Episodes 1 & 2: The Girl Who Marks Her Territory
America’s Next Top Model 7, Episode 1 & 2: I’m Not A Stripper, I’m An “Entertainer”! by Phil Kural -- 09/21/2006 The time has come – another cycle of America’s Next Top Model is upon us, and the drama has already begun! Find out which girls make the cut, who is sent home and who is the resident “Jade” of the season – right here! Could it be sweet, innocent Brooke? It’s been the longest few months of my life! Me without ANTM is like a fish out of water! Well, not really, but I missed the girls! So here we are – it’s time for 13 more girls to try their luck at becoming the next Tyra Banks! Some will do well, some will flop. We’ll be surprised at times and then other times we’ll see it coming. Either way, we’ll enjoy the drama, so let’s begin, shall we? Tyra tells us that being a supermodel has been the experience of her life. However, she has been passing the torch now, and helping new girls break into the industry. She knows a top model when she sees one. She has blasted six girls into success now, along with girls who haven’t won the show as well! This season, Tyra has brought 33 girls to L.A., and that group will be weeded down to 13 finalists. The experts will be tougher than ever, and in 12 weeks, one of these girls will be America’s Next Top Model! We begin at the airport. The girls are now arriving, and the first we meet is Jaeda, who says this is her dream. Another girl, Becky, can’t believe that this is happening. It has always been her dream, and she’s from a small town. Evita says that she is sad to leave her children right now, but she’s happy to be there. What makes it worse is that her husband isn’t home either – he’s in Iraq. The girls walk into the terminal and are greeted by Ms. J. Alexander, who is in a stewardess outfit. He welcomes the girls and Caridee already has the quote of this episode with this one about Ms. J.: “She’s so he!” Ha! I already love her. Ms. J. tells the girls that they need to be ready at a moment’s notice – and they are already off to their first shoot! The girls will each need to pose for 10 photos. A.J. says that she has never done modeling before and can’t believe this is happening so fast. Melrose says that at 23, she has the confidence to be a top model, more so than some of the younger girls. Ginger says that she wants to show her stuff to the world. Caridee sure is crazy, but at least she knows she is. Anchal, our first Indian-American girl since Julie in Cycle 3, says that she knows she can do this. Brook, who I originally thought would be boring, says that she thinks she rocked it – and I do too! The girls finish up with their first semi-shoot and arrive at the Belage. They each get acquainted, and we are introduced to Amanda and Michelle, the twins. Michelle says that there aren’t many six-foot-tall girls there right now, so they are confident. They have always been compared to one another growing up, and used to having to compete with one another, so that won’t be the hardest part for them. They realize that only one girl can win this thing. The next morning, the girls arrive for breakfast. As they toast, the twirling twins from last season, Ron and Richard Harris, come from behind a curtain and begin swirling and twirling! Leangela says that she wants to twirl and be like Tyra, and that’s when we see Tyra come out, and all the girls begin to go crazy. Tyra tells them that this is her favorite part of the competition – meeting all the girls, since she has seen all their videos. So now, it’s time for some serious interviews, and if they are nervous – tell her! At that, everyone begins to twirl again, and before Tyra leaves, she makes sure that she drops it like it’s hot. That’s it, tomorrow, at work, I’m going to drop it like it’s hot and see what my coworkers say. I’ll let you know next week! The interviews with Mr. Jay, Ms. J., and Tyra begin, and the first girl this season to meet them is – Christian, who is VERY cute! Christian says she is there to fill Tyra’s spot in the industry. Then she starts to mimic Tyra’s poses over the years and nails every one of them! She wants someone to realize that she has the “it” factor. Caridee is next, and she is wearing a garter. Ms. J. goes right on over and takes it off, throwing it to the other judges. Mr. Jay tells her to never wear one again. Caridee says that she’s from North Dakota, and the only famous person to come from there is Paul Bunion, and he’s dead. Tyra says that she reminds her of Rebecca Romaijn. Anchal is up next, and the judges wonder why she’s wearing blue contacts. Anchal basically breaks down saying that she always feels the need to be pretty, and wants to make a difference and show who she really is. Meh. I prefer Julie from Cycle 2 to Anchal already. In come the twins… together. Michelle admits to being the tomboy of the twins. Amanda says that they aren’t trying to be different, but naturally are. Ms. J. tells Tyra, when the twins leave, that the closest they should be to fashion is in the back row of a show. Megg is the next girl to see the judges, screaming like a maniac. Ms. J. actually falls out of his seat! She says that she’s rock and roll on the runway, and then walks all over the place. Okay, she’s already getting on my nerves. Jaeda is up next, and she’s beautiful, even though she’s a little gangly. She admits that she is known as the “hot girl” but Tyra says that being the hot girl doesn’t mean you are a model. Jaeda tells Tyra that she’s the hot girl that can model, and is there to be seen. I love her! Becky is up next. She says that even in her baby book it says that she wanted to model. She isn’t giving up and is here to win. The judges agree that she is generally sweet, but also comes off as generally boring. Monique stomps her way in next and is very excited, saying that she has been through so much. She has three sisters and was always the darkest, which earned her some ridicule. She lacks self confidence, but wants some big things and is willing to take a chance with modeling. Next, we get a montage of some of the girls dancing for the judges… and singing! In the confessional, Melrose says that the twins need some grooming, and Eugena says that they shouldn’t hold onto one another so much, since only one girl can win the competition. Speaking of Eugena, she’s next in front of the judges. Right away, she tells them the girls from last season, especially Gina, were boring. When asked who is boring this season, Eugena doesn’t hesitate to say that the twins are, and so is Megg. Hmm, could Eugena be trying to get rid of some tough competition? She admits to talking about people behind their backs, but she is still likeable. The judges, as well as myself, scoff at that one! Brittany meets the judges and says that she’s so unexpected, that she might win! Also, she can tap dance! We see a few more of the girls dancing and singing. In fact, Brooke, the next girl in front of the judges, does a rap – and it’s not half bad for a white girl! She has given up her last year in high school to be there and won’t stop. Megan says it’s her first time modeling, and when she was nine, she was in a plane crash where she lost her mother. Her eyes were opened to how quickly life can change. Evita is up next and tells the judges she has two kids, is married, and her husband is in Iraq. It has become easier to deal though, and she wants this more than anything. Jay Manuel asks her when the last time she cut her hair was, and her non-response basically shows him that it’s been a very long time. When she is dismissed, we see Evita tell the other girls that she needs to do this. Eugena tells the camera that Evita should not be there because she has small children at home. Shut up, Eugena! A.J. walks in and greets the judges. She feels she is different and wants to show the judges. She has survived cervical cancer. A.J. feels that she isn’t your typical “blonde.” Well, of course you’re not, A.J. – since you have BLACK hair! That, and the fact that blonde girl has never even won