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What did it feel like when you heard that you won America's Next Top Model?
There are no words that can describe my actual emotions, but my life has changed drastically. I'm living in a whirlwind right now and enjoying every moment of it.
Even though Top Model is over, you can still MAKE FUN (haha!) of Tyra. Here's a great game from our friends at gURL.com. (Click on the image to play.)
Not only do you get to dress Tyra in some of her most infamous outfits, but she also gets the judging treatment--if ya know what I mean. Have fun! And let me know what you think...
She might not have been the most professional of the girls, but Dionne's interviews ALWAYS kept me laughing. Here's what she had to say about the Top Model experience, Brittany's whining and "phony" Natasha.
How did you get involved with Top Model?
I went to an audition in my hometown Montgomery, Alabama. I had a call, "We want you to come to Atlanta for a call back," and so I went there. Some more interviews and then onto L.A. for semifinals. We went through a lot of IQ testing, doctor's visits, things like that and that's when Tyra wanted me to be a part of her final 13.
Brittany talks reality TV, Dionne's "ignorant" comment and the famous go-see tantrum.
How did you get involved with ANTM?
I went to a casting call because my friend told me that she would never ever, ever, ever bother me about modeling again if I tried out.
Sometimes on the show, they would show Renee talking about you behind your back and sometimes they would show her being nice to you. Do you think she was misrepresented on the show or do you think she was really two-faced?
In the interviews that we do, everyone says things. 'Cause they ask you about the other girls and everybody makes comments. They are sort of observations and sometimes they are catty and whatever else, but there's gonna be cattiness in a house with thirteen girls. It's inevitable, so I don't think she's two-faced. I think she's a really fantastic person.
Top Model Takes It to the Beach
Let me just say that I was rooting for Brittany. (Notice the emphasis on was.) But after these last couple of weeks, her whining and crying were beginning to get to me. Would she finally get the boot this week? I was hoping. Here's your recap.
Go-Sees and Tantrums
The show began with the five remaining girls heading out on go-sees. If you're a virgin ANTM-er, go-sees are when the models visit the designers, show them their books and walk for them. The only rule on Top Model is that the girls make it back to the head modeling agency on time--in this case, 4:30pm.
So you couldn't understand Jael on the show. Luckily, we've transcribed this one for you. Start reading…
What did you think about Australia? Was it hard to understand the accent?
It wasn't hard to understand the accent; it was hard to SPEAK with the accent (for me).
What was the main difference between shooting in Australia rather than the US?
You know, when we were in Hollywood I felt too close to home. I live in LA--even though I'm from Detroit--so I never felt far enough away like the other girls did. So when I got to Australia I actually felt like I was on safari, on a mission.
Interview Skills
• Top Model contestant from Cycle 2, April, joined the girls to talk about the importance of interviews.
• The girls got into groups to try out their interviewing skills: Natasha and Jaslene; Dionne and Jael; and Brittany and Renee
• The best interview was Dionne and Jael since they clearly missed the "interview" part of the conversation. Instead they began to argue and brought out the attitude.
• Jaslene managed to ask ONE question. Natasha continued to smile like an idiot while they both sat there.
• Tyra comes bouncing in the room in a kangaroo suit, along with a real kangaroo. Just another excuse for Tyra to make a fool out of herself. The girls learn that they will all be going to Australia. And Natasha has an extremely delayed reaction – and a long, high pitched scream afterward.
How quickly they fall! Whitney became the 7th girl sent home from America's Next Top Model. Here she talks about the meaning of "plus-size," Renee's bad attitude and the shock of being in the bottom two.
How did you get involved with Top Model?
I tried out for Cycle Seven after I quit the basketball team. It was right after my 21st birthday and I made it pretty far. I knew that modeling was always something that I had wanted to do so after I had some shots taken, I started building a portfolio and modeling on my own. But in Miami, Florida (where I am from), they were looking for super skinny models, and not plus-size models.
Then, Top Model actually called me--one of the personal assistants--and asked if I would try out for Cycle 8 of the show. So, I got in my car and drove up to Tampa with my little sister where we waited around forever to audition, but I made it.
I'm sure you all remember Bree and the granola bar… She was pretty pissed about that, but here Bree opens up about life after Top Model, who she's rooting for this cycle and what advice she has for the girls. Check it out.
Looking back, how do you view your experience on Top Model?
I view my experience on Top Model as being a stepping stone. It definitely helped me mold the foundation of my career, and what I mean by that is I learned a lot on the show. It kinda helped me maneuver my way in the modeling industry. I can take criticism a lot better now. I can take "no" a lot better now--and still be confident and comfortable with myself.
Ahhh. The acting episode. It's a classic in Top Model history. I would have to say that this show is always sure to please (right under the "makeover" show). Anyway, let's get on with it. Here's what you missed--or want to dish about again.
