America's Next Top Model: On Top For the Ninth Time

Erika · 09-13-2007, 04:44 AM

On Top For The 9th Time

She's fierce. She's beautiful. She's worshipped by teenage girls around the world (and some guys, too). And she's BACK! That’s right. Tyra Banks, the Emmy-award nominated American supermodel and talk show host, dubbed as one of the most influential people by Time Magazine, and arguably one of the hottest divas this side of the block, continues her search for America’s Next Top Model - for the ninth time. For those cavemen and women who do not know about Tyra Banks's hit reality-TV show, here is the rundown. ANTM, which has now spawned 29 other versions internationally, debuted in 2003 on UPN - now metamorphosed into the hipper "The CW" - to some of the highest ratings the network has ever seen (not too surprising, seeing as though "Girlfriends" is one of the other shows in the network's line-up). The search showcases 10-14 girls on their journeys to become the world's next supermodel. An average episode of ANTM is one hour long and features a weekly challenge that results in a photoshoot or commercial, a prize, a judging session, an elimination, and last but not least: tons of over-the-top drama and catfights, all under the wing of Miss Tyra Banks, Executive Producer, alongside Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen").

Unlike the most recent cycles, ANTM 9 will not have a two-hour season premiere, but rather a regular one-hour debut focusing on the selection process of the final thirteen model wannabes. Faithful ANTM enthusiasts should expect the regular diva drama, from the I’m-the-most-deserving monologues, to the they’re-not-model-material bitching, to the sob-stories and the girls with random diseases. However, be advised that there will be no elimination involving the final thirteen models-to-be. So you will probably see less, if any, of famous supermodel Twiggy (replacement of the self-described very first supermodel to ever exist, EVER: Janice Dickinson) and fashion photographer Nigel Barker. Don’t pout though; Miss Twiggy and Mr. Barker will be returning, judging during panel and chiding alongside show creator and model-turned-businesswoman Tyra Banks, and America's favorite ladybird, Jay Alexander. Lovers of really horrible fake-and-bake tans and Orange Smurf Syndrome will be ecstatic to see ANTM’s Art Director Jay Manuel return to the hosting spotlight, recently ending his stint as host of Canada’s Top Model, a rub-off of the American reality TV show on our neighbors upstairs.

Avid followers will be glad to see that ANTM 9 will not deviate much from the format of the recent cycles, keeping adherent to the number of finalists and the presence of a top-secret foreign destination (yeah, just look it up on Wikipedia). However, this time around, there are indeed some deviations. Our more mature demographic will be disappointed to see that there are no older girls (all of our finalists range from 18 to 22) and nine of the thirteen are students of some sort. In addition, the token plus size model this year, Sarah, is on the thin size and definitely not very ‘plus-sized’, a definite difference from cycle 8, which boasted two "big" girls: Diana Zalewski and Whitney Cunningham. Well, if Tyra won't give real plus-sized girls a fat chance, maybe Mo'Nique will. Luckily, Executive Producer Ken Mok swears though that the cast is a ‘really compelling group of girls.’ He mentions that there is one girl with Asperger Syndrome, a disorder under the autism spectrum and characterized by difficulties in social skills and communications, which is sure to be showcased. Finally, there is a legit disorder that will probably be the center of behind-the-back gossiping this cycle, instead of the usual anorexia witch-hunt. It will be interesting to watch how this special circumstance will affect the show and the dynamics of the judges and the fellow models. Those of you who thirst for catty drama and petty jealousies will be excited for a new cycle of ANTM 9. Do you want to know which of the girls might be the center of lots of discussion in the weeks to come? Or maybe you'd like to know which girl will be the biggest diva of all? Well, where’s the fun in telling? Here are the beauties for your deliberation:

Ambreal
Age: 19
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Dallas, TX

Bianca
Age: 18
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Queens, NY

Chantal
Age: 19
Occupation: Student
Hometown: Austin, TX

Ebony
Age: 20
Occupation: Nursing Student
Hometown: Chicago, IL

Heather
Age: 21
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana

Janet
Age: 22
Occupation: Aesthetician
Hometown: Bainbridge, GA

Jenah
Age: 18
Occupation: Student
Hometown: Farmington, CT

Kimberly
Age: 20
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Ocala, FL

Lisa
Age: 20
Occupation: Dancer
Hometown: New Jersey, NJ

Mila
Age: 20
Occupation: Recent College Grad
Hometown: Boston, MA

Saleisha
Age: 21
Occupation: Receptionist
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Sarah
Age: 20
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: Heath, MA

