Loving 'America's Next Top Model'
Posted: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 7:00 AM by Paige Newman
Filed Under:
TV
Full confession: I’ve watched every “cycle” of “America’s Next Top Model.” I thought Elyse Sewell should have won cycle one, and that the twins of cycle seven (Amanda and Michelle Babin) should have gone further. I was shocked when Jaslene Gonzalez won cycle eight, but later giggled as she yelled her way through her Cover Girl commercials.
The CW |
Marjorie uses her go-to hunchback pose on "America's Next Top Model."
|
I get aggravated when Tyra Banks gets hung up on a model’s “intriguing story,” and favors that over the more compelling model, such as when she favored “plus size” (what was this girl, a size 6?) Whitney Thompson over the more talented Katarzyna Dolińska in cycle 10 (admittedly, Whitney’s probably the strongest Cover Girl commercial spokeswoman they’ve had).
I get frustrated with trying to figure out what exactly “commercial” means and why they keep encouraging this cycle’s
Marjorie Conrad to make such ridiculous “hunchback” shapes with her body in order to be “editorial.”
The show follows a formula that I’ve grown to love: tears during the makeover show; the girl who always balks at being photographed nude (which really has never topped the Christian models,
Shannon Stewart and
Robin Manning, of cycle one); the in-house drama, which peaked in cycle two when
Shandi Sullivan cheated on her boyfriend while in Milan; the awkward girl; the arrogant girl; and the pretty girl who can’t quite get the whole “pretty ugly” thing (heck, I’m never quite sure what this means either).
Though Janice Dickinson seemed slightly off her rocker, she’s still a better judge than Twiggy or Paulina Porizkova. I cannot figure out what exactly Mr. Jay’s role is as the “photo shoot director,” but love every appearance by Aswirl Twins, Ron and Richard Harris (who even knew this was a job?). I do, however, love when Ms. J gets catty with Tyra as they discuss the night’s photo shoot, and I have to admit that Nigel Barker is easy on the eyes.
The CW |
Analeigh has the right moves to be "America's Next Top Model."
|
Yes, the models never really become famous, though you can see Eva Pigford on “The Young and the Restless,” Yoanna House hosting the N’s “Queen Bees” and Yaya DaCosta on “All My Children.” Maybe this show should be called “America’s Next Soap Opera Star.” But I don’t mind their lack of stardom; it’s all about being in the moment, not what follows.
As for this cycle’s winner, I’m rooting for
Analeigh Tipton, the figure skater turned model, who is definitely the least annoying person in this cycle’s cast and has the most amazing legs of any of the models. However, the editing feels as though the show is preparing us for a
McKey Sullivan win. Heck, as long as would-be mean girl
Samantha Potter doesn’t win, I’ll be happy.
How about you? Do you watch “America’s Next Top Model”? If so, who are you rooting for?