this show! Ms. J. seems to love A.J. Next up is Cyndel, who is already swirling. She tells the judges she’s an “entertainer” and not a “stripper” and that it’s a lot like modeling. Tyra quickly dismisses that notion and tells her that being a dancer or stripper is not like being a model at all. Cyndel says that they’ll learn to love her and when she leaves, Tyra says that Cyndel is not a model and is happy just stripping. Hmm, doesn’t look like they are going to learn quickly enough! Jasleen comes in like a bat out of hell, giving all her poses, including neck, fierce, sexy, and catalog, which Tyra calls “resting.” She says that wherever she goes, she does her runway walk. Upon leaving, Ms. J., with the rest of the judges, compare her to a drag queen, complete with finger wagging! Melissa Rose meets the judges next, and tells them that she goes by Melrose. She says that’s different, and can be your best friend or worst enemy. She even admits to making her own clothes. When asked to name some current designers, Melrose has no problems at all. VERY good and VERY smart! This girl did her homework! Leangela is next and tells how she went from being abandoned at 10 to going into foster care and then becoming homecoming queen. Ginger is a Republican, but is not afraid to see the world and experience different things. Tyra isn’t so sure, and I don’t think is buying it. Mr. Jay tries to frazzle her, and Tyra makes her “drop it like it’s hot.” What that did to prove anything I have no clue, but it was funny as hell. The girls all walk into the lobby of the hotel, where there is a salon. It’s time for the first cut, and Amanda isn’t sure if she will be cut, if she and her sister will both be cut, or if they will both stay. In the salon, the girls are told there are 21 photos, which belong to the girls still in the running. In a heartbeat, the girls are set looking like a ravaging pack of wolves. They begin to sift through the magazines, finding their photos. Christian can’t believe it and Megg is going nuts. Monique is thrilled and says that this is a dream come true. Eugena and Leangela celebrate, while other girls find their photos as well, including Boring Becky, Republican Ginger, Weird A.J., and both twins, Amanda and Michelle. The sad reality though is that some girls have to go home. Cyndel is the most notable. You remember her – the “entertainer.” She says that she can’t believe that some girls made it through and she didn’t. However, she’s not a sore loser, and will go home with her head held high. Shut up, Phil. Brooke says she is ready for the next phase, and she doesn’t have to wait long! Jay Manuel tells the girls that it’s time for their next photo shoot. Ginger says she is ready, as Jay tells the girls to try on some hair extensions if they want. He says they have 15 minutes, and when the girls arrive, Jay says that none of them really went through hair or beauty school, and that’s apparent! Then he breaks the news – they are shooting nude. Ginger is already offended over having to pose nude and Becky says that it will be very hard for her to do, since her parents and family will be mad at her. Jay says that there’s a way to be sexy and a way to be sleazy. Each of the girls gets ready and does their best to lube up. Ginger tells Jay that she won’t be getting naked, and Melrose tells the camera that Ginger can’t even be naked by herself, let alone around the other girls. Brooke has no problem though, going first and saying how intense it was. Monique follows, and she looks great. She admits to it being weird, but she’s excited about it. Evita says that she has the most as risk, since her kids will see her naked on the TV. Jaeda looks great in her photos and Megan says that she wasn’t as scared as she thought she’d be, even though we see some blurred out crack! Wow, they really are totally naked! It’s about damn time, and I love how the fakes are exposed right away. Becky is getting nervous, saying that she isn’t sure she’ll have a home to go back to. The other girls don’t seem to care though, and Becky ends up taking her photos, and doesn’t do bad at all! She looks a lot more confident now. Megg is trying a bit too hard to be ferocious, and she’s really irritating me. Caridee has terrible hair – it’s black one side and blonde on the other. However, her body is banging! Amanda is first up for the twins, and then Michelle. I think they both did great! Christian says that the nude photos were done tastefully, and it really glorified the body. Ginger once again says she won’t do it, and Jaslene doesn’t understand what the problem is. Anchal looks good doing her photo, but once again, I prefer Julie from Cycle 3. Ginger is asked again if she’ll do the photo with another girl, or totally covered in hair, and then finally, she agrees. Even then, she takes two photos and says she is done. It’s pretty ridiculous. Ginger says that she has morals and standards, and Becky feels that since she only took two photos, she should automatically be sent home – I agree! They aren’t showing boobs or “you know”… so how would she be breaking her morals and standards? Give me a break. Has she never watched this show? So now it’s time for Tyra, Mr. Jay, and Ms. J. to narrow the field to the final 13. They all agree that Megg isn’t their favorite, and that she’s a bit all over, but they love her nude photo. Leangela had a great photo at the airport, but her nude photo needed more expression. Megan has a powerful story, but they worry about her proportions. Caridee has the personality, but her hair was freakishly weird. (I added the freakishly.) Eugena is wrong in some photos, but so right in others. It’s confusing! Melrose is looking a bit “late ‘80s” according to Ms. J., but Jay Manuel says that’s coming back. Christian understands the art of posing, but still didn’t show her neck. Brittany is just a big question mark for everyone. Jaslene is called “Cha Cha” by Mr. Jay, and they are really having issues feeling her. Ginger has the face, but the fact that she was unwilling to take nude photos really turns the judges off. Evita is beautiful, but she is looking vacant, while all the judges feel A.J. is a canvas, and they love her skin. At this point, I’m thinking that A.J. is a lock. Anchal is looking more like a Ms. World winner than she is a model, but Tyra think she is so pretty. Ms. J. feels that Jaeda is looking “special” but she photographs well. Mr. J. thinks that she is more masculine that HE is. That’s not saying much, Jay. I think a fluffy male poodle in a pink dress with frills is more masculine than you are. All the judges like Becky, but feel she is a bit too safe, while Monique has a look that can book it all! While the judges feel that Michelle is wavy, they think Amanda is very “plain Jane,” but in a good way! So the girls are gathered on a big platform, and in rows, unlike the one big line they usually get in. Tyra says it has been a long week, but they have picked the thirteen girls the will move into the house. The first name called… is Melrose! Melrose is followed by Jaeda, Michelle, Eugena, and Brooke, who is about as happy as I’ve ever seen anyone to get picked to move into the house. I officially love her! I can’t believe I pegged her as boring! She actually breaks out into another rap – I love it – she’s like a stripped down version of Buckwild from Flavor of Love 2! Na, she’s not that fake-ghetto. Anchal is called next, who definitely can’t believe it, and she’s followed by A.J., and then Christian, who does more Tyra posing. Okay, we get it. Megg is called next, and goes crazy – it looks like she is having a seizure, but she’s just happy. This girl is nuts. Megan is the next girl called, followed by Caridee, who breaks down on the steps. Amanda is called, and Michelle breaths a huge sigh of relief, as Tyra tells them that they both did a great job. There is only one name left, and the last girl called… is Monique, who jumps up and down and cries. She says she was never picked for anything, and Tyra tells her that light skinned