Victoria
Age: 20
Occupation: College Student
Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut

As can be see, the girls’ looks range from girl next door to high fashion, to plain ‘unique’. As for personalities, Tyra has let out that among the mix are the funky, the diva, the daredevil and the nerd. Aside from the looks though, there seems to be a less diverse mix of girls in comparison to past years. In addition to being very close in age, the models this year are only from the eastern half of the US - with one exception from California and two from Texas. The predominant races seem to be Caucasian or African-American, with maybe one mixed girl thrown into the bunch. Past seasons have included Asian girls, Indian girls, Latinas, and you-name-it. Perhaps ANTM is losing the diverse element it once had seasons back? Tyra seems to be more focused this cycle on finding the awkward beauties. Miss Ty-Ty drops a promise on ANTM 9's official site though; she says that the photoshoots this season are ‘out of this world’. Will we take her word for it? Nah, we’ll judge that for ourselves, won’t we?

This season’s group photoshoot had a funky futuristic theme, although it is revealed that the cycle in general will feature a new environmental flair. The van that brings the giggly girls back and forth to photoshoots will be green as well as the presentation of the new loft, which, contrary to popular rumors that have been buzzing about, will still be located in Los Angeles. In addition to this, the girls have also apparently been instructed throughout filming on the proper ways to use water and recycle their garbage. That way, it may be easier not to lose your granola bars under all that filth - uh oh, I sense an ANTM allusion!

As for whether the prizes have changed, the answer is no. ANTM 9's prizes include: a management and representation from Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics and six-page spread with Seventeen magazine. Of course if you forget them, you will be reminded over and over again at the judging panel during the episodes this season. These prizes mirror those of ANTM Cycle 7 and 8, which past winners CariDee English (Cycle 7) and Jaslene Gonzalez (Cycle 8) now hold under their list of bragging rights. Past ANTM winners have received a diverse mix of prizes and the majority have supposedly been quite satisfied with their winnings - the exception, of course, being cycle 1 winner Adrianne Curry, who commented that the show never lived up to its promises and that she never received the winnings she worked so hard to earn. Curry has since moved on, appearing in The Surreal Life - striking up a romance with former Brady boy Christopher Knight - and later appearing alongside her new hubby in My Fair Brady. However, other ANTM winners have had their spotlight, including Eva Pigford (better known as Eva Marcille), arguably the most successful ANTM winner, who has since ramped in Marc Bouwer Fall 2005, Gharani Strok Fall 2005, Deborah Lindquist Spring 2006, Naqada Spring 2006, and represented Covergirl, DKNY and Samsung among others. We can only hope that the Cycle 9 winner will add on to the short list of ANTM success-stories.

ANTM 9, produced by 10 x 10 Productions, in association with Bankable Productions, is part of The CW’s fall 2007 lineup and will be premiering on September 19 at 8PM ET/PT, with the usual encore broadcast on Sundays at 9PM ET/PT. So, let's gather up our Tyra paraphenalia and tease out our weaves, because ANTM is coming back in fashion! Get ready to experience bitch-fights, bulimia rumors, fainting during panel, tears during makeovers, and five-heads galore in a brand-spanking-new cycle of America's Next Top Model.

By cowchpotaytoe, AcFan and tumtitum

Feel free to Email cowchpotaytoe@tvfunspot.com with your comments or questions. If you want to join in the ANTM discussion this season, become a FunSpot Member!

For more news on America's Next Top Model 9 Visit - SirLinksaLot: America's Next Top Model

Images Courtesy of CW.com

Erika · 09-13-2007, 05:12 AM

Great Article TEAM PINNACLE!

Thank you very much for your hardwork!

kungfuhippie · 09-15-2007, 03:45 AM

Great article! Almost makes me think about checking out the new season (which is saying a lot! I abhor the show

).
But a nice, readable primer on the show!

