IT'S BACK, and there are plenty of surprises in store for season 15. In a bid to place greater emphasis on high fashion and editorial shoots, IMG Models has replaced Wilhelmina Models as the agency (thanks Andre). To top it all off, the lucky winner will not only receive the usual $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics, but also the cover of Beauty in Vogue, fashion spreads in Vogue Italia and Beauty in Vogue and a prominent feature on Vogue's Italia's website, Vogue.it (so long, Seventeen magazine).
With top designers Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen and Roberto Cavalli appearing alongside top fashion experts Patricia Field and Karolina Kurkova, and the editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia, Franca Sozzani, making guest appearances throughout this season, 'ANTM' has certainly stepped it up a gear. But who will be sticking around long enough to travel to this year's fabulous international destinations, Venice and Milan?
As 32 semi-finalists arrived in Palm Springs there were of course a few notable contestants (it never ceases to amaze me!). The highlight of the show had to be the comedic duo Terra and Chris - the second set of sisters to compete together in 'ANTM' (remember Amanda and Michelle in season 7?). Following the success story of a returning contestant in the last series (Angelea), the producers felt the need to once again throw in a previous semi-finalist. This time it was Kacey from series 11, who ironically looks like a petite version of last year's winner Krista.
Then we were introduced to yet another pageant girl. But with the title of Miss Minnesota Teen USA 2009 under her belt, and the assumption that she was the prettiest contestant there (she did have a bit of Megan Fox going on), it wasn't surprising that this cocky madam got eliminated so early on. However, it was Awkward Ann who stole the show with her strapping height (6'2") making her the tallest girl in the competition to date (and possibly the skinniest). Somebody please give her a Big Mac!
It wasn't long until the bitching and race card began to be played as ditzy high school girl Lexie (who looks strangely like Uma Thurman mixed with Meryl Streep) hung artsy Jordan out to dry. It all seemed to backfire, though, on 18-year-old Lexie, who soon realised that she was used as a pawn to cause drama for game-player Kacey (meow). To be honest, it wasn't fair at all that Jordan was eliminated over the false accusations. Clearly she did want to be in the competition or she wouldn't have auditioned in the first place. Shame on you, Tyra!!
Next it was time for Emily to be confronted by De'yana over her controversial diary entries. Although her private property should never have been touched, I found it difficult to believe her excuse that it "came out the wrong way and that's not what I meant, I was just defending myself because I didn't know the girl and didn't like her." In this particular case it wasn't surprising that Tyra taught them both a valuable lesson and sent them home.
After modelling Cynthia Rowley's amazing collection and mingling at her garden party, it was up to the wannabe models to put their game faces on - and time for us to see who stood out. With the girls split into categories as defined by the fashion industry - 'quirky', 'sexy', 'strong bone structure', 'blondes' and 'brunettes' - there was some fierce competition for a place in the top 14.
So, who won the judges' approval? And where were Nigel and Andre when they were needed most?
It was AnaMaria who was called first - the only girl in the competition with some industry knowledge. With a sizeable gap in her teeth and a cute and edgy look to boot, this unique contestant is one to watch out for!
Next to be called was Kendal, who on close inspection looks a bit worse for wear. In model terms she is far from being a spring chicken. I predict some vicious comments form the guest judges.
Thankfully Rhianna secured a place early on. I absolutely adore her vintage style and her slightly kooky personality. I reckon this 20-year-old nature enthusiast from San Diego will go far in the competition based on her willow tree poses alone.
Chris (the funny one) and her older sister Terra (who has tried out four times) managed to sail on through to the top 14. But did Terra make it just because of her sister? Either way, at least it makes for some good entertainment.
Plain Jane was next to get the nod of approval from Tyra. But I reckon her Ivy League persona will make her a bit boring in the long-term. On the other hand, blonde bombshell Chelsey looks like she will lift the spirits in the house with her ditzy ways (she even said it herself).
Not surprisingly, Liz with the striking masculine face was next to move one step closer to a brighter future. But will this full-time single mom and student be able to give up her two minimum wage jobs to pursue her dream career?
Pretty Sarah from Menifee, California (who is also the mother of a baby boy) managed to wow Tyra with her rapping skills. Even Lexie, who previously auditioned for the show but was then knocked over by a car, managed to get a break (no pun intended). Sympathy votes, anyone?
Last but not least to secure a bed in the loft were Esther with the size 30G bust; Kacey, who is old news at this stage; Kayla, who quickly lost her tight ringlets when she realised it wasn't the 'in thing' for the modelling world; and Ann, who has been turned down by other agencies because she is too tall (since when is that a bad thing in the modelling world?).
Next week on 'ANTM': Who will crumble at the DVF fashion show when they realise how 'high' fashion can be? With the first photo shoot bringing back some bad memories for the models, it looks like we are in for a few crocodile tears.
With even more drama, bitching and tricky challenges, I couldn't think of a better way to reel in the New Year.
Laura Delaney