girls all over are looking at her now saying how beautiful she is. Of course, we have to say goodbye to the girls not picked, so as Tyra gives them a hug, let me say goodbye to the five girls that we got to know who are being sent home: Evita, even though you are pretty, let’s be real about this – you have two kids at home that need you, and their father isn’t around. Stop being selfish and when he gets home, apply again! Goodbye! Jaslene, seriously, you look like a dude. You need to hook up with Cyndel and become an “entertainer.” It’s your calling, dude! Goodbye! Becky, I actually liked you, and was disappointed to see you go, but let’s be real about this – you wouldn’t have made the cut. You were too boring. Goodbye! Leangela, of the girls cut, I wish you would have made it the most. I liked you, and you should have been called over Megg or Eugena. Goodbye! Ginger – I won’t miss you at all. In fact, I’m glad you were cut and it should have been sooner. Now you can take your closed-minded a$$ back to where it came from, you can stop passing judgment on everyone and learn that there is a difference between being nude and modeling and being nude and being an “entertainer.” I couldn’t be more happier to say – goodbye! Okay, with all that unpleasantness out of the way, it’s time for the other girls to rejoice! However, not before we hear Evita say that she put her life on hold to be there and is disappointed to be sent home. Anyway, the girls moving on have a big group hug and do more twirling. Anchal says that she would get naked again, since she is so happy, and annoying Megg screams like a banshee again. How long is it going to take for EVERYONE to be as sick of her as I am already? We reconvene with the girls a few weeks later on Hollywood Blvd. Ms. J. greets the girls in some kind of studio and congratulates them. He says that they will each be strutting their stuff on the runway, and in front of some guests, who are apparently Elmer Ave., clothing designers. They introduce the girls to 13 of their male models, each wearing one of their outfits. Each girl must choose a man and make a woman’s outfit from it. Remember: feminize and make it look good! So the girls are set loose, screaming like babies. Jaeda admits that she went for the first hot guy she saw, while Melrose says that she looks for something that can be changed into something feminine, instead of going straight for the hot guys. Megg feels she might have an advantage, since she’s used to this kind of stuff. Eugena admits to knowing nothing about rock and roll, and prays she is doing what’s right. So now, it’s time for the show! I’m not going to sit here and tell you what ever girl looked like, but here are some of the highlights: A.J. really worked her outfit. Amanda tried, but it’s not working for me. Anchal admits that she was nervous on the stage and knows she needs confidence. Brooke really worked it and Caridee is too “mom” for me. Christian loves the runway and says it is her specialty, while Eugena doesn’t look bad at all for not knowing what she’s doing. Megg does the rocker head banging thing and Melrose is a bit over the top with her walk. Michelle almost falls and you can see Ms. J. winch. The girls finish up and meet with the judges. They are told that some were excellent and others missed the mark, however, everyone agrees that the winner is – Melrose! Wow, and I thought her walk was over the top! She is told that there will be a great prize coming up for her in the future, but Melrose is just happy that she won! So the girls walk outside and their ride is waiting for them – a stretch escalade limo – nice! It’s all decked out in Top Model paraphernalia and all the girls are giddy with excitement. They get some Tyra mail, which has the key to their house. When they arrive, everyone runs around looking for their rooms. The place is designed like a big Tyra magazine, complete with a letter from the editor (Tyra herself). Brooke is now in the confessional doing a Mike Boogie and Will telephone conversation with herself. Okay, I love Brooke – a lot! She says that there were only 11 beds in the house and 13 girls, so two girls have to sleep on the giant bean bags. Apparently, it’s Monique and Christian who didn’t get beds. However, Monique isn’t pleased and wants a bed. She decides that she’s going to take a bed that is already claimed and moves the stuff on it, then pours water on it. When Eugena returns, Monique says she peed on the bed and it’s hers now. She doesn’t seem to care that Eugena is upset. Eugena goes to the confessional and says that she wants to beat up Monique. Damn, I thought Monique was supposed to be sweet! Not so – Monique says that you can call her what you want, but in the end, she’ll have a bed. Now the girls are getting to know one another and becoming more comfortable. Christian says that Melrose is trying to be the mom of the house, as we see Melrose making dinner, but saying that she wants someone else to wash the dishes. Anchal says that Melrose is being bossy, and she already has a mother. In the morning, the girls wake up to the dirty dishes from the night before, and the ones in the dishwasher are not clean – someone ran it incorrectly! Melrose doesn’t know what to do with all the garbage, and holds a meeting. Basically, all the girls agree to pitch in and help clean and take less time in the bathroom – except Monique, who says that she is set in her ways and she knows people will have issues with her. Melrose asks her to at least be respectful to the other girls, and Monique basically says no! Damn, where did this side of her come from? The girls, all in the hot tub, get some Tyra Mail. It asks them if they are a typical model stereotype? Are they on drugs? A diva? Anorexic? We’ll find out tomorrow! And tomorrow is already here! The girls walk onto the photo shoot set and as they wait, Tyra strolls in, in a massive fury. She starts acting like a diva, calling the girls bitches, queening out, and basically making the girls laugh. She even fakes a fall! It’s a bit over the top, but she gets her point across as she leaves the set. Out comes Jay Manuel! He tells the girls that Tyra was portraying a typical model stereotype and today, the girls will be doing the most controversial shoot ever done on the show – model stereotypes! Ooh, this should be good! A.J. will have to be a model working the casting couch. Amanda will be anorexic and Caridee is the dumb blonde. Brooke has to be the backstabbing bitch and Christian will be the model turned actress. Eugena will be turned into the black girl that is being forced to be white and Megan will be the diva with a dog. Michelle will portray bulimia and Jaeda is plastic surgery. Megg has to be a drug addict, and I don’t think that’s too far off from her. Anchal is the narcissist and Monique has to throw a cell phone at her assistant. Ha! Finally, we have Melrose, who must be the model that doesn’t wake up for a job unless she’s being paid $10,000. Also, she won the challenge, so she gets to be a diva for the day. She’ll get a personal assistant, a massage, and a manicure before her photos. In come Oliver and Dylan, the photographers, and now it’s time for hair and makeup! Monique is all set to go first. She apparently shot her phone already, now she needs to act like she is throwing it. At first, her poses are all the same. Jay gets a little out of her, but not much, and he’s clearly frustrated. Monique demands to be taught skill. Caridee is the dumb blonde, and she looks great! However, Jay says that she’s looking a bit “Lucille Ball.” Megg says she’s trying to look strung out, but doesn’t feel the stereotype is true – most of the time. Eugena is the black girl turned white, and I love her look! She feels that black girls are never portrayed correctly. Megan gets to hold a dog named Tyra Banks. Her hair is great! Anchal says that she has some issues with the mirrors in her photo because she knows she doesn’t feel beautiful. Christian says that she can pose, but needs to find her own