It's been quite a few years since the country was first introduced to a new reality show on UPN starring Tyra Banks.
America's Next Top Model was on a mission to find the world's next undiscovered supermodel. After the finale aired in July of 2003, the show reached its goal and winner
Adrianne Curry became a household name. Many changes have been made since the first cycle, but let's look back at how this megahit began.
Cycle 1 of
America's Next Top Model featured 10 finalists who competed for a contract with Revlon, representation by Wilhemina Models, and a spread in Marie Claire magazine. Tyra brought in experts to help her judge the contestants including Janice Dickinson and Kimora Lee Simmons. Casting was perfect as the women were not only beautiful and talented, but brought something every reality tv show needs: drama.
There were many highlights of the season. Early on, Adrianne Curry became ill with food poisoning and was rushed to the emergency room. Fearful that she would be eliminated, she went against doctor's orders and left the hospital to get back for her photo shoot. The moved paid off as she was not eliminated and went on to win the entire season. Another highlight came towards the end of the season when the final four models were asked to pose naked. Robin Manning, who wore down everyone's patience was finally eliminated for refusing to pose.
Shannon Stewart also refused.
Elyse Sewell and Adrianne Curry bared it all for the camera, which put them in the final three.
Some less than stellar moments came from contestants Shannon Stewart and Robin Manning, who let their devout religious beliefs get in the way of forming strong friendships in the model house. They condemned fellow model
Ebony Haith for her homosexual relationship and alienated themselves from others. The models were also concerned that Elyse Sewell had an eating disorder but denies it. Adrianne is accosted when the models are sent to France, when a man reaches up her skirt after she asked him for directions.
In the season finale, Adrianne Curry and Shannon Stewart faced off in a Baby Phat fashion show. In the end, Adrianne was the last one standing and named the first winner of
America's Next Top Model. Since the show, Curry has appeared in many magazines and print ads and famously bared it all in Playboy magazine. She has become most famous for her time spent on VH1's
The Surreal Life and her marriage to former
The Brady Bunch star, Christopher Knight.
Check back each on BuddyTV as we take a look back at a different cycle each day and gear up for the new season premiere next Wednesday. Post your favorite moments of cycle 1 below!
- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of IMDB)