'America’s Next Top Model' sashays into cycle nine
By Kait Barnes, Staff Writer
September 18, 2007 | 5:32 p.m.
After a short hiatus, "America’s Next Top Model" is back with 13 new models waiting in the wings to become the next cover girl. Cycle nine, which premieres at 8 p.m. Sept. 19 on the CW, promises to be a season filled with more catwalks and catfights.
Since debuting in 2003, "ANTM" has grown from a well-buzzed show on a little-known network (UPN, now the CW Network) into a worldwide phenomenon. Nations such as Australia and Japan now have their own versions of the show, illustrating how the ANTM explosion has infected minds from around the globe. The original reality show was created by the charismatic Tyra Banks, who has taken it upon herself to transform dozens of awkward plain Janes into runway-strutting divas. It is these transformations that prove ""ANTM" to be a TV show built on the notion of progression.
Each week, the would-be models perform various tasks, each of which are aimed to teach them about the harsh reality of the modeling world. These weekly tasks include working on their personal style, perfecting a fierce runway walk, performing challenges for a judging panel and, most importantly, participating in an often-difficult photo shoot that tests the limits of their modeling abilities. After each week of model boot camp, the ANTM contestants meet before a panel of judges, and one girl is eliminated from the running. At the end of each cycle, the two finalists compete in a fashion show and final photo shoot, fighting it out for the grand prize of a lucrative modeling contract and the coveted title of "America’s Next Top Model."
Cycle nine features 13 diverse models, all of whom were handpicked by Tyra Banks to pose and pout for the show's audience. The only things the models of cycle nine have in common are their wide-eyed curiosity about the fashion industry and their eagerness to become supermodels. With their European features and gaunt bodies, several of the ANTM girls already look like they could be professional models. Nevertheless, there are even more who look like they just stepped off a high school or college campus, equal parts fresh-faced and awkward.
The girls of this season are younger than the models of past "ANTM" seasons, the eldest not a day over 22. Most of these young models-in-training are students taking a break from their college education to strut their stuff on national television. The show’s requisite blonde bombshell, Mila, is only 20 but already has graduated from college. Models may aspire to be human mannequins, but there may be something beyond the attractive features of cycle nine’s divas.
The judges of "ANTM" are a huge part of what makes the show so watchable. This season features all of viewers's returning favorites, including Miss Jay, Tyra Banks, fashion legend Twiggy and the always sexy Nigel Barker. Banks' critiques of the aspiring models range from sweet and motivating to crazy and pointless. Yet, even when Banks is acting like Whitney Houston, it’s obvious that after years of experience, this is one supermodel who knows what she’s doing. Former waif and fashion icon Twiggy is the kindest and wisest of the bunch, with her vast experience showing in her intelligent commentary of the models's photos and behavior.
Miss Jay, "ANTM"’s drag queen runway expert, delivers off-the-wall-comments that often hold little relevance to anything happening in the competition. His overly made-up face, unique coifs and ugly, ruffled clothes are only a few of his thoroughly ridiculous and often comedic characteristics.
Barker, a British fashion photographer who is always introduced as being “noted,” serves as eye candy for the testosterone-deprived models. Barker is never hesitant to say that a model photographs "old" or that she needs to lose weight. He also appears to favor skinny and exotic girls, such as past winner Naima. Even with his bias and harsh commentary, Barker’s experience in the business makes him a valuable member of the judging panel. Without the crazy judges, "ANTM" would not be the show that it is today.
With "ANTM"'s scathing judges, nasty girls and typically competitive element, it is no wonder that catfights and crying are commonplace. Any show featuring screaming girls throwing shoes at each other makes for good television. This is guilty pleasure entertainment at its finest. Check out the season premiere of "ANTM" at 8 p.m. Sept. 19th on the CW for a dose of model drama.
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