niche. She keeps giving the same pose though, and Jay says that she’s turning out to be a broke down Tyra, and that’s all she knows. Brooke is the backstabbing bitch, and says that it’s not normally like her and it was fun to play bitch for a day. A.J. is supposed to work the casting couch and boy does she! Jay loves the photo, and I’m really digging her poses. Jaeda is doing plastic surgery, and she’s also only giving one face. Michelle admits that it was Amanda’s idea to apply for the show, but she’s really into it now. We see her doing the bulimia photo, and it looks very edgy! Scary, but edgy! Amanda needs to do anorexic, but doesn’t understand how to use her body. Finally, there’s Melrose. Jay says that they are ready for her, but has to wait because being “diva for a day” really went to her head. Melrose wants to look perfect, and has makeup reapplied because her massage messed it up. Finally she meets Jay in the room and he tells her not to have an attitude. Melrose admits that she wants to cry, but instead just shuts off. Jay coaches her though the shoot, but isn’t feeling it, telling her that she is doing bad acting the whole time. After she is finished, Melrose goes into the bathroom and gets a good cry out. She knows she went from best to worst. The girls get their Tyra Mail and it says that someone is going home tomorrow. Melrose knows that she struggled and isn’t sure she knows who she is in this competition, but she got a good kick in the a**. In the girls come to their first elimination. Hey, the elimination room got a makeover too this season! I adore it! Also different this season is the prizes. First, a contract with Elite Models, which Tyra had a contract with for a few years. Second, the cover of an issue of Seventeen magazine, in which Tyra tells another story. Finally, the most coveted – a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics! The judges are still the same though – we have renowned runway coach, Ms. J. Alexander. There’s noted photographer, Nigel Barker, and good ol’ Twiggy. First we’ll have individual evaluations. The girls had to evoke model stereotypes in their first photo shoot and up first is Megan. The photo, to me, looks great. The judges like it, but close up, Nigel isn’t feeling it. Monique is up next and Ms. J. wants to know why one of the white girls couldn’t be throwing the phone. Twiggy wants her to move more and Nigel thinks she looks crazy, not attractive. Caridee as a dumb blonde looks great, and Tyra says she was proud. She gave all types of dumb. Tyra also tells Caridee that she has the personality down, now she just needs to nail “being a model.” Umm, don’t all the girls have to get that down, Tyra? Anchal is next but the judges make her take her hair down before they judge her. That way, she doesn’t look like “Ms. World.” Anchal says that she feels pretty with her dark eyes in the photo. Nigel admits that she is beautiful and photo is great. Megg, who has a “luncheon dress on” according to Tyra, is also revamped before judging. They think her photo is a bit busted, but in a good way, but Tyra says her film was flat and they want more eye contact from her. Amanda steps forward and is told that they love her face in the photo. Tyra feels it was her only good shot and Amanda admits she was nervous. Michelle is next and everyone says her shot was the most controversial. It’s good, but scary, and she really showed emotion. Personally, I love it – she looks downright creepy, but amazing! Melrose won the challenge, and everyone claps. However, she’s a mess in front of the judges, and Tyra comes from behind the desk to fix her up. They feel her shot needs more emotion and she looks old to Nigel, even after the retouching. Tyra brings up that she was argumentative with Mr. Jay, she was late for her shoot, and the photographer said she was the worst of the day. Nigel says that one thing he can’t stand is when a model is late… flashback to Jenascia in Cycle 2 oversleeping and being late for her first photo shoot, where Nigel was the photographer. Brooke was to be the backstabbing bitch. The judges compare her to Monique, and say she was trying to show too much anger. Eugena was the black girl turned white, and I think she looks great! Twiggy says it’s bland and Tyra says that they wanted more face from her. A.J. has no desire when she walks to the judges and Nigel wonders why. She admits to being insecure and when they look at her photo, you would never know – she looks amazing! They do make a few comments but A.J. tries to make excuses, which Tyra puts an end to. Christian is up next and they work on her hair first. Her photo doesn’t really do it for anyone and Tyra tell her that she should have been more over the top – she was too constrained. Finally, we have Jaeda. The judges tell her that she looks like a suburban mom. She needs to work more on bring out femininity. Tyra says that all her photos looked the same, and she didn’t give variety. Now it’s time for the judges to deliberate. Twiggy liked A.J., but they didn’t realize that she was lacking self confidence. Jaeda had a bad angle, and resembles a drag queen. Eugena from the neck down looked great. Amanda had a great photo and looked different, however, between the twins, Nigel prefers Michelle and says she has the look, but Amanda is edgy. Together, they are perfect. Megg has some posture issues and needs to work on her eyes, but she is very beautiful. Anchal is getting closer to feeling beautiful, while Christian has great eyes and tone, but is boring. Brooke has an amazing personality, but it didn’t show in her photo, while Meghan didn’t take a great photo either. Twiggy says that she reminds her of Cycle 5’s Kim, but Tyra says Megan is softer. Caridee had an easy photo, and Ms. J. says that resting on easy is typical for Caridee. Meow! Monique has this thing where she’s scared to look ugly, and Melrose has a long way to go and looked busted. And the talking back? Ms. J. says at this point in the competition, you should at least hide that you’re a bitch! Tyra welcomes the girls back and says that she has 13 girls in front of her, but only 12 photos. These 12 photos represent the 12 girls that are still in the running towards becoming America’s Next Top Model. The first name called is… Michelle! She is followed by Caridee, who breaths a huge sigh of relief, A.J., and then Megan. Anchal is called next, who squeals with glee. Megg is the next girl called, followed by Monique, who has her picture thrown at her, just like the cell phone. To be honest, I thought Monique would be in the bottom two! Amanda is called next, followed by Jaeda and Eugena. The next name called is Brooke, who promises to do better for the next photo shoot. Melrose and Christian step forward. Only one name will be called and the girl not called will need to return home, pack her bags and go home. Christian is told that she walked into the panel and didn’t look like a model. On top of that, her photo wasn’t popping. Two of the judges even called her boring. Melrose had a notorious theme for her photo, and could have done so much, but delivered nothing. On top of that, her attitude wasn’t acceptable. Both girls have tears already. Melrose apologizes, but Tyra says it’s too late for that now… she only has one photo left. That photo will go to… Melrose! This means that Christian is eliminated, but Melrose is on the floor crying. She finally gets her life in order and gets her photo. Tyra tells her to check her attitude, and Melrose promises she will. Poor Christian has her face in her hands, as she goes and gives Tyra a hug, then the other girls. She says that she’s crushed, and won’t act like she didn’t really want this. It hurts, and she knows that she wanted it more than anyone – she never saw it coming. Next week, like clockwork, it’s time for makeovers! Looks like we’ll have the standard meltdown and tears will be shed. Monique makes everyone in the house on edge, apparently, and it looks to me like Anchal actually disconnects one of Monique’s calls! Ooh, here comes the drama!
