We’re now halfway into the 16th cycle of Top Model. Time flies when you’re trying to hold onto the handlebars of fierceness, right? Yes, we’ve seen seven girls make that final sashay away from the madhouse that is Top Model and there are seven more girls eagerly vying for the title of America’s Next Top Model and for the opportunity to make their initial industry splash in Vogue Italia. Since we’re only one more girl away from heading abroad (I won’t spoil where they’re going, but a trip to the cycle’s Wikipedia page will), I thought that as TVOvermind’s pseudo-expert on all things Tyra-related (my mom would be so proud), I’d break down the remaining girls to see who is rising, who is falling, and who is just holding on for dear life.
1. Brittani*: I put the asterisk beside of Brittani’s name because the promo for next week has me second guessing her position as Queen B. Sure, the little Dutchgirl has taken some phenomenal photos, having only fallen out of the top 3 callout order once in six episodes, but Tyra and company do not take kindly to meltdowns and catty behavior, both of which the 19 year old has in spades next week. Brittani has shown the ability to ‘push through the pretty’and make dynamic, sophisticated photos that scream couture with a French accent, becoming the star of this week’s group shot, but maybe she’s slightly too immature to make it as a top model. I think she’s far and away the most talented and the closest this cycle has come to high fashion (her ‘archetype’was a couture model sans the qualifiers that others had), but sometimes being fierce just isn’t enough.
2. Kasia: If this were Billboard Magazine, Kasia would be #2 with a bullet. Though her performance overall has been slightly inconsistent, two of the last three weeks she’s been absolutely killing it, using her ‘fiercely real’body as a positive attribute (I adore a plus-sized girl who embraces it) and turning on the charm when necessary. While she’s not my favorite model of the season, due to her awful habit of modeling with her mouth, and I sincerely doubt her chances at a long term career (at 26, she’s 4 years older than the next oldest girl and one of the oldest contestants that’s ever been on the show), her performance has shown that the judges love her, Miss J is a fan, and every guest judge has been kind to the blonde from Illinois. If Brittani’s mistake next week is fatal enough, Kasia could easily assume the role of top dog, possibly becoming the second plus-sized winner in the show’s history.
3. Hannah: Fresh-faced Hannah is an interesting case. When she turns it on, I think she’s Brittani’s fiercest competition and an exciting model to watch work. But she’s not really turned it on and left it on during this competition, going from the middle of the pack to first call out to middle of the pack to second call out to first call out to middle of the pack during the show’s first half. She has what it takes to be a top model; I just wish she knew it and applied it every second she’s in this competition. The judges are already talking about how the 20 year old isn’t as chameleonic as other models (in past cycles, judges have criticized contestants for being too chameleonic, but this cycle it’s all about falling into the shot, I suppose) and with Kasia stepping her game up and Brittani running just ahead of the pack, I expect Hannah to slide in to third place.
4. Jaclyn: What will undo our favorite southern belle is exactly what the judges got to this week; the girl simply doesn’t look like a high fashion model. As effervescent and effortlessly charming as she may be, she’s all lips and curls and helium voice, which doesn’t exactly scream Vogue Italia. She takes good enough pictures to where I think she’ll outlast some of the less talented models still remaining, but when it gets to the top 4-5, the judges put each girl under a microscope and the most minor of weaknesses can send someone home. As much as I dig Jaclyn, I think her weakness will pop up once they get international (go sees!) and will only grow with each successive week, ultimately leading to her dismissal.
5. Molly: Molly’s talking heads this season have been…interesting. While I’m sure a lot of people are entertained by how candid she is (talk of pyromania and expletives galore), I don’t really know what to make of her. It’s refreshing to have somebody on the show who is totally themselves, but she’s got such a sour disposition that I think will work against her. Granted, she’s talented and her weave is off, so her confidence/happiness may grow, but the Molly with a perma-sulk will not make it far, especially if she’s not happy during go sees. She’s produced enough good photos to keep around for a couple of weeks, but I don’t think she can stand up next to the top three.
6. Alexandria: Everyone is tired of Alexandria…except for Tyra. The girls in the house are over her ‘fakeness’, Mr. Jay is over how controlling she is on shoots, the other judges don’t really see anything that special in her…but Tyra loves her some Alexandria. I don’t know if it’s because she’s just such an exhausting person to watch or what, but I’m not seeing this talent that Tyra thinks Alexandria has translate into her photos. This week she was awkward and not in the model-awkward-stunning way, while others weeks have shown the California girl to be vacant, reliant on props, and stiff. I think that Tyra likes her enough to send her to their international location and I could see her making it past Molly and/or Jaclyn if they have an off week, but I think Alexandria’s reputation catches up with her and leaves her in 6th.
7. Mikaela: After two pretty solid opening weeks, Mikaela has been sinking lower and lower, which is a shame because if she had any idea what to do with herself, she could make a serious run for the top. Her bone structure is really stunning and when she’s not overthinking things, she’s a treat to watch on camera. Problem is, her bone structure is all that she has going for her at the moment and it’s likely the main reason that she’s still in this thing. If she can scrape up an ounce of confidence in herself after several tough weeks (easier said than done, I know), I think she can eek out a spot in the top five or so, but Mikaela’s not long for the Top Model world, so I think her time is coming next week.
This cycle of Top Model has been one of the best they’ve had in a while, though it can always be better. This group of girls is for the most part pretty talented, but the last half of the season is the time to see who has the mental fortitude to make a run for the title without cracking. I wouldn’t be surprised if these are shot all to heck by the end of next week’s episode, but until then, this is a snapshot of your top seven.
Who do you think will win? Who won’t make it to their international destination? Has anybody grown on you?
America’s Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8:00 on the CW. Starting April 20th, the show moves to 9:00 with a rerun from the previous week at 8:00.
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