America’s Next Top Model 9: Ranking the Models – The Top 6
by Asher Streets
-- 11/21/2007
Tyra called out the name of Bianca (right) first. But does Asher think she deserved such a high placement? Did Ambreal deserve to be sent home? And who will likely go next? Asher has his rankings right here.
Bianca had yet another anger-infused week. She talked smack about other models (of course focusing on Heather) and had a challenge performance and photo that oozed spite. Yet notwithstanding all of this, she was called first by Tyra. Asher agrees that she’s improving, but does she have what it takes to move up the rankings?
Jenah (2): We all knew last week’s that she didn’t deserve to be called as late as she was. Jenah is the most consistent model this season, without being predictable. I think Jenah should have won the challenge, and her photo was the best of the group. She needs to work some on selling herself in person, especially before the go-sees begin. I would be surprised to not have Jenah in the final runway challenge, and equally surprised if she didn’t win. (Challenge: 10, Photo: 10, Misc: 9, Tyra’s rank: 2nd, Episode score: 9.5, Cumulative score: 8.2)
Saleisha (3): I’m in the same camp as Nigel. Saleisha is doing very well, but she lacks a bit of magic. Again, I have to say the hair is doing nothing for her. Her bubbly personality was captured so much better in the cut she had before the makeover. Saleisha will be a great commercial model, but doesn’t have the edge to win. I’m not sure how long she’ll last without the X-factor, but while Heather and Lisa are still around to make fools of themselves while talking, Saleisha stands a pretty good chance of advancing to the final episode. (Challenge: 9, Photo: 7, Misc: 8, Tyra’s rank: 3rd, Episode score: 7.6, Cumulative score: 7.5)
Heather (1): As I thought early in the season, Heather proved she was not cut out for speaking roles. I still have hopes for her; she is one of the most intriguing models ever to have been on the show. Other previous winners have had sub-par speaking performances (Danielle and Jaslene stand out), so Heather isn’t out of the running yet. She’ll need to turn the tide, because Chantal and Bianca are catching up to her. Compartmentalize, Heather, compartmentalize. (Challenge: 2, Photo: 5, Misc: 5, Tyra’s rank: 5th, Episode score: 4.4, Cumulative score: 7.2)
Chantal (5): Yes, Chantal does look like Cheryl Tiegs, but with a worse haircut. Chantal is still doing well, but she doesn’t have momentum. I think she isn’t in danger for at least another week, but she’ll need to reinvent herself to make the finals. I think she has a shot. (Challenge: 6, Photo: 9, Misc: 8, Tyra’s rank: 4th, Episode score: 7.6, Cumulative score: 7.1)
Bianca (6): Bianca may be beloved by all who exit the house, but she’s still an irritant to me due to her backbiting and gossip. Her photo was very good, but too angry, in my opinion… just like the challenge. Bianca is an angry person on some level and needs a good helping of Tyra therapy. Her past photos were mostly tinged with anger. She is ascending, but ever so slowly. Bianca may get her lines down better than Heather and Lisa, but besides the internal strife, Bianca’s speech may present another obstacle, specifically with how raspy her voice is. (Challenge: 7, Photo: 9, Misc: 6, Tyra’s rank: 1st, Episode score: 8.2, Cumulative score: 6.7)
Lisa (4): I think Lisa’s elimination is a foregone conclusion. The waterworks I’ve been predicting for weeks may have only just begun. It looks like she blows her lines next episode, and the only reaction I can imagine from her is a meltdown. I think this will also affect her photos and she won’t even have time to unpack her bags before she’s headed back to the good old U.S. of A. (Challenge: 3, Photo: 6, Misc: 7, Tyra’s rank: 6th, Episode score: 5.2, Cumulative score: 6.7)
Eliminated: Ambreal (7): Ambreal seems like a great person indeed, but not a model. Looking back over her portfolio, she was nearly always expressionless and vacant. I don’t know why her conclusion was that this show wasn’t for her, but modeling was for her. Although she may have learned a few things, that knowledge didn’t translate into a good picture. I’m also a little worried that her “fallback” career choice is musical theatre. I think she needs a fallback to her fallback. Anyway, I overestimated Ambreal toward the beginning of the season. I thought runway would be her saving grace, but even with a runway challenge, she didn’t succeed. I wish her the best of luck and hope she can find a realistic career path. (Challenge: 5, Photo: 4, Misc: 7, Tyra’s rank: last, Episode score: 4.4, Cumulative score: 5.5)
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent America’s Next Top Model articles:
Asher Streets is a food engineer and musician who lives in Madison, WI. He has a love for all things Italian, most especially gelato, wine, espresso, and cheese. You can email Asher at asher.streets@gmail.com.
