America’s Next Top Model 3, Episode 2: Let the Bitchiness Begin!

Previously, we got to see the semi-finalists fly to L.A. to pursue their dreams of becoming a top model. Each girl was put to the test in several grueling interviews. We met Magdalena, who put her life on hold to follow her dream. We also met Ann, a tough jock who believes she has what it takes; and Amanda, who revealed her secret that she’s legally blind to the other girls. Only 14 girls made it through, and tonight, the journey begins!

Two cabs fly down the street carrying the girls. Eva says she’s overwhelmed, while Ann says she came into the whole experience being very confident and feels that the other girls are probably intimidated by her. Oh God, here we go. Norelle says that Ann is amazingly beautiful and will probably be around for a long time. Leah says she’s never been to NYC, and knows that sometimes she can look “plain Jane” but has to prove to the judges that she can get beyond that. Kelle says she grew up in NYC and has been a city girl all her life. She also admits that she can come off strong and has always been told she has a presence, but wants it to be an easy presence. I’ll admit it – I love Kelle!

Tyra waits for the girls on a rooftop. She greets and welcomes them to the competition as the girls cheer. She then introduces them to NY, but also tells the girls that they will be getting no sleep tonight. A model never knows when her next job is coming or where it will be, and with that, she tells them that they are going to do a bikini shoot right away. However, it won’t be in NYC – it’ll be in Jamaica! The girls scream to the point I feel their heads might explode, and I worry that some might accidentally fall off the roof! Tyra reminds them that they are in a competition and standing next to their competitors, so work it out and make her proud!

Kelle is excited about the whole experience, but knows she has issues with fitting in. She says things are going well right now with all the girls though, and she’s happy with that. In the other car, we see Eva making fun of Kelle and saying that she’s getting on her nerves. Eva says Kelle is black, and needs to realize and embrace that. Kristi is at the airport and says that nobody has gotten any sleep yet and thank goodness they have a few hours on the plane to Jamaica. Eva says she doesn’t want a relationship or to be friends with any of the other girls, but she does love Ann because their friendship isn’t forced. Leah is thankful for the flight so she can catch up on some sleep. We also learn that Ann hates flying and when the turbulence starts, she freaks out. She keeps calling Eva over to her for help and Eva says that Ann is different than the other girls and is very emotional. Ann thanks God for Eva as Eva comforts her to sleep. Okay, this is getting weird.

When they land, the sun is shining, says Kelle. Magdalena tells the camera that she wants to be a model, but she’s in school right now and is worried about giving up her dream job after school if she wins. The girls arrive at the shoot and find Jay Manuel (Mr. J) and J. Alexander (Mrs. J). Mr. J. tells them that their shoot will be very edgy and right off the water. He introduces them to the crew and photographer, then tells them that Nick (the photographer), Tyra, Mrs. J. and himself will all judge the photos. Also, the house in NYC can only hold 13 girls, so one girl will be going home right after the shoot. The judges will make a second elimination when the girls get home based on the photos from the shoot. Magdalena is worried since all the girls look like tough competition, while Ann is tired and knows she needs to get herself together.

Eva is up first and Jay tells her it’s not a pinup. Cass is up next and Jay isn’t sure about her. Kristi goes third and the photographer tells her to not look like she has to fart. Amanda goes and everyone is impressed, then Kelle, who Jay says is starting to look “hoochi.” Aww, she is not! Magdalena is told that she has great legs, but isn’t working it. Leah is scared because she isn’t as secure with herself as the other girls. She tries to let go, but it looks like the judges have a lot to say to her. She’s called too self-conscious and doesn’t take direction well.

Yaya, my favorite, is working the camera and I’m definitely impressed. Jay says she blew him away. Jennipher is up next and told to move differently, while Toccara is starting to look a little “pinup-ish” herself! Jay thinks that the problem with her is that she’s letting too much personality come through on the shoot. Norelle works it out, while Nicole is told she looks hot. Julie goes next and they seem to love her too. Ann is the last girl to go and they say she’s starting to look like she’s in a porno. Jay calls her a big disappointment and compares her to a dead slab of meat.

After they are done with the shoot, Jay walks in and tells them that they can check into the hotel and after brunch in the morning, he’ll deliver an envelope with the name of the girl that is eliminated. That night, Jay calls Tyra on the phone to make a decision. They talk about Kelle and say she’s a bit hoochie. Magdalena was rough, while Leah’s shots were mediocre. Toccara did her thing, and they say Ann needed energy, but still looked great. Tyra feels they made a decision, and with that, it’s off to bed!