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

Last week, the girls got the chance to let go of some emotional baggage. Michelle cried about not knowing what she wanted, Jaeda moaned about her hair and MY CariDee revealed a secret about attempting suicide. The girls also packed their bags and headed to Barcelona, Spain, where they needed to master the native tongue for a Secret deodorant commercial shoot. Jaeda had troubles not only on set, but in front of the judges as well, and was given her walking papers. Five girls are left, let’s see whose getting the ax tonight, shall we?

We begin where we left last episode. Jaeda has just been eliminated and the girls just get back to their apartment. MY CariDee says that there was a part of her that thought it might be her time to go, but there was a bigger part of her that said she needed to be there. Michelle, in another room, contemplates what she wants out of the competition, while MY CariDee admits to wanting to win this so badly, and how much it would suck if someone stayed longer than her that wasn’t as passionate. I’m sorry, but I just don’t get why someone would even try out for the show if they didn’t want to win. Like, what’s the point?

Later that night, the girls call Lucas, one of the male models they worked with on the Secret commercial, to go to dinner with them. He’s told to bring friends, of course. At dinner, the men come in and the girls talk about how much better they smell than American men. Okay, if you say so! After dinner, they go back to the apartment to “hang out” (see: hook up.) MY CariDee hooks up with one of the guys, making me jealous in the process. Actually, I just want to touch her hair. Eugena says that MY CariDee doesn’t know when to stop, which gives me flashbacks of when Shandi was in the hot tub during Cycle 2 and ended up having sex with that Italian dude. I’ll never forget her boyfriend on the phone: “Did you have SEX?” Anyway, MY CariDee says that she is just having fun, and it’s all about the experience right now.

The next day, the girls sit down with Tyra, who is there to talk to them about the harsh reality of the modeling industry. She starts by telling the girls that it’s hard to improve when you’re a model. You either got it or you don’t. If you look isn’t loved by someone, then you won’t be booked, and that’s why America’s Next Top Model is going to help them. It’s a coach to get the girls as strong as they can be for the industry. She then asks the girls what the judges have said to them that really made them feel terrible about themselves. Oh great, I can’t wait to hear this!

Michelle says that she hated being told that she is not walking with poise. MY CariDee talks about the last judging panel, when Nigel told her that she looked not only drunk, but crazy during the commercial shoot. Melrose goes all the way back to the first judging panel, when she was also told by Nigel that she photographs old, which worries him. Eugena says that she is beginning to get immune to the comments, but still doesn’t want to be a disappointment to the judges. Can I just say how much I’ve really come to like Eugena? This girl has sass, and she really is “real.” Amanda says it hurt the most when she was told that she shouldn’t be in the competition anymore. Tyra takes it all in and tells the girls that they need to be able to handle the criticism, and then goes into some speech about how the girls need to speak correctly, know their look and be intelligent. She reminds them to know the industry *ding* (Top Model Tip) and that she’s sacrificing herself for them. What the hell does that mean? Hugs all around, and then Tyra is whisked away!

The girls arrive back to their apartment where there is Tyra Mail waiting for them. Looks like it’s time for some go sees! Fast forward to the girls meeting up with an agent for Elite in Barcelona. He tells the girls that they will have the chance to meet up with 10 designers, and will be judged on appearance, walk *ding* (Top Model Tip), personality *ding* (Top Model Tip) and portfolio. Of course, the more designers they see means the more they have a chance at winning, however, they must be back to the office by 6:00 p.m. Each girl receives their portfolio and a map of the city and head out. MY CariDee and Eugena team up to find the designers, as do the twins, naturally. Melrose admits to wanting to be on her own, which will allow her to have more fun. Umm, when you need to be on your own to have fun, that means you have a social disorder.

Melrose arrives at the first designer’s shop and is leaves a good impression, despite her walk needed to be changed. Eugena says the best she can do is smile and hope they like her. MY CariDee says she is going to impress the designers, as we see them all work it out on their first visit, except the twins, who are now lost. By the time Melrose, MY CariDee and Eugena get to their second, the twins are still lost. Melrose actually gets to her third before they even do one, and theirs only two hours left at this point. Finally, the twins get to their first destination and Michelle’s walk leaves A LOT to be desired. MY CariDee and Eugena get to their third go see and Melrose is at her fourth. Finally, the twins separate to cover more ground. Amanda is viewed by the designer as better than her sister, while Melrose racks up her fifth go see with a half hour left.

Eugena tells the camera, as she arrives back at Elite, that she doesn’t like Melrose because she is so fake. Everyone is on their way back to the office and MY Caridee, Eugena and Melrose all arrive there with five minutes to spare. Michelle arrives about a minute late and is disqualified. Amanda doesn’t arrive until around 6:30 p.m. and is also told that she is disqualified and has to leave the room.

Each girl is told how they did. Melrose was apparently the most friendly, but the designers felt her walk was inconsistent. MY CariDee needs a little more practice on her natural look, but she left a good impression, and while Eugena had a good look that the designers liked, she really needs to work on her personality. The winner is announced, and guess who it is? Melrose! What else is new? She is allowed to pick a friend (MY CariDee) and they are told that a personal chef will come to the apartment tonight and cook them dinner.

