America’s Next Top Model has seen 10 winners, a rotating door of judges, and its share of drama since its debut in 2003. Some fans say that the show has run its course and its time to hang up the stilettos. Others say that they hate when each season comes to a close because it means they’ll have to wait months for their favorite show to return. Perhaps it is time that the show comes to a close, especially with talks of Tyra wanting to move on. After all, what’s Top Model without Tyra screaming in a prom dress or faking a model meltdown?

I’m sure that, in the fashion world, the models enjoy some success post-ANTM. However, in the mainstream world, they’re never heard from. At New York Fashion Week last year, I spotted a few former winners, like cycle 6’s Dani Evans and cycle 8’s Jaslene Gonzalez. CariDee English has modeled for JC Penney and Matrix Professional Colors since her win. Nicole Linkleter appeared in a PSP commercial. Hardly what I’d call a Top Model career. Maybe the show should just called: Who Wants To Be A Model? That would be a bit more accurate.

Isn’t it all getting a bit predictable? The model who makes it far, despite the odds against her. The model who can’t handle the pressure and abruptly quits. The crazy costumes Miss J. wants to wear to panel. The fights in the Top Model apartment over ridiculous things like coffee and alarm clocks.  The ridiculous ways Tyra introduces the judges or surprises the girls at a challenge.  The go-sees that nobody can seem to finish on time.  The Cover Girl commercial that fails to impress.  We've seen it all.

Here’s the bottom line. Don’t cancel the show. Reinvent it. I love the show and I especially love the photo shoots. I would hate to see Top Model get shelved anytime soon. Perhaps what Top Model needs is a makeover of its own.



- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of CW)