America’s Next Top Model returned last night, what did you guys think? Unfortunately, it looks like business as usual. The models are more polished, but they’re still awkward and drama-centric. I can’t watch increasingly vapid contestants anymore, but, I loved the last two cycles’ amazing prizes and fashion guest stars. While an “All-Stars” cycle sounds hella cheesy, I wasn’t that impressed with the Cycle 16 models compared with the Cycle 15 ones. Ideally, an All-Stars season should show better quality photos sooner. I haven’t seen that yet, but who knows, they could improve. For more of my pilot review and a preview of the season’s judges, the prize pack, and the contestants, read on!
Pilot Review
The models are essentially the same as their newbie selves, but they have more confidence off-screen. The women I remember included Dominique (whose “wild child” personality is essentially the same), Isis (who looks so gorgeous, I’m jealous), Allison (who still looked doll-like), Alexandria (the stereotypical reality show bitch) and Shannon (who impressed me by sticking to her no-underwear guns). It’s interesting that all of the models boasted having successful careers, yet stated they returned to ANTM to see how far they could go. Although Sakai shamelessly listed “hosting” as a modeling gig, Tyra only mentioned seeing Bree and Bianca‘s photos in the fashion world.
For the photo shoot, the models portrayed hyper-versions of their ANTM personalities. Unfortunately, the women who went first looked like incredibly awkward amateurs and I wasn’t impressed with anyone’s final photo save Allison. It’s interesting that the judges claimed they want more personality; but, they panned the photos exhibiting that. I can’t really tell who will win. They all seem pretty equal. Personality-wise, my favorite is Shannon. She seems intelligent, grounded, and highly polished. However, it’s annoying that the male judges called her confused. What’s so confused about not wanting to wear anything that looks like underwear? Is it so wrong that a model have morals? There are tons of women willing to pose nude. But, considering Shannon doesn’t look for those gigs, sticking to her guns reflects certainty.They might be confused, but she clearly isn’t. Clearly, Jay and company will have to hit the dictionary.
The nice thing about returning models is they all looked pulled together, with the exception of Alexandria who rocked 1990s hooch. It’s odd, I didn’t remember the person the judges voted off; but, she worked her personality to the max. I’m surprised no one in the crowd acknowledged her charisma.
This Season’s Judges
I won’t watch this season, because the first episode seemed more of the same. However, Tyra continues to outdo herself with the guest judges. This cycle features Lady-Gaga-like rapper Nicki Minaj; comedienne turned reality star Kathy Griffin; 1970s pop star LaToya Jackson (who experienced reality career rejuvenation in her brother’s passing); Ashlee Simpson (which actually does impress me); Tyson Beckford (I’m surprised he appeared considering his ANTM-knockoff, Make Me a Supermodel) ; reality star Kristin Cavallari; rapper Game; model Coco Rocha; Anthony Zuiker, the creator and executive producer of “CSI”; and fashion photographer Nikos Papadopoulos (who I love). I was surprised by Minaj. Although Tyra clearly cast her for star appeal, there was a hilarious moment when Minaj instructed a model on leg extension and Tyra basically cried out “you really know what you’re doing!”
The Prize Pack
Seriously, the prizes keep getting better and better, including:
For the All-Stars, click on to the next page! I think it’s interesting they didn’t include ‘recent fashion projects’ or ‘fashion representation.’
Clacked by An Nicholson 
on Sep 14, 2011 @ 23:31 EST5EDT
I was so bored with the first show I opted for the finale of America’s Got Talent but did tune in to see the judges did something stupid. Eliminating Brittany and leaving a couple of really dull models there is a big mistake. I might tune in again when Kathy Griffin is on. I give it a thumbs down.
I agree. I thought Brittany showcased personality. It seemed like they judged her less on her personality for this season, but more on if people remembered her from her original cycle.
I used to be addicted to ANTM a few years ago, and when I saw “All-Stars” in the title of your post, the model I immediately thought of was Dominique. She was not the best competitor on ANTM, but for some reason I have never been able to forget her. I think it’s because all the other models hated her and kept calling her a drag queen because she has such strong facial features – but I think she had the most beautiful face of all of them.
Re Shannon – I think you hit the nail on the head. She knows her own boundaries; she’s clearly established those. The judges calling her “confused” suggests to me that they are trying to make her confused; they are trying to create uncertainty in her, perhaps because they feel uncomfortable with her being different.
Dominique and Angelea are two models that stuck out in my mind and am glad are getting second chances.
I wonder if Shannon will get as far as she did during her cycle. I suspect that they’ll continue to give her questionable items, have the judges pull her aside or feature more near-nude shots to push her buttons. In a way, they’ll have to. The other contestants bring drama by grand-standing or starting fights with others. However, Shannon doesn’t strike me as the type to do either.
I TOTALLY agree about the male judges. I had to actually rewind the DVR when Nigel said that Shannon was confused. I appreciate that she kept her cool. And what’s so hard to understand? Sure, the bikini bottom might have less surface area covered, but a) lace is sheer and b) if her conviction is that underwear is meant to be worn inside and for the privacy of her husband, then there is no confusion. Maybe the guys were just trying to push her buttons for the camera and see if she’d cave and/or cry to make for “good TV.”
I also felt the same way as the first commenter did about Brittany. I enjoy her personality and her look very much, and I do remember her from her season. I get that Alexandria has “polarity,” but to me, she’s not really that talented and probably shouldn’t have been brought back at all. I would have rather seen them bring back a plus-size model, like Kasia for example.
The one thing is – the granny panties looked really sheer … and hella unflattering. But, I do think it’s interesting they had those alternative bottoms hanging around but then made her feel bad for using them.
It’s odd that all of the promos said they’d judge the models on their strong personalities during this cycle, yet Andre felt Brit’s personality was abrasive and the panel called her photo perfectly showcasing the ‘hyper-wild child’ personality too over the top.
I think Alexandria normally takes great pictures, but she’s too vicious a competitor.
Holy crap, Shannon lives in the town RIGHT next to my hometown. I have to wonder what she’s doing there… not exactly supermodel land in central Indiana.