America’s Next Top Model 7, Episode 1 & 2: I’m Not A Stripper, I’m An “Entertainer”! by Phil Kural -- 09/21/2006 The time has come – another cycle of America’s Next Top Model is upon us, and the drama has already begun! Find out which girls make the cut, who is sent home and who is the resident “Jade” of the season – right here! Could it be sweet, innocent Brooke? It’s been the longest few months of my life! Me without ANTM is like a fish out of water! Well, not really, but I missed the girls! So here we are – it’s time for 13 more girls to try their luck at becoming the next Tyra Banks! Some will do well, some will flop. We’ll be surprised at times and then other times we’ll see it coming. Either way, we’ll enjoy the drama, so let’s begin, shall we? Tyra tells us that being a supermodel has been the experience of her life. However, she has been passing the torch now, and helping new girls break into the industry. She knows a top model when she sees one. She has blasted six girls into success now, along with girls who haven’t won the show as well! This season, Tyra has brought 33 girls to L.A., and that group will be weeded down to 13 finalists. The experts will be tougher than ever, and in 12 weeks, one of these girls will be America’s Next Top Model! We begin at the airport. The girls are now arriving, and the first we meet is Jaeda, who says this is her dream. Another girl, Becky, can’t believe that this is happening. It has always been her dream, and she’s from a small town. Evita says that she is sad to leave her children right now, but she’s happy to be there. What makes it worse is that her husband isn’t home either – he’s in Iraq. The girls walk into the terminal and are greeted by Ms. J. Alexander, who is in a stewardess outfit. He welcomes the girls and Caridee already has the quote of this episode with this one about Ms. J.: “She’s so he!” Ha! I already love her. Ms. J. tells the girls that they need to be ready at a moment’s notice – and they are already off to their first shoot! The girls will each need to pose for 10 photos. A.J. says that she has never done modeling before and can’t believe this is happening so fast. Melrose says that at 23, she has the confidence to be a top model, more so than some of the younger girls. Ginger says that she wants to show her stuff to the world. Caridee sure is crazy, but at least she knows she is. Anchal, our first Indian-American girl since Julie in Cycle 3, says that she knows she can do this. Brook, who I originally thought would be boring, says that she thinks she rocked it – and I do too! The girls finish up with their first semi-shoot and arrive at the Belage. They each get acquainted, and we are introduced to Amanda and Michelle, the twins. Michelle says that there aren’t many six-foot-tall girls there right now, so they are confident. They have always been compared to one another growing up, and used to having to compete with one another, so that won’t be the hardest part for them. They realize that only one girl can win this thing. The next morning, the girls arrive for breakfast. As they toast, the twirling twins from last season, Ron and Richard Harris, come from behind a curtain and begin swirling and twirling! Leangela says that she wants to twirl and be like Tyra, and that’s when we see Tyra come out, and all the girls begin to go crazy. Tyra tells them that this is her favorite part of the competition – meeting all the girls, since she has seen all their videos. So now, it’s time for some serious interviews, and if they are nervous – tell her! At that, everyone begins to twirl again, and before Tyra leaves, she makes sure that she drops it like it’s hot. That’s it, tomorrow, at work, I’m going to drop it like it’s hot and see what my coworkers say. I’ll let you know next week! The interviews with Mr. Jay, Ms. J., and Tyra begin, and the first girl this season to meet them is – Christian, who is VERY cute! Christian says she is there to fill Tyra’s spot in the industry. Then she starts to mimic Tyra’s poses over the years and nails every one of them! She wants someone to realize that she has the “it” factor. Caridee is next, and she is wearing a garter. Ms. J. goes right on over and takes it off, throwing it to the other judges. Mr. Jay tells her to never wear one again. Caridee says that she’s from North Dakota, and the only famous person to come from there is Paul Bunion, and he’s dead. Tyra says that she reminds her of Rebecca Romaijn. Anchal is up next, and the judges wonder why she’s wearing blue contacts. Anchal basically breaks down saying that she always feels the need to be pretty, and wants to make a difference and show who she really is. Meh. I prefer Julie from Cycle 2 to Anchal already. In come the twins… together. Michelle admits to being the tomboy of the twins. Amanda says that they aren’t trying to be different, but naturally are. Ms. J. tells Tyra, when the twins leave, that the closest they should be to fashion is in the back row of a show. Megg is the next girl to see the judges, screaming like a maniac. Ms. J. actually falls out of his seat! She says that she’s rock and roll on the runway, and then walks all over the place. Okay, she’s already getting on my nerves. Jaeda is up next, and she’s beautiful, even though she’s a little gangly. She admits that she is known as the “hot girl” but Tyra says that being the hot girl doesn’t mean you are a model. Jaeda tells Tyra that she’s the hot girl that can model, and is there to be seen. I love her! Becky is up next. She says that even in her baby book it says that she wanted to model. She isn’t giving up and is here to win. The judges agree that she is generally sweet, but also comes off as generally boring. Monique stomps her way in next and is very excited, saying that she has been through so much. She has three sisters and was always the darkest, which earned her some ridicule. She lacks self confidence, but wants some big things and is willing to take a chance with modeling. Next, we get a montage of some of the girls dancing for the judges… and singing! In the confessional, Melrose says that the twins need some grooming, and Eugena says that they shouldn’t hold onto one another so much, since only one girl can win the competition. Speaking of Eugena, she’s next in front of the judges. Right away, she tells them the girls from last season, especially Gina, were boring. When asked who is boring this season, Eugena doesn’t hesitate to say that the twins are, and so is Megg. Hmm, could Eugena be trying to get rid of some tough competition? She admits to talking about people behind their backs, but she is still likeable. The judges, as well as myself, scoff at that one! Brittany meets the judges and says that she’s so unexpected, that she might win! Also, she can tap dance! We see a few more of the girls dancing and singing. In fact, Brooke, the next girl in front of the judges, does a rap – and it’s not half bad for a white girl! She has given up her last year in high school to be there and won’t stop. Megan says it’s her first time modeling, and when she was nine, she was in a plane crash where she lost her mother. Her eyes were opened to how quickly life can change. Evita is up next and tells the judges she has two kids, is married, and her husband is in Iraq. It has become easier to deal though, and she wants this more than anything. Jay Manuel asks her when the last time she cut her hair was, and her non-response basically shows him that it’s been a very long time. When she is dismissed, we see Evita tell the other girls that she needs to do this. Eugena tells the camera that Evita should not be there because she has small children at home. Shut up, Eugena! A.J. walks in and greets the judges. She feels she is different and wants to show the judges. She has survived cervical cancer. A.J. feels that she isn’t your typical “blonde.” Well, of course you’re not, A.J. – since you have BLACK hair! That, and the fact that blonde girl has never even won this show! Ms. J. seems