Ch-ch-changes
The episode begins with Brittany finally getting that god-awful wig off her head. Even though she was a bit whiney, I felt kinda bad for it. It did look a bit painful. Renee is also out to make some changes…or so she claims. She tried being nice to the girls and it appears that they believe her. And overall, all the moms on the show (three, count 'em) miss their kids. Apparently, this is the "I-got-pregnant-as-a-teen" cast.
Find out what Sarah thought about her Top Model experience, her favorite photo shoot and her new music career…
How did you get involved with Top Model?
I went to an after party for Cycle Seven in Chicago and I just went with some of my photography. They ended up coming up to me and asking me if I was going to audition. I was like, "No I'm just a photographer." They asked, "Well do you want to [audition]?" and I was like, "I'm signed currently as a model for Elite. I didn't think I could audition." [But I could] and I didn't get on. The network called me back for auditions for Cycle Eight, which was fantastic, so I came in and the rest is history.
What was your favorite photo shoot?
My favorite photo shoot--it's kind of a toss up between two. My favorite photo out of the entire competition is that with the nude shoot, the one with the candy. That was awesome. But the most fun shoot that we had was the drag queen photo shoot. It was just a blast; Jael was walking around like, "Who wants a mustache?" and Natasha was all gangsta. It was so cute…it was just so fun. I haven't laughed that much in so long.
Sorry for the lateness, ladies. I was totally wiped yesterday and had to spend some time in bed--but I did manage to catch Top Model. After all, what would a week be without some modelicious bitchy behavior? Here's the recap:
Name Change
The episode began with Twiggy talking about her name change. Apparently, she used to go by Lesley Hornby (make jokes…now). She talks to the girls about the importance of having a memorable name and brings out Melrose (from last season) as an example. (BTW, was it just me or did Melrose look totally busted?). They play the clip from last season where Melrose talks about how she got rid of the "issa" from "Melissa Rose." LOL. Then the girls are asked to come up with their own original nicknames.
The best name by far was Dionne's choice: Wholahay. WTF? Did anyone understand that logic? Then the girls are told they will be attending a major party where they will have to use their new nicknames to make an impression. Melrose and Twiggy give the girls three rules: 1. be eloquent 2. don't monopolize a conversation 3. be humorous. Already, I could tell these girls were going to take a nosedive.
When you came on the show, they made it very clear that you were a "plus-size" model. How did you feel about that term?
Diana: Well, I labeled myself when I went to New York [for the auditions]. I labeled myself before I could have them label me. I just think it's better to label yourself before, you know, you have somebody else do it for you. I came into this fully aware and so I was completely fine with that.
Do you think a plus-size model will ever win America's Next Top Model?
Diana: Possibly. It's possible. Hopefully, society will change its view on beauty and on models. Top Model might be a stepping stone in that right direction. If they choose a plus-size model to win, society might look at and say, "OK. You know what? It is beautiful and that's OK."
I loved Cassandra. She was nice, beautiful--and as I found out on the phone--very well-spoken. Read on for her take on the makeover show, Renee's poor attitude and what it feels like to get frostbite from holding ice cream.
How did you get involved with Top Model?
I was shopping in a store when a lady approached me and said, "You look like you would be good for Top Model. Would you like to be on the show?" and I said "Sure," so she took a couple of pictures of me. I came to the audition, skipped the line and I was picked.
I liked Samantha since the show began… Too bad she only made it to week two of Top Model. In this interview Samantha reveals what she was like in high school, who deserves to win ANTM and if she thinks she was accurately portrayed on the show. Take a look!
Top Model was very interesting last night. Renee sharpened her claws and Jaslene definitely thinks a little TOO much of herself. But more importantly, my favorite girl, Samantha, got the boot. Oh well. Now I have to choose someone else to cheer on. Any suggestions? Here's the recap:
If you were like me, you were probably captivated by the girl with the funky red-afro-mohawk. Then…she spoke. A little girl's voice with more than a touch of airhead. There definitely didn't seem to be much going on upstairs.
Well, her name's Kathleen (I'm still not sure about the upstairs part), and she was the first to be eliminated on America's Next Top Model. So sit back and learn which political message she wished she had, who she's rooting for and what her hair looks like now.
Last night was the premiere of this season's (say it with me, in your best Tyra voice) America's Next Top Model. 33 semi-starved, hopeful girls flew into LA to run around in army boot stilettos, cry at the mere glimpse of Tyra in the flesh, and embarrass themselves on national television. Some may call it a fool's journey, but not here. Here we honor their valiant efforts. Let's recap!
It's almost time…America's Next Top Model premieres on Wednesday, February 28, 8pm. Are you excited? I am. (Mainly because I feel that Tyra is a nanosecond away from cracking like dear Brit Brit).
Check out The CW's ANTM Page for a preview and a glimpse at this cycle's contestants.
And let me know: Without seeing the show, who do you predict will win it all? (I'm rooting for Samantha).
