Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search: A Preview

Proving that good ideas can come from anywhere, NBC has taken one of UPN’s most successful shows, America’s Next Top Model, and put its own spin on it by teaming up with Sports Illustrated to present the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search. The show, which premieres this Wednesday, January 5, will have 12 gorgeous model wannabes (and some currently working models) competing over the course of six episodes for the chance to appear in the magazine and a one million dollar contract with NEXT Model Management.

Why just six episodes? I don’t have the definitive answer, but I’m guessing it has something to do with the release of the 2005 Swimsuit Issue. Fans know that this issue, which SI says is the best-selling issue of any magazine in the world, usually hits newsstands in mid-February, which just happens to be when the show will air its finale. How’s that for marketing?

The show itself will have three judges, former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model Roshumba Williams, who appeared in the 1992 issue of the Magazine; NEXT Model Management President, Joel Wilkenfeld; and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Founding Editor, Jule Campbell. The contestants will live in Los Angeles where the field will eventually be narrowed to the Final Two. According to NBC’s website, these two will be flown to an “exotic locale” for a photo shoot, after which America will get to choose the winner by going to NBC’s website and clicking on the “Vote Now” page. There may be other ways of voting too.

Here’s a rundown of the contestants. If I sound like a Miss America presenter, please forgive me.

Adaora is a 6’0” tall, 139lb., 20-year-old from Windsor, CT, who is a full-time student at Central Connecticut State University. Her favorite hobbies are reading and shopping. Her favorite model and inspiration is Tyra Banks. (This kind of makes you wonder why she applied to this show, considering that her inspiration hosts a rival model search competition.)

Alicia is a 19-year-old, home-schooled web designer from Las Vegas, NV. She’s 5’8½” tall, weighs 115 lbs., and counts basketball, tennis, and designing clothes amongst her many hobbies. Her favorite swimsuit model and inspiration is Roshumba Williams, who also happens to be one of the judges. She also admires and is grateful to Kate Moss for breaking the height barrier and proving that you don’t need to be very tall to be a successful model.

Betti is one of only two African-Americans on the show, and also the eldest contestant at age 27. Betti hails from Miami, FL, where she is a student at Johnson & Wales University in addition to being a model. She is 5’10” tall and weighs 130 lbs. Her hobbies include basketball, running, and dancing. She doesn’t have a favorite swimsuit model because she says she’s never to had anyone to look up to, except for her mom, who is her inspiration and role model.

Jenna is a 19-year-old, 5’9”, 120 lb. student whose hometown is Dallas, TX. She enjoys reading writing, acting, running, and working out. Other than that, she is she is apparently a woman of few words as there is no information about her occupation, favorite swimsuit model, or inspiration.

Krisi is a 23-year-old from Little Rock, AR. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and now works full-time as a model. This 5’8”, 107 lb. contestant enjoys skydiving, water sports, and “anything fun and adventurous.” Her favorite swimsuit model and inspiration is Christie Brinkley, although Heidi Klum (currently hosting another reality show, Project Runway) is also one of her inspirations, as both she and Brinkley have great attitudes.

Marcela is a 21-year-old Glenview, IL, resident who studies at Chicago’s Loyola University. The 6’0”, 125 lb. full-time student likes both summer and winter sports. Marcela finds it hard to pick just one favorite swimsuit model, because she likes them all. Her inspiration is “any model that’s real about herself and her profession.”

Nancy is another contestant who calls Illinois home – Chicago, IL, to be precise. This 22-year-old college graduate feels most comfortable in bikinis. She is 5’10”, weighs 110 lbs., and loves to dance, socialize, and “‘try’ to waterski.” She also doesn’t list her favorite swimsuit model of inspiration.