09-13-2007, 04:44 AM	#1
Erika FunSpot Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 20,870 Gender: Female Casino Cash: $812535 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 26	America's Next Top Model: On Top For the 9th Time On Top For The 9th Time She's fierce. She's beautiful. She's worshipped by teenage girls around the world (and some guys, too). And she's BACK! That’s right. Tyra Banks, the Emmy-award nominated American supermodel and talk show host, dubbed as one of the most influential people by Time Magazine, and arguably one of the hottest divas this side of the block, continues her search for America’s Next Top Model - for the ninth time. For those cavemen and women who do not know about Tyra Banks's hit reality-TV show, here is the rundown. ANTM, which has now spawned 29 other versions internationally, debuted in 2003 on UPN - now metamorphosed into the hipper "The CW" - to some of the highest ratings the network has ever seen (not too surprising, seeing as though "Girlfriends" is one of the other shows in the network's line-up). The search showcases 10-14 girls on their journeys to become the world's next supermodel. An average episode of ANTM is one hour long and features a weekly challenge that results in a photoshoot or commercial, a prize, a judging session, an elimination, and last but not least: tons of over-the-top drama and catfights, all under the wing of Miss Tyra Banks, Executive Producer, alongside Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen"). Unlike the most recent cycles, ANTM 9 will not have a two-hour season premiere, but rather a regular one-hour debut focusing on the selection process of the final thirteen model wannabes. Faithful ANTM enthusiasts should expect the regular diva drama, from the I’m-the-most-deserving monologues, to the they’re-not-model-material bitching, to the sob-stories and the girls with random diseases. However, be advised that there will be no elimination involving the final thirteen models-to-be. So you will probably see less, if any, of famous supermodel Twiggy (replacement of the self-described very first supermodel to ever exist, EVER: Janice Dickinson) and fashion photographer Nigel Barker. Don’t pout though; Miss Twiggy and Mr. Barker will be returning, judging during panel and chiding alongside show creator and model-turned-businesswoman Tyra Banks, and America's favorite ladybird, Jay Alexander. Lovers of really horrible fake-and-bake tans and Orange Smurf Syndrome will be ecstatic to see ANTM’s Art Director Jay Manuel return to the hosting spotlight, recently ending his stint as host of Canada’s Top Model, a rub-off of the American reality TV show on our neighbors upstairs. Avid followers will be glad to see that ANTM 9 will not deviate much from the format of the recent cycles, keeping adherent to the number of finalists and the presence of a top-secret foreign destination (yeah, just look it up on Wikipedia). However, this time around, there are indeed some deviations. Our more mature demographic will be disappointed to see that there are no older girls (all of our finalists range from 18 to 22) and nine of the thirteen are students of some sort. In addition, the token plus size model this year, Sarah, is on the thin size and definitely not very ‘plus-sized’, a definite difference from cycle 8, which boasted two "big" girls: Diana Zalewski and Whitney Cunningham. Well, if Tyra won't give real plus-sized girls a fat chance, maybe Mo'Nique will. Luckily, Executive Producer Ken Mok swears though that the cast is a ‘really compelling group of girls.’ He mentions that there is one girl with Asperger Syndrome, a disorder under the autism spectrum and characterized by difficulties in social skills and communications, which is sure to be showcased. Finally, there is a legit disorder that will probably be the center of behind-the-back gossiping this cycle, instead of the usual anorexia witch-hunt. It will be interesting to watch how this special circumstance will affect the show and the dynamics of the judges and the fellow models. Those of you who thirst for catty drama and petty jealousies will be excited for a new cycle of ANTM 9. Do you want to know which of the girls might be the center of lots of discussion in the weeks to come? Or maybe you'd like to know which girl will be the biggest diva of all? Well, where’s the fun in telling? Here are the beauties for your deliberation: Ambreal Age: 19 Occupation: College Student Hometown: Dallas, TX Bianca Age: 18 Occupation: College Student Hometown: Queens, NY Chantal Age: 19 Occupation: Student Hometown: Austin, TX Ebony Age: 20 Occupation: Nursing Student Hometown: Chicago, IL Heather Age: 21 Occupation: College Student Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana Janet Age: 22 Occupation: Aesthetician Hometown: Bainbridge, GA Jenah Age: 18 Occupation: Student Hometown: Farmington, CT Kimberly Age: 20 Occupation: College Student Hometown: Ocala, FL Lisa Age: 20 Occupation: