What a difference a week makes on The CW’s America’s Next Top Model. Mikey went from living large in the Tyra Suite to receiving a stay of execution after landing in the bottom with Lacey, while Nyle clawed his way back from the abyss and wound up at the top of the heap. The competition is so tight, the judges are now leaving it up to the fab four to each plead their case as to why they should make it to the final two.

A Family Affair

When TyTy surprised the final four with visits from their moms, it was hard to not become more emotionally invested in who stays and who goes in this final elimination.

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Mikey (the man whore) has nothing but respect for his hard-working mom, and he’s been very open about his tough upbringing. Mikey’s determination to succeed, not just for personal gain, but also to improve the lives of his family, showed a more vulnerable side to the usually cocky ladies man.

Cool as a cucumber Mame struggled to connect with her mom both in front of the camera and behind the scenes due to their somewhat estranged relationship.

Just when you thought Nyle couldn’t get any sexier, his devotion to his mom, who raised him and his brothers on her own, made female hearts everywhere flutter a little faster.

The only backstory that failed to resonate was Lacey’s sob story about her struggle with weight. We’ve all seen the pics of Lacey 30 pounds heavier, and she was still a gorgeous girl.

The Guys

Tyra said it herself, all four remaining models could go out in the world and impress. Nyle and Mikey are polar opposites in the looks department. It’s like comparing slutty apples and tall, dark and handsome oranges, so it’s all going to come down to one mistake. Both guys are determined, but Mikey seems to want it just a bit more.

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The Girls

Mame may have failed to impress random strangers with her Nylon cover, but Lacey is still stuck in a bit of a rut when she steps in front of the lens. Overall, Mame has been outperforming Lacey as the competition winds down, but could Justin’s return throw Mame off her game?

Who Will Be Eliminated

After seeing Nyle on that mock Nylon cover, I’m a believer, so I predict Mikey fans will be disappointed to see their golden-haired god go home. I’m truly torn when it comes to the girls, but I think Mame’s striking good looks will give her the edge over the more girl-next-door Lacey.

Part 1 of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 finale airs November 20 at 9pm on the CW.

(Image Courtesy of the CW)

Jennifer Lind-Westbrook

Contributing Writer, BuddyTV

Jennifer has worked as a freelance writer in the entertainment field since 2012. In addition to currently writing feature articles for Screen Rant, Jennifer has contributed content ranging from recaps to listicles to reviews for BuddyTV, PopMatters, TVRage, TVOvermind, and Tell-Tale TV. Links to some of Jennifer’s reviews can be found on Rotten Tomatoes.