to love A.J. Next up is Cyndel, who is already swirling. She tells the judges she’s an “entertainer” and not a “stripper” and that it’s a lot like modeling. Tyra quickly dismisses that notion and tells her that being a dancer or stripper is not like being a model at all. Cyndel says that they’ll learn to love her and when she leaves, Tyra says that Cyndel is not a model and is happy just stripping. Hmm, doesn’t look like they are going to learn quickly enough! Jasleen comes in like a bat out of hell, giving all her poses, including neck, fierce, sexy, and catalog, which Tyra calls “resting.” She says that wherever she goes, she does her runway walk. Upon leaving, Ms. J., with the rest of the judges, compare her to a drag queen, complete with finger wagging! Melissa Rose meets the judges next, and tells them that she goes by Melrose. She says that’s different, and can be your best friend or worst enemy. She even admits to making her own clothes. When asked to name some current designers, Melrose has no problems at all. VERY good and VERY smart! This girl did her homework! Leangela is next and tells how she went from being abandoned at 10 to going into foster care and then becoming homecoming queen. Ginger is a Republican, but is not afraid to see the world and experience different things. Tyra isn’t so sure, and I don’t think is buying it. Mr. Jay tries to frazzle her, and Tyra makes her “drop it like it’s hot.” What that did to prove anything I have no clue, but it was funny as hell. The girls all walk into the lobby of the hotel, where there is a salon. It’s time for the first cut, and Amanda isn’t sure if she will be cut, if she and her sister will both be cut, or if they will both stay. In the salon, the girls are told there are 21 photos, which belong to the girls still in the running. In a heartbeat, the girls are set looking like a ravaging pack of wolves. They begin to sift through the magazines, finding their photos. Christian can’t believe it and Megg is going nuts. Monique is thrilled and says that this is a dream come true. Eugena and Leangela celebrate, while other girls find their photos as well, including Boring Becky, Republican Ginger, Weird A.J., and both twins, Amanda and Michelle. The sad reality though is that some girls have to go home. Cyndel is the most notable. You remember her – the “entertainer.” She says that she can’t believe that some girls made it through and she didn’t. However, she’s not a sore loser, and will go home with her head held high. Shut up, Phil. Brooke says she is ready for the next phase, and she doesn’t have to wait long! Jay Manuel tells the girls that it’s time for their next photo shoot. Ginger says she is ready, as Jay tells the girls to try on some hair extensions if they want. He says they have 15 minutes, and when the girls arrive, Jay says that none of them really went through hair or beauty school, and that’s apparent! Then he breaks the news – they are shooting nude. Ginger is already offended over having to pose nude and Becky says that it will be very hard for her to do, since her parents and family will be mad at her. Jay says that there’s a way to be sexy and a way to be sleazy. Each of the girls gets ready and does their best to lube up. Ginger tells Jay that she won’t be getting naked, and Melrose tells the camera that Ginger can’t even be naked by herself, let alone around the other girls. Brooke has no problem though, going first and saying how intense it was. Monique follows, and she looks great. She admits to it being weird, but she’s excited about it. Evita says that she has the most as risk, since her kids will see her naked on the TV. Jaeda looks great in her photos and Megan says that she wasn’t as scared as she thought she’d be, even though we see some blurred out crack! Wow, they really are totally naked! It’s about damn time, and I love how the fakes are exposed right away. Becky is getting nervous, saying that she isn’t sure she’ll have a home to go back to. The other girls don’t seem to care though, and Becky ends up taking her photos, and doesn’t do bad at all! She looks a lot more confident now. Megg is trying a bit too hard to be ferocious, and she’s really irritating me. Caridee has terrible hair – it’s black one side and blonde on the other. However, her body is banging! Amanda is first up for the twins, and then Michelle. I think they both did great! Christian says that the nude photos were done tastefully, and it really glorified the body. Ginger once again says she won’t do it, and Jaslene doesn’t understand what the problem is. Anchal looks good doing her photo, but once again, I prefer Julie from Cycle 3. Ginger is asked again if she’ll do the photo with another girl, or totally covered in hair, and then finally, she agrees. Even then, she takes two photos and says she is done. It’s pretty ridiculous. Ginger says that she has morals and standards, and Becky feels that since she only took two photos, she should automatically be sent home – I agree! They aren’t showing boobs or “you know”… so how would she be breaking her morals and standards? Give me a break. Has she never watched this show? So now it’s time for Tyra, Mr. Jay, and Ms. J. to narrow the field to the final 13. They all agree that Megg isn’t their favorite, and that she’s a bit all over, but they love her nude photo. Leangela had a great photo at the airport, but her nude photo needed more expression. Megan has a powerful story, but they worry about her proportions. Caridee has the personality, but her hair was freakishly weird. (I added the freakishly.) Eugena is wrong in some photos, but so right in others. It’s confusing! Melrose is looking a bit “late ‘80s” according to Ms. J., but Jay Manuel says that’s coming back. Christian understands the art of posing, but still didn’t show her neck. Brittany is just a big question mark for everyone. Jaslene is called “Cha Cha” by Mr. Jay, and they are really having issues feeling her. Ginger has the face, but the fact that she was unwilling to take nude photos really turns the judges off. Evita is beautiful, but she is looking vacant, while all the judges feel A.J. is a canvas, and they love her skin. At this point, I’m thinking that A.J. is a lock. Anchal is looking more like a Ms. World winner than she is a model, but Tyra think she is so pretty. Ms. J. feels that Jaeda is looking “special” but she photographs well. Mr. J. thinks that she is more masculine that HE is. That’s not saying much, Jay. I think a fluffy male poodle in a pink dress with frills is more masculine than you are. All the judges like Becky, but feel she is a bit too safe, while Monique has a look that can book it all! While the judges feel that Michelle is wavy, they think Amanda is very “plain Jane,” but in a good way! So the girls are gathered on a big platform, and in rows, unlike the one big line they usually get in. Tyra says it has been a long week, but they have picked the thirteen girls the will move into the house. The first name called… is Melrose! Melrose is followed by Jaeda, Michelle, Eugena, and Brooke, who is about as happy as I’ve ever seen anyone to get picked to move into the house. I officially love her! I can’t believe I pegged her as boring! She actually breaks out into another rap – I love it – she’s like a stripped down version of Buckwild from Flavor of Love 2! Na, she’s not that fake-ghetto. Anchal is called next, who definitely can’t believe it, and she’s followed by A.J., and then Christian, who does more Tyra posing. Okay, we get it. Megg is called next, and goes crazy – it looks like she is having a seizure, but she’s just happy. This girl is nuts. Megan is the next girl called, followed by Caridee, who breaks down on the steps. Amanda is called, and Michelle breaths a huge sigh of relief, as Tyra tells them that they both did a great job. There is only one name left, and the last girl called… is Monique, who jumps up and down and cries. She says she was never picked for anything, and Tyra tells her that light skinned girls all over are looking