America’s Next Top Model 4, Episode 9: Zoobilee Zoo!

Keenyah is told to model her whole body when posing, and they tell her that her photo was great in the face, but they had to do so much work with fixing the body. Janice tells her how to disguise the gut, and Tyra goes on this rant about how this is the “fashion industry” so Keenyah has to be thin. This is the same Tyra who was encouraging Toccara to keep going last season, even though she was “plus sized.” Tyra is officially a hypocrite.

Christina steps up next, and they say some of her poses made her look crazy. They look at her photo and love it, but think there is something wrong with her lip. Tyra gives her some pointers on how to fix it, which makes all the judges love her. Brittany steps up and they say that although she won the pose challenge in L.A., she didn’t do well here. They like her more when she is quiet. The judges look at her photo and they think it’s ultra sexy. The makeup looks great, I’ll admit that.

Kahlen is last. They liked her poses, and her photo looks stunning. Her face is great and the body is posed perfectly. All this happens right after Tyra tries to get Janice to show “passion” with her, and Janice basically falls on top of Tyra and starts humping her like a rabbit. I think Janice was on something at this time, so I’m going to let it slide. Time for the judges to deliberate!

The judges weren’t thrilled with Naima this week, and think she is still holding back. Brittany has what it takes to win, but she is a walking exclamation point, and Nigel doesn’t like it. Michelle is weak in person, but has a silver lining. Kahlen got it down this week, and while Christina was a bit of an ice queen, she was on it. Keenyah is getting to be an elephant, says Nole’ and Janice tells him that it takes one to know one. Wow, Janice is on a roll this week. Nole’ isn’t bothered, and says that Keenyah is out.

Tyra welcomes the girls back in and tells them someone is going home. The first name called… is Kahlen. Tyra tells her that she’s becoming a lion. Uh-oh, looks like Kahlen might be the new “girl to beat.” Christina is called next, and Tyra tells her that she learned something today, and there are tricks to use. Next is Naima, and she is told that for some reason, when Tyra thinks of the girls, she always forgets Naima. She needs to do something to stick out more. Brittany is called next, and Tyra tells her that from week to week she is falling apart.

Keenyah and Michelle step up. Tyra only has one photo left, and that’s the girl that is still in the competition. She says that the two of them have very different strengths. Michelle has a very unique face, but can’t take the pressure, and the judges aren’t sure if she is strong enough. Keenyah isn’t being seen as a model, and as much as Tyra hates to say it, they are in the industry and if you don’t fit the clothes, you don’t get the work. It’s sad, but true, and I agree, but don’t be a hypocrite, Tyra. Tyra tells them that miracles happen, so hopefully one of them will shape up.

Keenyah is called, and she immediately gives Michelle a hug. Tyra tells her to get it together, as we see Michelle give the other girls hugs and head out. The judges yell her some words of encouragement, and off she goes. In her room, she says that she wanted it more than anything in the world, and with the advice and criticism she got on the show, hopefully she can change and be a top model. She’s more confident now and thinks she’s beautiful, which is something she’s never felt before. I’m not sure if this is good or bad!

Next week, the girls race to impress the fashion elite in South Africa, and Keenyah shows everyone how competitive she is. All the girls get a little catty when they have to critique the photos of the other girls. This is a recipe for disaster, and I, for one, hope I have a front row seat! Here’s how I’m ranking the girls:

Kahlen
Naima
Christina
Keenyah
Brittany

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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