America’s Next Top Model 9, Episode 1: Caribbean Queens

This season begins with shots at the open casting calls. We see each girl actually get a phone call from Tyra, telling them that they are going to be in the semifinals. Not only that, but they are going to the Caribbean! Thirty-three girls are headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and when they arrive, we see them blindfolded on a bus. However, when they arrive at their destination, it’s Ms. J. that is there to greet them and welcome them to their home for the next week – a cruise ship!

One girl, Heather, is awe struck by Ms. J., and doesn’t know how to process him (although she says “her”). Ms. J. says that only 13 girls will be moving into the house, and Ebony comments that she doesn’t see any competition yet, since she’s just as fierce as all the others.

So the girls board the ship and Mila says that she wants to win because it would be fun and she’d be good at it. Ms. J. says that this is no party cruise, and Chantal knows that she has something special. They head inside and find Ms. J. with a life vest, working it to the max. He wants the girls to wear them too – and participate in a fashion show! Runway walks!

Marvita says that she was homeless, but she’ll get right in there and into the house. Jenah is first on the runway and she’s scared because people on the boat are staring. There’s another girl, whose name is Spontaniouse, and she is told that she walks too tight. Victoria says she has the modeling sense of a 12-year-old, and she knows it. She admits that she’s just a smart girl.

Ebony, of course, says that her walk is natural and there’s nothing wrong with it. Is it too early for me to despise her? Heather is told that she has a hump, and she says it’s from leaning over a computer. She never believed that she was beautiful for the longest time. Ms. J. thinks that some were a mess and some were very good for their first time. However, now it’s time to say goodbye for a while!

As the girls hang out, Lisa says that she likes Heather and would like to see her in the house since she’s very cute and would be great if she could sit up straight. Ebony says that she calls Heather “Hunchback” and doesn’t think that she would do too well in the competition.

Meanwhile, as the girls eat, in comes Tyra from behind a curtain, dancing with four guys and looking like a drag queen. It’s ridiculous, but the girls are going wild. Saleisha says she wants to show people that she can make her dream come true. Tyra tells them that interviews will begin, and they’ll be meeting with her, Jay Manual, and Ms. J.

Ambreal is the first girl to meet with the judges, and she tells them how she goes to Howard. Tyra has her do some walking, and Ambreal shows her “ghetto walk,” which I can attest is very ghetto. She says she loves walking since it’s her forte. Jay feels that she’s a little too choreographed for him, but they all agree she is funny.

Chantal says that she’s not a Barbie doll and has a lot of knowledge about the industry, which she shows the judges. They are quite impressed and Jay feels that she is naturally modelesque – everything about her.

Sylvia says she’s a waitress and is always asked if she’s a model. She’s very confused by the whole process, but doesn’t plan on giving up.

Heather walks in and says, “Hey pretty lady… and Tyra!” The judges are a little confused, but Heather explains that she had mild autism at age 13. She was very awkward in social situations, but her real problem was having no friends. She wasn’t understood, but is getting better. When she leaves, the judges feel she is very 1950s and awkward, but don’t think she could do runway.

Saleisha is up next and Tyra recognizes her. She attended her T-Zone camp, which helps with self esteem. Saleisha says it was four years ago, but it was a great experience for her. She wants to be a model and thinks she can do it. I really like this girl so far.

Victoria arrives next and she’s a little nervous. She says it’s how hard you work, and she is very smart, but then admits that some of the girls there are dumb. Don’t bash the other girls – it’s too early! She tells the camera that she wasn’t into it in the beginning, but she’s competing now, and all about it.

Janet is excited about a Walmart finally being in her small town. She shows the judges some personality and gives Tyra a fake bikini wax, including a smack on the butt. She knows this is the biggest opportunity to cross her way, and the judges love her personality.

So the girls are now sitting and eating, and Victoria starts having stomach problems. She gets sick and shakes, while Sabrina says that this is her time to shine. Great! Victoria rebounds though and says that she will work hard and get into the house. Meanwhile, Ebony wants to know who has an eating disorder. Marvita doesn’t think that’s funny, and they get in a little tiff. It begins. Marvita isn’t intimidated by Ebony and Mila says that she’s just trying to lighten the mood.