America's Next Top Model

Well, I am shocked. Shocked, I say! Yet somehow I am also simultaneously not surprised.

On last night’s America’s Next Top Model, Katarzyna was eliminated. Her photo really wasn’t that great, but her overall work did seem like it should have carried her through. Also, she actually looks like a model who could get work, was able to talk intelligently, and carried herself with some dignity. This could have been her fatal error: as Tyra Banks said on the last episode, sometimes, you have to be corny in fashion.

And I think on America’s Next Top Model, the corollary to that is: you sometimes have to be a doofus and/or cry. Katarzyna, with all that composure, seemed to find it unnecessary to fall out of buses, refer to herself in the third person, trot out black friends as evidence of not being racist and/or weep often, so let’s face it: she kind of had to go. It’s Tyra’s world and she makes the rules.

But this is my article and here I make the rules as to who I rate Best and Worst. And this week, I have not one but TWO! shocking! Bests! Get a hat and hold on to it!



That’s right, here’s the first shocking Best: Dominique. Before everybody has an aneurysm about it, please remember the purpose of this column is ONLY to judge the photos themselves, not whether or not the modelette is likable and/or looks like a soccer mom in real life. And sorry, folks, but she nailed this one and looks amazing.

Fatima also did a good job, and I agree with whichever judge pointed out her crazy bend at the waist and how it makes her look so fashion and odd. And Anya looks awesome as well; I agree with Miss J Alexander who called it “Italian Vogue.”

Of course, he was also complimenting the photographer, which brings me to my second shocking Best! (Drum roll!!)


Tyra herself! Although in her case, it was for taking them, not being in them. I have to say she did a great job; they were all beautiful photos. And while I just finished saying this article is only about the photos and not the personalities, I’ve been ragging on Tyra lately so much I have to say something positive about her personality from this episode of America's Next Top Model.

She said after the shoot that she was nervous, this being her first time using artificial light. It was funny because I had already been thinking she seemed so much warmer and likable during the shoot. Sure, she was still acting up and doing her crazy singsong thing, but she seemed kind of charming again instead of just off her rocker.

When she admitted her nerves in panel, I realized this case of nerves had probably humbled her a little bit during the shoot, and humility is always more likable than frosty diva attitude. (Something we learn all the time on ANTM!!)  Also, she continued being more likable and, well, human in panel, and I think it’s because she was on a high from her creative success. Maybe what’s been wrong with Tyra all along is that she’s getting bored with her creations and just needs a new outlet. Maybe she should, as Paulina Porizkova suggested, let someone else do ANTM and just go off and shoot fashion photography for a while.



Whitney got the body language down, finally, but her eyes were a problem. That said, it was a better performance from her than usual, and the eye thing would be a simple fix; I doubt she’ll make the same mistake twice.

I still don’t think Katarzyna needed to go home, but this photo was not her best effort. Dull eyes and not enough connection with the concept. Oh well, she’s a Cornell grad, I am sure she is going to be just fine in whatever she does next.

- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Images courtesy of CW)