That night, the chef arrives and cooks the girls a big fishy meal. Eugena says that she doesn’t care that she didn’t win the challenge or get picked by Melrose, especially since she’s grossed out by the menu selection and doesn’t like the smell. Tyra Mail arrives, telling the girls that it’s time to shoot with a bull!

As they file into the stadium, MY CariDee says that shooting with a bull in Spain is like shooting with a cheesecake in New York – it’s expected! What the hell does that mean? I love it! Jay Manuel comes out in a matador costume and Eugena says that he doesn’t look like a matador – he looks like Jay in a matador costume. Oh my God, I really do love this girl so much more now! Jay says that the girls will be shooting with a bull… and out comes Nigel Barker! Also, to give the photo shoot some real edge, there will be a real bull as well! Melrose is already scared, saying that it’s intimidating to being shot by one of the judges.

The girls and Nigel watch the bull run around the stadium and MY CariDee says to Nigel, who is holding a stick: “Did you remove that from your a** from last panel?” obviously trying to be funny. It doesn’t go over too well though, since Nigel just looks at her and walks away. All the girls looked shocked but I really don’t think MY CariDee meant it to be insulting. That’s just her personality!

After hair and make up, Jay pulls the girls aside and tells them all that MY CariDee’s comment was not acceptable, and that they need to be aware of what they say in the future to people that might hire them. MY CariDee tells the camera that she was joking and that’s just her humor. Now she is worried about how the photo shoot will go. Melrose says that it’s better to have someone like Nigel on your side than against you. You think?

Amanda is already nervous as she steps onto the shoot site with Eugena, who will be going first. The girls are told that if they are told to run, don’t panic, and just run out of the way of the bull. What great advice. Each girl is given a stick which will have a cape photo shopped onto it in production. Eugena starts off great and Nigel comments on the risks she is taking. He likes that she is trying and when she wraps up, Jay comments that she used her fear in order to help her, instead of just being scared.

Amanda says that she is more nervous about Nigel shooting her than she is the bull. In the middle of her shoot, Jay tells her that she is looking too distant, and that one half of her body is modeling, while the other isn’t. Where does he come up with this stuff? Amanda finishes and heads to the back, where Michelle asks her how she did, what went wrong, etc. Amanda, at this point, is beginning to get annoyed, as Michelle steps out to go next. Nigel feels inspired by Michelle and her poses, while Jay feels that Michelle wasn’t do so well at first, but really sold him in the final 20 frames.

Melrose is up next and Nigel feels that she is being too delicate at first, but she is working to impress him. He felt that she posed her a** off, but really wasn’t the star of the day, as he expected her to be. Finally, we have MY CariDee, who blesses herself before the shoot. She poses pretty well but seems a bit “pin up” to Jay. Nigel thinks she is being too over the top, and when her shoot wraps, she apologizes to Nigel for the comment she made. She feels that she did poorly during the shoot and says there really is a chance that she’s done at this point.

When the girls get home, there is Tyra Mail waiting for them, informing the girls that it’s time to meet with the judges tomorrow and that someone will be going home. Amanda knows that the judges will be tough on her, while Eugena tells the camera that Amanda and MY CariDee are probably in the most trouble. Michelle says that she wants this, but she isn’t sure if she has it in her, while Amanda admits that Michelle will probably be staying, and although that makes her happy, it makes her worried since she might be the one sent home.

Like soldiers, the girls march into the judging room. Tyra, as usual, reminds them of the prizes and introduces the judges, including Pancho Saula, the director of Elite in Barcelona and Ms. J., who for some odd reason has his hair in an up-do. I’m not exaggerating. Their test this week will be to face the judges and tell them which of the remaining five girls has the most potential and who has the least potential. Yeah, because this won’t cause enemies or drama, will it?

Melrose is up first and says that she thinks she has the most potential, and the least is probably Eugena, since she never talks and says how badly she wants it. Of course, Eugena thinks that she has the most potential since it’s been a different kind of struggle for her, comparing it to a journey. Tyra’s eyes light up as if God just game down from the heavens, since she always calls the experience as a “journey.” Major brownie points for my girl, Eugena! She says that Amanda has the least potential because she is never beaming.

Amanda feels that Eugena probably has the most potential and MY CariDee has the least, since her look is very standard and she’s too “country.” Finally, we have Michelle, who says that MY CariDee has the most potential, not necessarily because of her look, but because of her personality. She then breaks down and says that the weakest sometimes could be herself, saying that when Brooke went home, she felt so bad knowing how much she wanted to win, and isn’t sure if she has the energy to commit and win this thing. Michelle isn’t sure how to be confident, as she steps back to the other girls, she gets a “Thanks, Michelle” from MY CariDee.

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.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on the site! And take a look at the rest of the site. You can find all of our recent articles on this show at our America’s Next Top Model page and take a look at our sections on The Apprentice and Last Comic Standing. You can even buy reality show stuff at our Reality TV Store!

For more news about America’s Next Top Model, be sure to check out SirLinksALot: America's Next Top Model!