America’s Next Top Model 8, Episode 1: Goodwill Hunting

Jaslene finds her invitation and says that she’ll be the first Latina to win. Whitney is happy that she got her invite, but also happy that Diana, the other plus-sized girl, got hers as well. Michelene (the girl with all the tattoos) doesn’t get a photo. She’s angry that Jael got her photo because she thinks she is fake. Bethany, a girl we haven’t seen yet, feels bad that some girls didn’t get their invite, but after all, this is a competition!

Once the trash is taken out (kidding!), the girls arrive at the party, where we see Jermaine Dupri. They all do a little posing at the party for the camera, all knowing that they have to do well. Whitney knows that it’s in the air from this point. I love that we basically got no footage from the party except for Whitney posing, Jermaine Dupri, and Natasha dancing like a slut. Big deal!

The judges sit down to discuss which girls will make the final 13. They feel that Brittany has a great boot camp shot and they see potential in her. Cassandra has a great look as well to her.

Whitney looked great at the party and they love that she is so comfortable with herself, while Bethany has some issues with her posing and they aren’t sure if it’s something that can be fixed. Jay Manuel thinks that Felicia does have a slight resemblance to Tyra, and all three agree that Heather would be great for catalog modeling.

Everyone feels that Kathleen worked the camera at the party, and I have to admit – her pose is GREAT! It reminds me of cycle 2, and Mercedes’ Steve Madden photo pose. Melissa, with the re-sewn-in weave, has a great face, and while Jay Manuel defends her, it doesn’t seem like she’s a favorite of Ms. J. He thinks she is too tough looking.

Tyra thinks there is something devilish about Samantha, and the three think that she resembles a younger Janice Dickinson. Jaslene is back with a vengeance, but they think she is actually holding back a little bit!

It’s time to make the final cut. Tyra gathers up the girls and tells them that this is the eighth time she has done this, but it doesn’t get any easier. In fact, this is the hardest part. The first name she is going to call, and the first girl who will be in the house, is – Natasha! She is followed by Kathleen, who screams because she is so happy, and I’m just as thrilled. I’ve never loved a girl so quickly on this show like Kathleen – you just want to root for her!

Sarah is called up next, followed by Cassandra. Renee is the next girl called, and she’s crying – a lot. Samantha is called next and she has a look on her face that reads, “There is no way in hell I thought you would ever pick me.” Get more confidence, Sam!

Dionne is called next, followed by Whitney. At this point Diana looks like she knows she won’t make it since Whitney did. Brittany is the next name called, followed by Felicia, leaving only three girls to be called.

The next name called is Jael, who feels it’s necessary to turn around and tell the other girls that she loves them all. Jaslene is called next and she is in utter shock. She even does her catalogue pose again. Only room for one more girl!

Now, of the remaining girls, we have Heather, the girl whose dad is in the military; Melissa with her re-sewn weave; Diana, the other plus-sized girl; and Bethany, who we’ve seen a few times but don’t know much about. The last girl called is – Diana! So for the first time in ANTM history, there will be two plus-sized girls in the running. Diana looks shocked and begins to cry. Of course.

Tyra tells the other girls that they do have potential. Melissa says that she’ll go back to NYC knowing that she should continue to pursue modeling since Tyra liked her so much. I really liked Melissa! Heather says that she wanted this, and it’s heartbreaking that she isn’t getting a chance. The other girls do their happy dance and Diana tells the camera that she and Whitney will represent. Kathleen can’t believe she made it this far, and she plans on winning. I hope she does!

The final 13 girls walk down the street in LA. Sarah says that she has modeling experience and is ready to win. Okay, Jade. Jael wants to win, but wants to be friends with the other girls, too. Shut up, Jael. Wow, I’m queening out already! Kathleen says she is there to learn, and wants to be shown how to model. Aww, I love Kathleen.

A motorcycle rolls down the street carrying that queen, Jay Manuel. Jay says that one of them will be America’s Next Top Model, and then he gathers them up and runs them to a studio. It’s already time for the girls do to their first photo shoot! For this shoot, each girl will be making a political statement. Even if the girl doesn’t agree with the view she is given, it’s her job to sell it. Here is what the girls are assigned:

• Kathleen: Anti-fur
• Brittany: Pro-fur
• Natasha: Pro-choice
• Jael: Pro-life
• Sarah: Life in prison
• Jaslene: Pro-death penalty
• Felicia: Straight marriage only
• Whitney & Samantha: Gay marriage
• Cassandra: Meat eater
• Dionne: Vegan
• Diana: Pro-gun
• Renee: Anti-gun

The girls will also have a special photographer for this episode – Nigel Barker, who is also one of the judges on panel! The girls go in the back to get ready and Renee says that she has the most determination of the group. She’s excited to do this for her family. We see Jael complaining in the back room that she has a cold and fever, hoping that it doesn’t affect her shoot. Oh Lord, here we go – the excuses begin!