Sep 21 2006
By Amber Foreman
A New Season
Tyra and the crew are back as they search for America’s Next top model. The beautiful hopefuls are competing for a coveted prize package that includes a contract with Elite modeling agency, a cover of Seventeen magazine, a six page editorial spread, and a Covergirl contract.
The Story Begins
Mrs. J, dressed as a stewardess, arrives at the airport to pick up the girls. He announces that they will be doing their first photo shoot that very day. Each girl will be given ten shots.
First Impressions
We meet a wide spectrum of personalities and unique beauties. The ensemble includes six foot twins that failed to impress Mrs. J who comments, “The closest thing they need to be to fashion is sitting in a back room watching.” We meet Eugena who blatantly informs Tyra that she does talk behind people’s backs. Brittany treats us to a tap dancing routine. Brooke performs a rap that sounds like a cross between a Caucasian 50 Cent and a hyperactive cheerleader. Cyndel fails to impress Tyra by her announcement that she is a stripper, and Monique bursts into tears as she talks about her childhood. The other girls offer zany theatrics, touching stories, and more surprises.
The First Cut
The models are cut down to the semi-finalists. They are taken to a room with photos in magazines. The girls who don’t find their photos displayed have to say goodbye. There are some tears, some laughter, and some hugs. One of the girls to say goodbye is Cyndel. We’ve always known Tyra isn’t a real fan of exotic dancers.
Take it Off
The first challenge is a nude photo shoot. From excited to nervous, the girls express a wide range of emotions. Ginger says, “I just can’t.” Eventually, she caves in and agrees to the shoot. She makes it through two shots before putting her clothes on and explaining she has to stay true to her morals. Time to pack her bags, right?
And Then There Were Thirteen
The thirteen finalists are Melrose, Jaeda, Michelle, Amanda, Eugena, Brooke, Anchal, AJ, Christian, Meg, Caridee, Megan, and Monique. Maybe Ginger should have stuck out the shoot.
Feminize!!!
The girls watch some male models work the runway. They are then told that they are to strip clothes off of a male model of their choice and use those clothes to concoct their own outfit. They are to “feminize” the outfit, allowing them to make creative choices and show off their eye for fashion. Melrose wins the challenge.
There’s Always a Bitch
It seems like there is always a resident bitch in the model house. Monique quickly showed that she is well on her way to earning the title when she steals a bed that somebody claimed and proceeded to pour water on it. As if that wasn’t enough, she goes on to tell the other model-hopefuls that she will not take the quick showers that they urge everyone to take, being considerate of their housemates. Her explanation is that she has a beauty routine to follow. Did somebody lose their copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People?
Stereotype Photo Shoot
The girls embark on a fun, quirky photo shoot. They are to portray model stereotypes. AJ will pose as a girl who uses the casting couch to get ahead. Anchal will be a narcissist, Amanda will be anorexic, Caridee will be the dumb blonde, and Brooke will be a back-stabber. Christian will be a model turned actress; Eugena will be the black model that they try to turn white. Megan will be a diva with a lap dog. Michelle will be a bulimic model, Meg will be a druggie, and Monique will be a model who throws her cell phone. Melrose will be a diva.
The Lowdown on the Stereotype Shoot
Wow, the gawky, less than beautiful twins actually evolve into models when they are photographed, surprising us all. Melrose, the winner of the first challenge actually shifts into diva mode and displays horrible acting skills, shows up late for her photo shoot, and fails to impress the judges.
The Elimination
The judges Nigel, Mrs. J, Jay Alexander, Twiggy, and Tyra critique the models face to face and then deliberate on who should say goodbye. In the end, it’s Melrose and Christian as the bottom two. It’s time for Tyra to spout off some negativity, and she doesn’t disappoint. She lets Melrose know that she showed bad acting skills, was argumentative, and displayed awful diva behavior. She also stresses that being late is a no-no. She tells Christian that she didn’t look like a model in her photos and she was a bit boring. Tyra hands a teary-eyed Melrose a photo, and Christian breaks down as she is sent home.
Tune in Next Week
The previews for next week’s give us a peek at more of Monique behaving badly. Viewers can’t help but wonder if this diva’s days are numbered.
