America’s Next Top Model 3, Episode 1: New Weave + Beer = Throw Down!

In comes Eva, saying she doesn’t compare herself to the other girls. Tyra says that 80% of the other girls they talked to so far have had something bad to say about her. Eva says they are all ultra-sensitive – she’s not nasty or negative. Okay, she’s a liar too. Then she admits that she DID say that Amy looks nasty, but that’s it! Tyra says that in the past, they cast girls that they thought were nice, then moved into the house and were different people. She’s not trying to cast another “black bitch.” Ha! I love Tyra! Tyra, now going into psychiatrist mode, says that Eva must want to hurt people’s feelings, whether she wants to admit it or not. Eva begins to tear up and then breaks down saying how her parents and classmates always hated her. Tyra tells her to remember when bad things were said to her, and then think how people feel when she does it to them. Oh that Tyra – always the problem solver. They hug, and that’s that.

All the girls are now gathered in a room. Eva stands up and says to the other girls that she knows she was rude, and apologizes to anyone she may have hurt. Everyone claps – even Amy, although she isn’t sure how she feels about the apology and feels it was provoked. In comes Jay Manuel, who tells them in the morning there will be a list posted with the girls that will be staying. Then, they will all do a short shoot for him. He wishes them luck and heads off.

In the morning, all the girls wait. Mary isn’t sure what will happen. Nargis says they are all anxious. Eva isn’t even sure she deserves it anymore. They all walk into a room and a casting director says that 20 will move on. The list is revealed and everyone runs over. Screams of joy are heard and so are screams of sadness. Norelle, Eva, and Amanda shout with joy, as Nargis is also put through and says she knows how the other girls that didn’t get through feel. Some girls are breaking down and Amy seems to be really disappointed – she just hopes that whoever wins, deserves it. Tiffany says she won’t cry, and that some people will never change. She doesn’t want to go back to the people that will say to her “I told you so.” Mary is happy to see that both plus size girls got to the next round.

At this point, Amanda gets the attention of all the girls and tells them that she has a problem. She hasn’t been totally honest with them, and wants them all to know that she is legally blind. She’ll be totally blind when she is 30, and has a rare disease. Some of the girls begin to cry and Amanda tells them that she wants them all to know she will always see them. Then, she tells them not to cry because she got to see her son smile, and that’s all she wanted. The girls give her some love, while Amanda admits that she’s going to have to take some very big steps in the competition to keep up.

Jay welcomes the final 20. He tells them he going to do a small photo shoot of each girl with just his digital camera – no hair or makeup needs to be done. He does the shoot and all the girls look really pretty. After the pictures are taken, the judges have to narrow the field from 20 to 14. They feel that Cassie makes then nervous since she used to be a stripper. They love Amanda’s eyes, and would love to see Julie advance. They are also a fan of Norelle’s eyes, but aren’t so sure about the braces. Ann’s photo makes her look like she might beat them up, while they feel Yaya is very Afro-Centric. Nargis needs more training, while Eva is very insecure, but they like her. Mary is very beautiful, but Toccara has the personality, however, she isn’t proportional. Tyra wants to know which six should go home?

The girls wait to find out their fates. Mary hopes that both plus girls get through. The judges walk in. Tyra congratulates them all and says that 14 will continue on and for six model wannabes, the ride is over. The first name to be called is Ann. Then Leah, Kelly, Cassie, Yaya (YES!), Kristi, Julie, Magdelana, Nicole, and Amanda. With only four names left, everyone is starting to stress. Norelle is called next, and then Toccara. As Toccara breaks down, Mary looks like she knows she’s done for. Two names left and everyone is now squirming. Jennipher is called next and the look of relief on her face is priceless. Only one name left and all the girls not called yet are beginning to cry. The last name is… Eva! Nargis says she’s hurt, and thought she had it this time. Tyra goes into the bathroom and comforts Rachael, who is crying on the floor. Mary thought she finally had a break and is very disappointed.

All the girls who made it rejoice and Toccara says she is ready. Amanda says it will be rough, but she knows she can do it. Eva realizes this is her second chance and she plans to use it wisely. Next week, the 14 girls head to Jamaica for a shoot and Ann freaks out on the plane. They all know how tough the competition is, and Jay tells them that one girl will be eliminated right after the shoot. This should be good, and I can’t wait to recap if for you all!

Phil Kural is a recent graduate from Temple University, with a degree in journalism. You can reach him at pkural@gmail.com with any feedback that you may have.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on the site! And take a look at the rest of the site. You can find all of our recent articles on this show at our America’s Next Top Model page and take a look at our sections on The Apprentice and Last Comic Standing. You can even buy reality show stuff at our Reality TV Store!

For more news about America’s Next Top Model, be sure to check out SirLinksALot!