America’s Next Top Model 2 – A Preview

Tuesday, January 13, at 9 p.m. marks the return of the surprise UPN’s reality hit, America’s Next Top Model. This show chronicles the day-to-day lives of 12 regular women, all vying to become just what the show states, America’s next top model. They will live together in a New York City loft and compete in challenges that will test their abilities at what they have learned from their mentor and host of the show, Tyra Banks. In this preview, we will get to know the judges, model-wannabes, and just what it is that makes this show so special.

I have to admit, I didn’t expect the first season of ANTM to grab me the way that it did. Each week, the girls would have to learn how to do an interview, walk down the catwalk, etc. in order to sharpen their model skills. Then there was a photo shoot at the end of the episode, that would be themed and the woman with the least amount of improvement would get the axe. Doesn’t sound all that exciting, but when you put these women in the some house together, it starts to get good. The catfights, the anorexic accusations, and don’t forget the whiney rumors, all make this a fun show to watch. Plus, the girls are hot and the judges are funny. Speaking of the judges, they include Janice Dickinson, who was on the first season of ANTM. Dickinson is considered one of the first supermodels ever and loves to tear the girls apart while complimenting them at the same time. It’s something that only she can pull off, believe me. Senior editor of Jane Magazine, Eric Nicholson joins the judges this season. With his keen eye for fashion, Nicholson will definitely give the girls a modern dose of fashion dos and don’ts. Photographer Nigel Barker makes his debut this season as well. Barker is a renowned supermodel photographer who has years of experience under his belt. Returning as a guest judge this season will be Jay Manuel, make-up artist for our model contestants. Manuel knows how to work the camera and comes out with the funniest one-liners. Can’t wait to see what he says this season. Lastly, there is our host, Tyra Banks. Tyra is there for it everything; she listens to the girls problems and offers them advice on the modeling industry. She is there not only to help them, but to be a friend. Now, let’s take a look at the contestants:

Jenascia Chakos, 21 – Right off the bat, I can tell I like her. This girl has spunk. Jenascia hails from Burien, WA, and is a waitress at Hooters, which tells me that she has the patience of a saint. Her mother was also a model, so hopefully it runs in the blood. Her file photo is amazing and makes her look ultra sexy. I’m hoping that she can pull it off, if for no other reason than the fact that she seems like such a cool woman.

Mercedes Scelba-Shorte, 21 – As of this moment, Mercedes is my favorite of all the contestants. Mercedes comes to us from Valencia, CA. Just from watching her audition video, I could tell that she was a fun girl that keeps it real. She also has this stunning look that reminds me of J.Lo dressed down. Don’t worry, that’s a good thing because J.Lo is sexy no matter what she’s wearing. The only thing I’m worried about with Mercedes is that she isn’t going to take this too seriously. Hopefully, I’ll be proven wrong, and we will see her many weeks in the competition.

Shandi Sullivan, 21 – Oh, Shandi! Don’t ask me why she let them use this as her file photo… I just don’t think it’s going to do her much justice. Look at those ears! Anyway, other than the Dumbo ears, I just don’t know what else to say. Shandi is in the competition because she is sick of working at Walgreen’s, according to her audition video. She’s from Kansas City, MO, and claims to be the black sheep in her family. The one thing I will say about her, based on her video, is that she seems to be very personable and friendly. However, she states that she doesn’t like to get dressed up and tries to always be comfortable. That could be a problem on this show.

April Wilkner, 23 – An account executive from Miami Beach, FL, April has the looks, brains, and determination to make it on this show. However, from watching her video, I am put off by her. Something about the way she talks makes me think that she is not telling the truth. She’s too much into the whole "I want to save the world by modeling" thing, which I have no idea how she plans to pull off. Anyway, I think she is going to be around for awhile. The ones I don’t particularly care for always are.

Xiomara Frans, 25 – Simply put, I love her. Xiomara is so talkative in her video that you can’t help but love her. Her personality just shines right through. She has a thick Brooklyn accent that you just wouldn’t expect to come out of her. Xiomara also has that exotic look that it seems everyone is trying to go for these days. She is currently a bartender in Morganville, NJ, but just like she says in her audition video, "This is her ticket out!"