America's Next Top Model 9: Here's The Updated Rankings
By Jacob D.
September 3, 2007
Last time on America's Next Top Model, we visited cycle eight and 13 new girls hoping to be the next supermodel. We met some more interesting characters such as college grad Whitney, quirky Brittany, and "Martyr of the Universe's Happiness" Jael. It was the girls who made up the final three that made the biggest splash, though.
First, there was tough mom Renee. She was the season's resident bitch and did more than just rub a couple of girls the wrong way. She claimed she wasn't a mean person, but just could not lighten up. Halfway through the season, she did make some effort to change her ways and ended up in third place. Then there was Natasha, the Russian expatriate who raised her eyebrows with her home life. After a rocky start, she stepped up her game week after week and delivered terrific photos.
The winner of Cycle Eight was Jaslene Gonzalez, a.k.a. the "Cha Cha Diva." She first appeared in Cycle Seven's semi-final round, but failed to make it into the house as one of that season's finalists. When she was cut, she promised Tyra she'd be back and she made good on her word. She got her second chance and was made a finalist. She started out strong, then plateaued when her personality seemed to disappear, but never faded out to where she was forgotten. She came on strong in the end and as a result, won the whole shebang. Not only that, she won without ever being in the bottom two!
On Sept. 19 at 8 pm/7 pm central, we will meet the next 13 girls who hope to follow in Jaslene's footsteps. Here's a little preview of who they are.
Kimberly
Current Ranking: 1 - Previous Ranking: 1
Kimerbly is a 20 year old college student from Ocala, FL.
First Impression: Kimberly has an incredible look! Her face is strong, fierce, alien-esque, exotic, and all those other buzz words that the fashion industry loves. She really jumps out at me with a soft presence, fabulous body, and one-of-a-kind face. Everything about her at this moment just strikes me as "model in the making." If she can take great photos and get the judges on her side, she'll be a contender! I can't wait to see her in action.
Video Interview Update: I feel like Kimberly has "star quality" written all over. In person, she is very cutesy and perky. She spoke well about herself and the auditions and wanting to get to the photo shoots, but she came off as sweet and full of life. Judging by her pre-season photo, even though she seems like a cutesy, "Ms. Apple Pie" type, she can take a fierce photo. Watching her video, she kind of reminded me of Kyle from Cycle Five, only much edgier. Commercial and high fashion appeal? Sounds great!
Saleisha
Current Ranking: 2 - Previous Ranking: 2
Saleisha is a 21 year old receptionist from Los Angeles.
First Impression: When I first saw her, I immediately thought "third place." She brought to mind the string of girls who finished in third in previous seasons like Keenyah, Bre, Jade, Eugena, and even Renee. She has a nice look and a strong presence in her photo. Like the afforementioned girls, she also strikes me as a gal with the dogged determination to win and be a model. Tyra loves girls like that, as she has spoken many times about passion being important.
Video Interview Update: After watching her video interview, I must say that I am adoring Saleisha. She spoke clearly and strongly about trying something new and learning what she can so she can be a great model. She's aware of how tough the fashion world can be, but also talked about how she brings determination and a drive to get the job done well. All in all, she's very natural, very real, and someone who could endear herself to many. She already has to me.
Sarah
Current Ranking: 3 - Previous Ranking: 8
Sarah is a 20 year old college student from Heath, MA.
First Impression: Sarah has a soft, sophisticated look, but everything about her from her pose to her look to her outfit reads "pageantry" to me. As any ANTM fan will tell you, the judges do not like pageant-y girls with Robyn from Cycle One and Cassandra from Cycle Five serving as prime examples. Robyn managed to make it a long ways into her season because she had a fierce look, great presence, and took good photos. Cassandra had potential, but chose not to adapt to this high fashion world and quit. With Sarah, it'll all depend on whether she is willing to change, accept what the judges have to say and do, and show a drive to succeed as a model. I kind of like her, so I'm hoping she isn't the next Cassandra Whitehead, the afforementioned Cycle Five contest who left the show.
Video Interview Update: I am absolutely crazy about Sarah now! She has a fantastic sense of humor and I love the casual little bon mots that she just randomly tosses into her sentences. "P.S. you're a dork!" Ha! That is totally my style of humor. She is just so crazy and bubbly and fun, like a brunette Caridee. Well, maybe not that crazy, but she has personality to spare. That's always a plus with the judges as long as she can maintain it. She admits to being a blank slate and not knowing anything about fashion, but she made it clear that she is ready and willing to whatever it takes. I think she will and I also think she won't lose who she is in the process. This video was like a revelation for me and I am rooting for Sarah. Take some fierce pictures and no pageant-y pictures, girl! I want to see you go far!
Janet
Current Ranking: 4 - Previous Ranking: 3
Janet is a 22 year old aesthetician from Bainbridge, GA.
First Impression: I am in love with Janet right now. She has a fresh, clean look and just exudes class and sophistication in her pre-season photo. She also has a certain sensuality with that "come hither" look in her eyes. She kind of reminds me of Alyssa Milano. The only thing I worry about with her is if either the judges find her boring or her sophisticated look causes her to seem old in her photographs. Both of those sins could get a girl cut and Janet could possess both. However, until she shows me something to change my mind, she is one of my favorite girls at the moment and I will be rooting for her this cycle.
