America’s Next Top Model 4, Episode 1: “I Went from America’s Most Wanted to America’s Next Top Model!”

All the girls head into the room and Estella doesn’t know who is going home yet. Jay tells them that they will narrow the field from 35 to 20. There are 20 portfolios on the table in front of him, and that will be the 20 girls moving on. The girls run over to the table like animals and Tatiana says that everyone was being knocked all over the place as we see some of the girls find their portfolios. Tiffany finds hers and says that things are looking up. Mary has tears of joy as she says that there are no other plus size girls except for her. Estella says that she cried more for the girls who didn’t get a book, as we see Alexandria didn’t make the cut. Lady Kat is still around and Jennifer says her dream is so close. Sarah is impressed with the girls who have made it and has no idea how the judges will decide.

Twenty girls are now left. They walk into a room and find a photo booth to take their pictures in. Brita is worried about it, as we see the girls starting to do their thing. Tiffany says she forgot about the whole thing and just let loose. Naima sizes up the competition and Noelle just has some fun. Lluvy and Sarah are both happy with their pictures.

Tyra meets with the Jays and tells them it’s time to narrow the field down to 14. Keenya is a little flat and isn’t crazy like some of the other girls. Tatiana is rough around the edges, but deserves a second look. Jennifer has a bad walk and Kahlen can be molded. Lluvy is loved, but has a pear shape; while Noelle is fun – but Jay Manuel wants to say no. Brittney looks a lot like Janice and Naima has some edge. Michele can’t show her neck yet and Jay isn’t fond of Brandy’s wig, but Tyra likes it. Brita is beautiful and everything about her works. Sarah has a great face, while Estella has a great story but that’s not a reason to put her through.

The judges feel like Rebecca is a clean pallet, but somewhat looks like an actress. Lady Kat has a great body and Tiffany can be built. Mary has a commercial look, but Ms. J doesn’t think it’s fair for one girl to compete with girls who are not her size. That’s what I’ve been saying for the three seasons that I’ve been recapping this show! Tiffany tells the camera that she is happy to be there, but is used to failing, and there is doubt in her family’s mind that she can do it since she already failed once.

The girls walk out onto the patio and Tyra is waiting for them. She greets them and says that it’s time for the final elimination. Fourteen girls will still be in the running to be America’s Next Top Model. The first girl called is… Rebecca. She is followed by Christina, the girl who is confident and not cocky; Keenya, one of my favorites; Brita, another favorite; and Naima, ANOTHER favorite. Noelle is called next, and I couldn’t be happier. Michelle the wrestler is called next and is so psyched to have made it. Sarah is next, followed by Brandy.

Brittney is the next girl called and she jumps all over the place. Mary starts tearing up while Kahlen is the next girl called. There are only three spots left and Tiffany looks PETRIFIED. Lady Kat is looking collected as Tatiana is the next one called. She starts crying as Mary looks defeated. Lluvy is called next and that means there is only room for one more girl. The six girls left are all shedding tears except for LK.

The last name called will complete the group – and that girl is Tiffany! She falls to the round and Mary breaks down right away. The other girls start to cry and Tyra goes to hug them. Mary looks like she is going to have a nervous breakdown! She knows she came so far and to make it this far and be shut down twice she just doesn’t understand. I don’t either – that’s rough. They are leading this girl on!

Tyra has a talk with Mary to calm her down. Estella says that she and her daughter will come out on top, while Noelle says that she is feeling good – as is Tatiana. Tiffany can’t wait to tell her granny the good news, stating that she went from “America’s Most Wanted to America’s Next Top Model.” Okay, another great quote from Tiffany!

Next week, the girls get to NY and are put to the test by the best – the judges! The new neighborhood doesn’t meet the girls’ expectations, and two girls piss Tyra off during their makeovers! I can’t wait to see who that is!

Okay, now that I’ve seen the girls in action, I can pick official favorites. Keenya, Brita, Noelle, Tiffany and Naima are all favorites. I didn’t think I would really like that many of the girls this season. Brittany and Lluvy are likable, but not favorites. I’m over Brandy already. Next week the eliminations begin, with two girls going home! Check back here to see who it is, and I’ll be right here to call it as I see it!

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.

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