at her now saying how beautiful she is. Of course, we have to say goodbye to the girls not picked, so as Tyra gives them a hug, let me say goodbye to the five girls that we got to know who are being sent home: Evita, even though you are pretty, let’s be real about this – you have two kids at home that need you, and their father isn’t around. Stop being selfish and when he gets home, apply again! Goodbye! Jaslene, seriously, you look like a dude. You need to hook up with Cyndel and become an “entertainer.” It’s your calling, dude! Goodbye! Becky, I actually liked you, and was disappointed to see you go, but let’s be real about this – you wouldn’t have made the cut. You were too boring. Goodbye! Leangela, of the girls cut, I wish you would have made it the most. I liked you, and you should have been called over Megg or Eugena. Goodbye! Ginger – I won’t miss you at all. In fact, I’m glad you were cut and it should have been sooner. Now you can take your closed-minded a$$ back to where it came from, you can stop passing judgment on everyone and learn that there is a difference between being nude and modeling and being nude and being an “entertainer.” I couldn’t be more happier to say – goodbye! Okay, with all that unpleasantness out of the way, it’s time for the other girls to rejoice! However, not before we hear Evita say that she put her life on hold to be there and is disappointed to be sent home. Anyway, the girls moving on have a big group hug and do more twirling. Anchal says that she would get naked again, since she is so happy, and annoying Megg screams like a banshee again. How long is it going to take for EVERYONE to be as sick of her as I am already? We reconvene with the girls a few weeks later on Hollywood Blvd. Ms. J. greets the girls in some kind of studio and congratulates them. He says that they will each be strutting their stuff on the runway, and in front of some guests, who are apparently Elmer Ave., clothing designers. They introduce the girls to 13 of their male models, each wearing one of their outfits. Each girl must choose a man and make a woman’s outfit from it. Remember: feminize and make it look good! So the girls are set loose, screaming like babies. Jaeda admits that she went for the first hot guy she saw, while Melrose says that she looks for something that can be changed into something feminine, instead of going straight for the hot guys. Megg feels she might have an advantage, since she’s used to this kind of stuff. Eugena admits to knowing nothing about rock and roll, and prays she is doing what’s right. So now, it’s time for the show! I’m not going to sit here and tell you what ever girl looked like, but here are some of the highlights: A.J. really worked her outfit. Amanda tried, but it’s not working for me. Anchal admits that she was nervous on the stage and knows she needs confidence. Brooke really worked it and Caridee is too “mom” for me. Christian loves the runway and says it is her specialty, while Eugena doesn’t look bad at all for not knowing what she’s doing. Megg does the rocker head banging thing and Melrose is a bit over the top with her walk. Michelle almost falls and you can see Ms. J. winch. The girls finish up and meet with the judges. They are told that some were excellent and others missed the mark, however, everyone agrees that the winner is – Melrose! Wow, and I thought her walk was over the top! She is told that there will be a great prize coming up for her in the future, but Melrose is just happy that she won! So the girls walk outside and their ride is waiting for them – a stretch escalade limo – nice! It’s all decked out in Top Model paraphernalia and all the girls are giddy with excitement. They get some Tyra mail, which has the key to their house. When they arrive, everyone runs around looking for their rooms. The place is designed like a big Tyra magazine, complete with a letter from the editor (Tyra herself). Brooke is now in the confessional doing a Mike Boogie and Will telephone conversation with herself. Okay, I love Brooke – a lot! She says that there were only 11 beds in the house and 13 girls, so two girls have to sleep on the giant bean bags. Apparently, it’s Monique and Christian who didn’t get beds. However, Monique isn’t pleased and wants a bed. She decides that she’s going to take a bed that is already claimed and moves the stuff on it, then pours water on it. When Eugena returns, Monique says she peed on the bed and it’s hers now. She doesn’t seem to care that Eugena is upset. Eugena goes to the confessional and says that she wants to beat up Monique. Damn, I thought Monique was supposed to be sweet! Not so – Monique says that you can call her what you want, but in the end, she’ll have a bed. Now the girls are getting to know one another and becoming more comfortable. Christian says that Melrose is trying to be the mom of the house, as we see Melrose making dinner, but saying that she wants someone else to wash the dishes. Anchal says that Melrose is being bossy, and she already has a mother. In the morning, the girls wake up to the dirty dishes from the night before, and the ones in the dishwasher are not clean – someone ran it incorrectly! Melrose doesn’t know what to do with all the garbage, and holds a meeting. Basically, all the girls agree to pitch in and help clean and take less time in the bathroom – except Monique, who says that she is set in her ways and she knows people will have issues with her. Melrose asks her to at least be respectful to the other girls, and Monique basically says no! Damn, where did this side of her come from? The girls, all in the hot tub, get some Tyra Mail. It asks them if they are a typical model stereotype? Are they on drugs? A diva? Anorexic? We’ll find out tomorrow! And tomorrow is already here! The girls walk onto the photo shoot set and as they wait, Tyra strolls in, in a massive fury. She starts acting like a diva, calling the girls bitches, queening out, and basically making the girls laugh. She even fakes a fall! It’s a bit over the top, but she gets her point across as she leaves the set. Out comes Jay Manuel! He tells the girls that Tyra was portraying a typical model stereotype and today, the girls will be doing the most controversial shoot ever done on the show – model stereotypes! Ooh, this should be good! A.J. will have to be a model working the casting couch. Amanda will be anorexic and Caridee is the dumb blonde. Brooke has to be the backstabbing bitch and Christian will be the model turned actress. Eugena will be turned into the black girl that is being forced to be white and Megan will be the diva with a dog. Michelle will portray bulimia and Jaeda is plastic surgery. Megg has to be a drug addict, and I don’t think that’s too far off from her. Anchal is the narcissist and Monique has to throw a cell phone at her assistant. Ha! Finally, we have Melrose, who must be the model that doesn’t wake up for a job unless she’s being paid $10,000. Also, she won the challenge, so she gets to be a diva for the day. She’ll get a personal assistant, a massage, and a manicure before her photos. In come Oliver and Dylan, the photographers, and now it’s time for hair and makeup! Monique is all set to go first. She apparently shot her phone already, now she needs to act like she is throwing it. At first, her poses are all the same. Jay gets a little out of her, but not much, and he’s clearly frustrated. Monique demands to be taught skill. Caridee is the dumb blonde, and she looks great! However, Jay says that she’s looking a bit “Lucille Ball.” Megg says she’s trying to look strung out, but doesn’t feel the stereotype is true – most of the time. Eugena is the black girl turned white, and I love her look! She feels that black girls are never portrayed correctly. Megan gets to hold a dog named Tyra Banks. Her hair is great! Anchal says that she has some issues with the mirrors in her photo because she knows she doesn’t feel beautiful. Christian says that she can pose, but needs to find her own niche. She keeps giving the