementioned Sliving Spa, which true fans will know is her at-home wellness center filled with innovative equipment, including a cryotherapy machine, a hyperbaric chamber, and a HydraFacial device. “I can be at home and doing calls or working while doing a facial,” she says. “That’s another way to be a multitasking queen.”
It’s a mode she knows well. The multi-hyphenate, who recently dropped a handbag collection at Walmart, is also gearing up for the premiere of Paris & Nicole: The Encore on Peacock on December 12. The long-awaited special stars Hilton and her best friend Nicole Richie, 21 years after the two first appeared in their hit reality show, The Simple Life. “It’s very nostalgic. It’s emotional,” Hilton says of The Encore, which will look into their lives now and follow them as they visit the people and families they met in Arkansas doing The Simple Life. “Nicole and I have been having so much fun. We literally just get to hang out every day. It just feels like we’re kids again. Nobody makes me laugh the way she does.”
“The fans have been asking for this,” Hilton continues, “and we are so excited to have done this, because we love them so much. And yeah, it’s going to be iconic.”
Madison is the digital deputy editor at ELLE, where she also covers news, politics, and culture. If she’s not online, she’s probably napping or trying not to fall while rock climbing.