America’s Next Top Model Review: The All-Star Reunion

It’s Top Model time again already but this cycle promises to be unlike any other. In past seasons, we’ve all had our favorite models that we’ve rooted for and loved, and also our favorite models that we only loved to hate, so the overall popularity left Tyra with an idea: an all-stars season. The mega competition this time will not just be about being the winner but also about having serious star power. The models will be asked to participate in photo shoots, commercials, music videos, song writing, perfume branding, you name it. It’s more or less a Miss USA pageant with a bit more fierceness in the way that Tyra wants to see which contestant can embody the “Jill of all trades” persona in the fashion industry. With sixteen cycles under the ANTM belt, the all-stars competition will be a much needed revamp to spice things up a little. So, let’s get down to the list of ladies that we’ll be loving and hating again:

• Angelea Preston, Cycle 14
• Laura Kirkpatrick, Cycle 13
• Bianca Golden, Cycle 9
• Lisa D’amato, Cycle 5
• Bre Skullark, Cycle 5
• Brittany Brower, Cycle 4
• Dominique Reighard, Cycle 10
• Sheena Sakai, Cycle 11
• Isis King, Cycle 11
• Kayla Ferrel, Cycle 15
• Allison Harvard, Cycle 12
• Camille McDonald, Cycle 2
• Shannon Stewart, Cycle 1
• Alexandria Everett, Cycle 16

The first photo challenge for the day started off with the girls becoming an over the top version of their feisty personas. Celebrity photographer Celeste Canino captured the models unique behaviors on film, like Allison’s quirky babydoll persona (which was super adorable!), Kayla’s loud and proud lesbian persona and Brittany’s both inner and outer party girl, to name a few. With all the massive personalities sharing a home together, it’s only a matter of time before tempers flare and stiletto heel stabbings begin. Before the shoot was halfway over, models Bianca and Shannon already showed their irritation with insignificant details like wearing underwear and temporary hair extensions they didn’t care for but you would think they’d know how to suck it up at this point.

The judging panel and process had quite the overhaul as well this time around. Nokia Plaza at LA Live played host to the event in front of a live crowd for the first time ever. It sounds super exciting for the ladies, whose fans showed up in droves to support them but it also backfired on some, mainly the infamous Alexandria who was booed and cursed at from the sidelines. She was never one of my favorite Top Model girls, but when her eyes filled up with tears, I couldn’t help but feel bad for her (for a few seconds anyway). The usual judging panel was back which included Tyra, Nigel and Andre. Mister and Miss J both played host to the event while guest judge for the evening, Nicki Minaj, joined the panel and gave her own constructive criticism. After reviewing each photo, the judges went into private chambers to discuss their decision while the Jays polled the crowd on who their favorites were. Both fortunately and unfortunately in some cases, the crowds opinion has a major influence on the judges’ final decisions from now on and could ultimately have a huge impact on who goes home each episode. Everyone received a photo from Tyra and a place in next week’s episode except for Brittany and Alexandria who were left in the bottom two. Alex’s feedback from the crowd was somewhat negative but Brittany’s feedback was worse. She hadn’t received any feedback at all! She was so forgettable that the crowd couldn’t remember the self-proclaimed party girl. Ouch! So, Brittany’s short stint on Top Model was cut yet again and she was eliminated. One thing is for sure, this one of a kind season for ANTM is destined to be filled with more super-sized heart breaks, second chances and, more than likely, a few signature cat fights.

Cycle 17, Episode 1: Nicki Minaj (original airdate September 14, 2011)

Images courtesy of The CW.