same pose though, and Jay says that she’s turning out to be a broke down Tyra, and that’s all she knows. Brooke is the backstabbing bitch, and says that it’s not normally like her and it was fun to play bitch for a day. A.J. is supposed to work the casting couch and boy does she! Jay loves the photo, and I’m really digging her poses. Jaeda is doing plastic surgery, and she’s also only giving one face. Michelle admits that it was Amanda’s idea to apply for the show, but she’s really into it now. We see her doing the bulimia photo, and it looks very edgy! Scary, but edgy! Amanda needs to do anorexic, but doesn’t understand how to use her body. Finally, there’s Melrose. Jay says that they are ready for her, but has to wait because being “diva for a day” really went to her head. Melrose wants to look perfect, and has makeup reapplied because her massage messed it up. Finally she meets Jay in the room and he tells her not to have an attitude. Melrose admits that she wants to cry, but instead just shuts off. Jay coaches her though the shoot, but isn’t feeling it, telling her that she is doing bad acting the whole time. After she is finished, Melrose goes into the bathroom and gets a good cry out. She knows she went from best to worst. The girls get their Tyra Mail and it says that someone is going home tomorrow. Melrose knows that she struggled and isn’t sure she knows who she is in this competition, but she got a good kick in the a**. In the girls come to their first elimination. Hey, the elimination room got a makeover too this season! I adore it! Also different this season is the prizes. First, a contract with Elite Models, which Tyra had a contract with for a few years. Second, the cover of an issue of Seventeen magazine, in which Tyra tells another story. Finally, the most coveted – a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics! The judges are still the same though – we have renowned runway coach, Ms. J. Alexander. There’s noted photographer, Nigel Barker, and good ol’ Twiggy. First we’ll have individual evaluations. The girls had to evoke model stereotypes in their first photo shoot and up first is Megan. The photo, to me, looks great. The judges like it, but close up, Nigel isn’t feeling it. Monique is up next and Ms. J. wants to know why one of the white girls couldn’t be throwing the phone. Twiggy wants her to move more and Nigel thinks she looks crazy, not attractive. Caridee as a dumb blonde looks great, and Tyra says she was proud. She gave all types of dumb. Tyra also tells Caridee that she has the personality down, now she just needs to nail “being a model.” Umm, don’t all the girls have to get that down, Tyra? Anchal is next but the judges make her take her hair down before they judge her. That way, she doesn’t look like “Ms. World.” Anchal says that she feels pretty with her dark eyes in the photo. Nigel admits that she is beautiful and photo is great. Megg, who has a “luncheon dress on” according to Tyra, is also revamped before judging. They think her photo is a bit busted, but in a good way, but Tyra says her film was flat and they want more eye contact from her. Amanda steps forward and is told that they love her face in the photo. Tyra feels it was her only good shot and Amanda admits she was nervous. Michelle is next and everyone says her shot was the most controversial. It’s good, but scary, and she really showed emotion. Personally, I love it – she looks downright creepy, but amazing! Melrose won the challenge, and everyone claps. However, she’s a mess in front of the judges, and Tyra comes from behind the desk to fix her up. They feel her shot needs more emotion and she looks old to Nigel, even after the retouching. Tyra brings up that she was argumentative with Mr. Jay, she was late for her shoot, and the photographer said she was the worst of the day. Nigel says that one thing he can’t stand is when a model is late… flashback to Jenascia in Cycle 2 oversleeping and being late for her first photo shoot, where Nigel was the photographer. Brooke was to be the backstabbing bitch. The judges compare her to Monique, and say she was trying to show too much anger. Eugena was the black girl turned white, and I think she looks great! Twiggy says it’s bland and Tyra says that they wanted more face from her. A.J. has no desire when she walks to the judges and Nigel wonders why. She admits to being insecure and when they look at her photo, you would never know – she looks amazing! They do make a few comments but A.J. tries to make excuses, which Tyra puts an end to. Christian is up next and they work on her hair first. Her photo doesn’t really do it for anyone and Tyra tell her that she should have been more over the top – she was too constrained. Finally, we have Jaeda. The judges tell her that she looks like a suburban mom. She needs to work more on bring out femininity. Tyra says that all her photos looked the same, and she didn’t give variety. Now it’s time for the judges to deliberate. Twiggy liked A.J., but they didn’t realize that she was lacking self confidence. Jaeda had a bad angle, and resembles a drag queen. Eugena from the neck down looked great. Amanda had a great photo and looked different, however, between the twins, Nigel prefers Michelle and says she has the look, but Amanda is edgy. Together, they are perfect. Megg has some posture issues and needs to work on her eyes, but she is very beautiful. Anchal is getting closer to feeling beautiful, while Christian has great eyes and tone, but is boring. Brooke has an amazing personality, but it didn’t show in her photo, while Meghan didn’t take a great photo either. Twiggy says that she reminds her of Cycle 5’s Kim, but Tyra says Megan is softer. Caridee had an easy photo, and Ms. J. says that resting on easy is typical for Caridee. Meow! Monique has this thing where she’s scared to look ugly, and Melrose has a long way to go and looked busted. And the talking back? Ms. J. says at this point in the competition, you should at least hide that you’re a bitch! Tyra welcomes the girls back and says that she has 13 girls in front of her, but only 12 photos. These 12 photos represent the 12 girls that are still in the running towards becoming America’s Next Top Model. The first name called is… Michelle! She is followed by Caridee, who breaths a huge sigh of relief, A.J., and then Megan. Anchal is called next, who squeals with glee. Megg is the next girl called, followed by Monique, who has her picture thrown at her, just like the cell phone. To be honest, I thought Monique would be in the bottom two! Amanda is called next, followed by Jaeda and Eugena. The next name called is Brooke, who promises to do better for the next photo shoot. Melrose and Christian step forward. Only one name will be called and the girl not called will need to return home, pack her bags and go home. Christian is told that she walked into the panel and didn’t look like a model. On top of that, her photo wasn’t popping. Two of the judges even called her boring. Melrose had a notorious theme for her photo, and could have done so much, but delivered nothing. On top of that, her attitude wasn’t acceptable. Both girls have tears already. Melrose apologizes, but Tyra says it’s too late for that now… she only has one photo left. That photo will go to… Melrose! This means that Christian is eliminated, but Melrose is on the floor crying. She finally gets her life in order and gets her photo. Tyra tells her to check her attitude, and Melrose promises she will. Poor Christian has her face in her hands, as she goes and gives Tyra a hug, then the other girls. She says that she’s crushed, and won’t act like she didn’t really want this. It hurts, and she knows that she wanted it more than anyone – she never saw it coming. Next week, like clockwork, it’s time for makeovers! Looks like we’ll have the standard meltdown and tears will be shed. Monique makes everyone in the house on edge, apparently, and it looks to me like Anchal actually disconnects one of Monique’s calls! Ooh, here comes the drama!