Last week was all about the runway, while this week's America's Next Top Model will be all about posing. That means one of our absolute favorite ANTM guests, Benny Ninja will make an appearance, as he tries to teach these girls what a fierce poser is made of. The girls will be putting Benny's posing lessons to work in a posing challenge and in this week's vintage-inspired photo shoot at New York's historic Ellis Island.

The fact that the episode is all about posing will surely benefit some of this Cycle's natural posers: London and Fo. I just know that both these ladies, while short in stature, are going to serve up some gigantic poses. Each cycle Benny Ninja falls in love with one girl, and we predict that this Cycle it will be London. Though jack-of-all-trades Celia and the awkward adorableness of Allison may also impress Mr. Ninja. (Yes, I had to call him Mr. Ninja, at least once.)


While some girls will soar during the posing challenges, some girls will most certainly sink. Save last week's stunning photo, Sandra has proven time and time again that she doesn't know her angles and is thus far, an uninspired poser. I also foresee Kortnie struggling with the posing challenge. Kortnie's a gorgeous girl, but none of her poses have impressed me and she still has a lot to learn about how to work her body. The other girl who is surely going to struggle is Tahlia, who's total lack of confidence is going to hurt her. The dark-horse to stun in the posing challenge is alien-beauty Teyona, who seems to know her angles and who wowed Nigel Barker with her poses.

Happily, Benny Ninja won't be the only beloved guest to make an appearance during the episode: Cycle 3's Toccara Jones, the queen of all ANTM plus-sized contestants will also be stopping in to visit the girls. Unfortunately for this cycle's plus-sized model, Kortnie, the appearance of Toccarra is going to hurt rather than help. So far Kortnie has just glided through in the middle of the pack, but the appearance of a plus-sized model who really knows how to own her size and shape, will magnify Kortnie's sub-par performances. Unlike Tahlia, my second favorite to be sent home this week, Kortnie isn't showing improvement and she doesn't have the sob/inspiring story that makes Tahlia relevant beyond her photos. That means, I'm sad to say, that Kortnie's time on Top Model is going to come to an end tonight, with Tahlia surviving for one last week.

As for who will shine during this week's photo shoot and pose-centered challenges? I hate to sound like a broken record, but I think this is the week that Celia will move from second and third call-out, to her rightful reign in first place. The judges will continue their growing obsession with Celia's angles and strength, as well as her always fashionable outfits to judging. Tyra is so thankful that there is finally a girl she doesn't have to lecture about having their own sense of style, because for once, it's good. Other possible winners this week include Allison, who will make for an eerie vintage-inspired photo subject and Natalie, who is finally going to bring out the talent we've sensed lurking inside her.

Who's poses will power a win and who's will send them packing? Tune in to the CW tonight to find out and be sure to watch along with me and my live thoughts.

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--Abbey Simmons, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image Courtesy of CW)