Dancer Hometown: New Jersey, NJ Mila Age: 20 Occupation: Recent College Grad Hometown: Boston, MA Saleisha Age: 21 Occupation: Receptionist Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Sarah Age: 20 Occupation: College Student Hometown: Heath, MA Victoria Age: 20 Occupation: College Student Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut As can be see, the girls’ looks range from girl next door to high fashion, to plain ‘unique’. As for personalities, Tyra has let out that among the mix are the funky, the diva, the daredevil and the nerd. Aside from the looks though, there seems to be a less diverse mix of girls in comparison to past years. In addition to being very close in age, the models this year are only from the eastern half of the US - with one exception from California and two from Texas. The predominant races seem to be Caucasian or African-American, with maybe one mixed girl thrown into the bunch. Past seasons have included Asian girls, Indian girls, Latinas, and you-name-it. Perhaps ANTM is losing the diverse element it once had seasons back? Tyra seems to be more focused this cycle on finding the awkward beauties. Miss Ty-Ty drops a promise on ANTM 9's official site though; she says that the photoshoots this season are ‘out of this world’. Will we take her word for it? Nah, we’ll judge that for ourselves, won’t we? This season’s group photoshoot had a funky futuristic theme, although it is revealed that the cycle in general will feature a new environmental flair. The van that brings the giggly girls back and forth to photoshoots will be green as well as the presentation of the new loft, which, contrary to popular rumors that have been buzzing about, will still be located in Los Angeles. In addition to this, the girls have also apparently been instructed throughout filming on the proper ways to use water and recycle their garbage. That way, it may be easier not to lose your granola bars under all that filth - uh oh, I sense an ANTM allusion! As for whether the prizes have changed, the answer is no. ANTM 9's prizes include: a management and representation from Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics and six-page spread with Seventeen magazine. Of course if you forget them, you will be reminded over and over again at the judging panel during the episodes this season. These prizes mirror those of ANTM Cycle 7 and 8, which past winners CariDee English (Cycle 7) and Jaslene Gonzalez (Cycle 8) now hold under their list of bragging rights. Past ANTM winners have received a diverse mix of prizes and the majority have supposedly been quite satisfied with their winnings - the exception, of course, being cycle 1 winner Adrianne Curry, who commented that the show never lived up to its promises and that she never received the winnings she worked so hard to earn. Curry has since moved on, appearing in The Surreal Life - striking up a romance with former Brady boy Christopher Knight - and later appearing alongside her new hubby in My Fair Brady. However, other ANTM winners have had their spotlight, including Eva Pigford (better known as Eva Marcille), arguably the most successful ANTM winner, who has since ramped in Marc Bouwer Fall 2005, Gharani Strok Fall 2005, Deborah Lindquist Spring 2006, Naqada Spring 2006, and represented Covergirl, DKNY and Samsung among others. We can only hope that the Cycle 9 winner will add on to the short list of ANTM success-stories. ANTM 9, produced by 10 x 10 Productions, in association with Bankable Productions, is part of The CW’s fall 2007 lineup and will be premiering on September 19 at 8PM ET/PT, with the usual encore broadcast on Sundays at 9PM ET/PT. So, let's gather up our Tyra paraphenalia and tease out our weaves, because ANTM is coming back in fashion! Get ready to experience bitch-fights, bulimia rumors, fainting during panel, tears during makeovers, and five-heads galore in a brand-spanking-new cycle of America's Next Top Model. By cowchpotaytoe, AcFan and tumtitum Feel free to Email cowchpotaytoe@tvfunspot.com with your comments or questions. If you want to join in the ANTM discussion this season, become a FunSpot Member! For more news on America's Next Top Model 9 Visit - SirLinksaLot: America's Next Top Model Images Courtesy of CW.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-13-2007, 05:12 AM	#2
Erika FunSpot Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 20,870 Gender: Female Casino Cash: $812535 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 26	Great Article TEAM PINNACLE! Thank you very much for your hardwork!

09-15-2007, 03:45 AM	#3
kungfuhippie Understood Genius Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 10,053 Gender: Male Casino Cash: $350600 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 27	Great article! Almost makes me think about checking out the new season (which is saying a lot! I abhor the show ). But a nice, readable primer on the show!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)