America’s Next Top Model 7, Episode 9: Go-See About Me

Up first for evaluations is Melrose. The judge look at her photo, and let me say right now I’m disappointed. Not with Melrose’s picture, but the fact that the bull was airbrushed to within two feet of the girls. If they were going to do that, then why have the bull on set to begin with, standing over 30 feet away? Ridiculous. Anyway, Tyra thinks that Melrose photo is stunning, but Nigel thinks it was a bit too rehearsed. They clap for her because she won the challenge.

Eugena is up next and Tyra has to comment on her calling the experience a journey. She feels that Eugena has been the most improved. Her photo this week looks great and Nigel says she took risks and he loved it. Ms. J. thinks that it looks like him (her) in the photo, noting that it’s “fierce.”

Michelle steps forward and Tyra tells her that going out to the go sees, Michelle had the strongest portfolio, and that she doesn’t know her own strength. In her photo this week, her face looks good, but Nigel says he was surprised she didn’t pose as much as he thought she would, although it came together in the end. Tyra likes that Michelle took risks, but tells Michelle that it takes time to grow in the industry and realize your talent.

Amanda is next and when the judges look at her photo, Twiggy is impressed. Nigel likes her look, but doesn’t understand her body or the way she was moving. He feels she was very awkward and continuously second guessed herself the whole time.

MY CariDee is last, who wants to read a letter to the judges. Basically, it thanks them for the opportunity and apologizes to Nigel once again. Tyra appreciates the gesture and Nigel accepts the apology. Tyra then says that you have to act with class, dignity and show respect. They look at her photo and feel that she is trying to hard, and it’s beginning to ruin her. Nigel adds that MY CariDee acts like she is listening, but really isn’t most of the time. With that, it’s time to deliberate, and here’s what the judges have to say about the girls:

• Amanda didn’t have the best photo of the week, but the judges agree that she is special. Nigel thinks that she needs a little more confidence, while Twiggy feels that Amanda should stay over Michelle. Nigel doesn’t agree and the two of them actually have a little spat over it!
• Michelle is probably one of the most interesting girls left in the competition, but is severely lacking in the confidence department. Ms. J. says she has to get it now because time is running out. Twiggy isn’t sure what to do with her. Tyra wonders if Michelle is actually sacrificing herself so that Amanda can stay in the competition.
• All the judges agree that MY CariDee is sweet, but that she’s falling apart. All the positive comments in the beginning have gone to her head, and she is beginning to not listen to anything the judges tell her.
• Melrose won the challenge, and everyone seemed to love her photo. Ms. J. says that he likes her even more because all the other girls hate her. Nigel feels that there is some intangible quality that Melrose is lacking, and he can’t put his finger on it.
• Tyra feels that Eugena is a silent threat. Nigel loves that she used her fear to her advantage during the photo shoot and wasn’t deterred by the bull. Tyra adds that in her photo this week, she looks like she is a model AND an acrobat, which is very hard to pull off.

The five girls walk back into the room and Tyra tells them that she only has four photos in her hand. The first one is going to… Eugena! When she gets her photo from Tyra, she is told that she has come a long way, and that this is all about the journey. Oh boy, Tyra is eating this up!

Melrose is called next, and Tyra tells her that she has the knowledge of the industry that they are looking for. However, it’s not just about pretty pictures anymore. This is about so much more, and Melrose needs to realize that. MY CariDee is called next and she begins to cry. Tyra tells her that it’s not worth it to be cheeky, and there are no second chances in the real world when it comes to this industry.

As I suspected, the twins are the bottom two. I knew Tyra would do that eventually. The sisters hold hands as they step forward. Tyra says that back in casting, she felt that the twins would both be in the final three. One has such an amazing natural talent, and it’s crazy that for being so gifted she doesn’t have a passion to use it. They wonder if they remove her sister, if she would be able to stand on her own. Then there is Amanda, who has all the drive in the world, but not as much talent. The final girl called is… Amanda! The judges feel that passion is more important than talent, and they want the winner to really want this. They feel Amanda does.

Michelle gives Tyra a hug and then says goodbye to the other girls. As she packs her bags, she admits to shooting herself in the foot, but feels that Amanda will do better now because she might have been a distraction and now Amanda can focus. She says that she was there to find herself, and feels that she did find a little bit. Michelle feels that since she is still so young, she has time to embrace her talent, and I agree.

Next week, the final four girls kick up their heels for some dancing, leading Melrose to have a meltdown due to her competitive spirit. At the photo shoot, MY CariDee freezes up – literally – in what appears to be a pool.

I’m doing great this season with predictions. I pegged Michelle as the eliminated girl this week and hit it the nail on the head. Her sister isn’t far behind her, since I think we know it’s going to be Melrose and MY CariDee in the end, and since Eugena is growing in leaps and bounds, she’ll be there too. Calling the show a “journey” just solidified it for her. Here’s how it will look next week:

Eugena
MY CariDee
Melrose
Amanda

Phil Kural is an office manager at a law firm, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. You can send feedback to him at pkural@gmail.com.

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