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Clear your schedules for tomorrow evening, divas and ... divos ... America's Next Top Model continues. God, why do we love this show so much?
Could it be the two Jays, the worst-coiffed menz (with a z) on television? There's Ms. Jay, a runway coach to the stars, second to none. And Mr. Jay, the brilliant art director of the various photo shoots that move the girls ever forward in their quest for the title. These two are the yin to each other's yang. But nobody seems to have a comb for their hair.
Maybe it's the Tyrant herself, Miss Banks if you're nasty. She's arguably the most successful supermodel-turned-talk-show-host that earned her title (and her coin) through hard work in stilettos and a heck of a lot of good DNA. But genetics don't make you a success, and her head for business has obviously carried her this far. Are we attracted to her strength or her hair?
Or maybe it's just the girls. Getting to know a cast of thirteen women as they go behind the curtains in the world of the modeling is pretty damn fascinating. ANTM is a reality show built on an industry that is full of tricks and secrets. Peeling back the veil is interesting, entertaining, and often more humanizing that we expect. It's not earth shattering stuff, but when we want that, we watch Frontline. Just not on Wednesday night. Wednesday's at 7 p.m. are for ANTM.
The kick-off show was only an hour this cycle, compared to the usual two-hour squeal-fest of previous seasons. We didn't miss the extra hour. Thirty-three girls began their top-model journey in Puerto Rico, boarding a cruise ship for a week. As usual there were comic riffs and tears, walking class with Miss Jay, catty comments thrown around, secrets revealed only to the camera, and a runway show where the girls had to model life jackets. Even Chicago's very own Jaslene Gonzalez, winner of Cycle 8, made an appearance.
When it came down to the final selections, we were happy to once again see a Chicago girl in the running. Ebony, 20, who seems to be a bit razor sharp with her comebacks, ended up making it in the final 13 despite being dissed by nearly all of the girls during panel. In one of those touching ANTM moments (complete with somber music) she shared with the panel that her mom was on drugs and that she was raised by her grandmother. Was that why she was picked? Does hardship make you a strong model?
We're going to keep a close eye on Ebony as ANTM Cycle 9 continues and our addiction to the show takes over. As always, the question that looms in our minds is, Who will be America's Next Top Model?
Images via cwtv.com and wikipedia.org.
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Preface this by saying that I LOVE ANTM but these are my two major problems with it:
1) No winner has ever achieved any kind of name recognition outside of the show.
2) They ALWAYS choose girls that are too old or too fat to be top models, keep them around for the way too long and then cut them for crazy reasons: "attitude" or whatever. I have a problem with Melrose making it all the way to the top two and then being told she is too old looking. Why keep her around that long anyway?
And, if I were Sarah (the "real-size model") I would just make a real effort to lose 25 pounds so that I could be an actual model.
"And, if I were Sarah (the "real-size model") I would just make a real effort to lose 25 pounds so that I could be an actual model. "
*ducks, runs away*
I used to be hooked on this show, but it has run its course. The models all look the same from cycle to cycle; Tyrant is more out of control than ever; the Jays are like nails on a chalkboard; and the challenges are so stupid and unrealistic. The drama of a 19-year-old cheating on her boyfriend or messing up someone else's bed is so juvenile. If my friend didn't want to use Wednesday ANTM as a get-together excuse away from her kid, I'd have bagged it long ago.
And, if I were Sarah (the "real-size model") I would just make a real effort to lose 25 pounds so that I could be an actual model.
or she could, you know, change the face of modeling as we know it. i hear report after report of 'models are too skinny,' but so far it's all lip service. she could change the way people look at and think of models, for the better. course, i haven't watched the show, so i don't know if she's strong enough to roll that stone uphill.
My point is NO ONE is strong enough to roll that stone up hill. If you want to be a "top model" you have to be thin. Right or wrong, that is the status quo.
And no matter what I do, I don't enjoy qualifiers before or behind it. Like saying: "you are a pretty good driver...for a woman"
I agree with Spav. There are plus-sized models, but no top model will ever by plus-sized. Men won't accept healthy-looking role models for their women.
oh jesus. here it comes...
I agree with Spav too, this is the point of being a model. No one asks Sumo wrestlers to lose weight. Models look like that on purpose and the reason is to wear clothes.
Models should not be anorexic scarecrows, but tall and thin is in the job description.
I don't think its about being a role model either...designers aren't going to design around wide hips and big boobs, you need a model that can wear 95% of your clothes. Short, pleasantly curvy looking women can't get away with that.
And since when was a top model a role model anyway?
Matty, as I recall, you said something once about how all Chicago women need to lose ten pounds. I know you are just itching to jump in...
darlings, this show is a piss take on the modeling industry and the mentalities it draws. I have come to believe that miss tyra is smart (and nasty!) and is aware that she's exploiting these young ladies for ratings and great tv. i really don't care who wins but do I want to see a make over freak-out or three, cat fights galore and ridiculous photo shoots? ohhh, yes, baby, and i'm so there!
Models are what little girls aspire to look like so they can attract a mate. I don't think that has changed since I was a teeny bopper.
And, if I were Sarah (the "real-size model") I would just make a real effort to lose 25 pounds so that I could be an actual model.
No loser... if you were Sarah, you'd be on television being watched by thousands of people. Instead, you're still living in your mom's basement and talking about other people's lives on line.