I swore that I would stop watching America’s Next Top Model after Cycle 4, but five seasons later, here I am, counting the days until these 13 would-be catwalkers strut their stuff across my TV. This year’s crop of doe-eyed, long-limbed beauties include Janet, an aesthetician from Georgia who looks like she’s been in front of a camera or two; Kimberly, an Ali Larter doppelganger; and the sixth Sara/Sarah to compete in the show (the last five were less than spectacular).
Fashion icon Twiggy, photographer Nigel Barker, and runway expert J. Alexander are back for another season behind the judges’ table. I’m curious to see what Miss J will be using to countdown the fallen models. First it was numbers, then ruffles. Might I suggest a subtle, yet fierce candelabrum this year?
Unlike past cycles — and despite Tyra’s well-publicized embracing of women of all sizes — there are no plus-sized models this year (although plus-size is relative on ANTM). My money is on Saleisha, a 21-year-old receptionist from Los Angeles whose first photo screams "this is the walk that’s going to me famous." She looks like she has a take-no-prisoners attitude which, of course, should serve her well when facing Tyra and company.
Cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model premieres Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. on The CW.









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I don’t know why I watch, but I do! This year the “plus-size” model (as Tyra called her on TV yesterday) is a size 8. It’s a sad day for women everywhere.
Yeah, I agree with below. Sad day indeed. Why do people care so much about this crap? Pretty people, pretty clothes, pretty , pretty , pretty. Duhhhh.
That being said inner beauty never got anyone laid.
The plus sized girl is Sarah (standing next to Ambreal, the african american girl with short hair).
I have to say these girls look amazing so far, especially compared to the crappiness that was last cycle (Jaslene???)
“Aesthetician”?
What the hell is that? An expert in aesthetics?
I find it hard to believe that any of these girls even knows what the word “aesthetics” means.
Is it just me or does the girl on the far right (in the middle) look very much like Jade in that picture? Lets just hope she acts like Jade too, so we can at least be amused all season.
is it just me, or the the black girl with the short hair in the middle just have “the look”? I mean, dang, she looks like a pro! that being said, the blonde on her bottom left and the brunette with the long hair also have a quality.
I’ve never watched this show….but it occurred to me…have any of the PAST models become famous? Are they working anywhere? Would I know them if I saw them?
I’d let any one of these fine ladies get with me…again.
Is that Alanis Morisette in the front row?
Also, an aesthetician is someone who specializes in waxing (eyebrows, bikini lines, etc.) and facials at salons and spas. Apparently it is you who doesn’t know what it is!
Never watched it before, but I have a feeling Tyra would babble on about
“Girls, you need to be tough. When those pics came out of me in the tabloids, I developed a thick skin. You see, I didn’t gain 40 lbs, not that there’s anything wrong with that. What I do empowers women, to say ’so what’ to physica flaws. I will help all of you, just like I helped all struggling women.”
The black girl on the far left in the center row looks odd here and in her picture up on cw. like she doesnt know what she’s doing. and the girl on the bottom right looks terrified on her picture on cw. both of them will be gone early i think.
Well, famous is something that’s hard to judge if you’re not paying attention to the fashion world (I don’t). But I see Dani from time to time in Cover Girl ads and commercials (I think she’s one of the girls on the red carpet in the Queen Latifiah mascara commercial). But if you believe all the where are they now specials, it looks as if most of the girls wind up doing something in modelling, even the ones that don’t win.
This show is my dirty little secret. I catch the reruns and marathons on VH1 and MTV every now and again. I think my favorite part of the show is how contradictory Tyra is — one minute she’s fussing at Caridee for staying in the cold water too long and the next she’s fussing at her because she had to get out. Huh?
Can’t wait to see who the crazy one is this season!!
Could someone please explain to me why I watch this show? I try not to, but I can’t help myself.
this show is strangely addicting… hopefully some of the girls are crazy this season. it’s much more entertaining to watch a nervous breakdown or drunken escapade! WORK!
gurl, i know whatchu mean! i love me some tyra banks! she is the queen of FIERCE. but anyways i gotta go – i gots me a hair appointment gurl! time for a new weave! Heyyyyyyyyyy!
Hopefully Tyra has a new stylist this season – whoever is responsible for dressing her last season should have been fired.
I stopped watching this show after it became all about catfights, and people were being cast for drama not top model potential. The only way they could get me to watch again is if they did an all plus-size edition and bring back all those girls from previous cycles who got the boot because they weren’t a size 2.
Amanda–gurl (thanks Ashton!) it’s always been about catfights–where you been? Sadie–the crazy one always has been & always will be Miss Tyra, whose stylist should be visited by the Foreign Legion lineup crew. I’m lovin me some ANTM and yes I am ashamed…
Size 8 is plus size? In what, Lilliput?
The models look much more mature then in seasons past. What is the average age?
Count me out. I kind of had my fill of this show after cycle 6. Maybe a VH1 or MTV marathon here and there, but I seldom try to make an effort to view this show anymore. I barely watched the past two cycles, so I doubt it will be any different this time.
I can’t wait to see how much show time Tyra wastes talking about her self
Hey – where’s Amber from BB8?? She thinks she’s a shoe-in for this!
Janet is an experienced “skin care specialist” who graduated first in her class from Aveda Institute, which happens to be a VERY well known program. I should know, I’m her mother! I could not be prouder!!!!
The girl on the top left, Saleisha ftw, she is beautiful
Tyra Banks shame on you! How dare you or anyone associated with this show call anyone size 8/10 plus size. Holy cow I wear size 7 and Now I Feel like maybe I need to diet and I thought I looked fine. Reality check sister, come to Kentucky and see a real woman (shes lucky to be a size
I am a 31 year old mother of 2 and I absolutely LOVE ANTM…my girlfriends and I ritually get together on Wednesdays during the season and have girls nite. It’s fun, entertaining and a great vehicle for young models to showcase themselves. Go Tyra! haters stop bloggin’ about it if u don’t like the show…
I adore Chantal, she is so beautiful and so perfect for a model. I love her look and she is tall so she could do runway!
Tyra called a size 8 plus size? Ah, I guess it may be true, it’s not fat but it’s not skinny either. I’m WAY below a size 8.
I think the winner of this cycle should by far be Chantal.
I heard the other day that season 2 winner Yoanna House is 5′11″, I’m 5′11″ and to think I thought I didn’t have anything in common with her!