Video Interview Update: Janet has a very casual way about her. She has a clear speaking voice, has been wanting to be on Top Model for some time, and spoke about how proud she is to make it this far. She has such poise. However, she must be careful because sometimes a person who is cool and laid-back can be perceived as, "Oh whatever. I don't mind either way." You know? Like someone who lacks passion. She has a slight accent, but it won't handicap her like it did for Adrienne from Cycle One or Danielle from Cycle Six. Also, is it just me or does she look like a more grown up version of Sarah from Cycle Eight? Anyways, Janet is still one of my favorites.
Jenah
Current Ranking: 5 - Previous Ranking: 7
Jenah is an 18 year old student from Farmington, CT.
First Impression: My first thought with Jenah is that she has an odd, quirky look. Odd, quirky looks are oftentimes the MO for the fashion world. There is a long line of bird-like girls with quirky looks such as Jenah on this show including Shandi from Cycle Two, Amanda from Cycle Three, Christina from Cycle Four, Jayla from Cycle Five, Sara from Cycle Six, AJ and the twins from Cycle Seven, and Brittany and Sarah from Cycle Eight. They generally do well, provided they are able to turn out great photos and gain the judges adoration. We'll see if Jenah upholds this streak.
Video Interview Update: In Jenah's video, you can see that her look is quite rough and even her skin looks a little rough to me. Still, she won me over with her personality. Once again, she is quirky, but she spoke energetically about being shy to audition and the whole process of getting there. She also expressed much anticipation in getting in there and getting the job done, taking the criticism, and doing better. I think she's a relatable girl and her stock is rising in my eyes.
Ambreal
Current Ranking: 6 - Previous Ranking: 5
Ambreal is a 19 year old college student from Dallas, TX.
First Impression: As a Texan girl, she earns points from me, but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about her yet. Her look reminds me a bit of Camilla, one of the models from the third season of Project Runway and that's a good thing. I loved Camilla and her sophisticated style. However, her look also reminds me a bit of Jade from ANTM Cycle Six for some reason. I see her as being one of those girls with a signature look, but I'm not sure how versatile it will be.
Video Interview Update: She's very pleasant, but nothing she said really stuck with me.
Bianca
Current Ranking: 7 - Previous Ranking: 6
Bianca is an 18 year old college student from Queens.
First Impression: Are Bianca and Ambreal related? I feel so many similarities from the two just from these two pre-season pictures. They're doing the same pose, giving the same look, have a couple of the same features, and so on. Bianca could be a signature look girl, like Ambreal, but unless she can show versatility, like last cycle's Jaslene, I doubt she'll be winning. Still, I don't expect her to be one of the first girls out.
Video Interview Update: Has a bit of an attitude, pointing out that none of the girls she's seen in the audition process are of any competition to her. Says no one has personality like her. She also feels she's relatable. Yes, because telling the world you're better than everyone is a great way to get people on your side.
Mila
Current Ranking: 8 - Previous Ranking: 10
Mila is a 20 year old college grad from Boston.
First Impression: Mila strikes me as one of those girls who feels being beautiful is enough to be a model, someone who already has an idea of what modeling is about. I see her as being the girl who goes, "I'll pout my lips to look sexy. I'll rock my hips to make a fabulous walk." You know? Someone who's very sure of herself, but comes in to a rude awakening from the judges. She has a strong look, but if she is someone with pre-conceived notions, the judges could string her along by giving her a couple of chances and then grow frustrated when she just doesn't get it, kind of like Jade from Cycle Six. I don't know. I'm just getting that kind of "know-it-all" vibe.
Video Interview Update: I might've been wrong about her. She came off to me as very sweet and someone who could be friends with all the other girls. She's not the most out there, "hey look at me!" girl, but I wouldn't say she's boring just yet. Her look, in person, is very odd to me. I don't even know what to say about it. Strong, weak? Versatile, not versatile? I'll have to see how she does in photo shoots because this girl just perplexes me.
Ebony
Current Ranking: 9 - Previous Ranking: 9
Ebony is a 20 year old nursing student from Chicago.
First Impression: I'm not really liking Ebony right now. Her look is very rough and she looks like she could be the diva this season. Owing to that, she kind of reminds me of Robyn from Cycle One. If she's a woman with a strong presence, she could be carried along for a couple of weeks. If she's a woman of attitude, don't look for her to win.
Video Interview Update: One thing that kind of raised a red flag is that she says if someone gives attitude to her, she'll give it right back. That could mean she's a mature person who'll stand up for herself, or it could mean she just loves to fight and argue. One thing that worries me is that she looks so much older than she actually is.
Heather
Current Ranking: 10 - Previous Ranking: 4
Heather is a 21 year old college student from Valparaiso, IN.
First Impression: I find myself responding to Heather's look. She seems very sublime and I feel like she could be a chameleon. She reminds me of such past contestants as Kahlen from Cycle Four, Joanie from Cycle 6, and the twins Amanda and Michelle from Cycle 7. Those girls were all "quiet storms" in that while the bigger, bolder personalities took the spotlight, they quietly won the judges respect with their excellent portfolios. All four ended up making it to the top five or better in their respective seasons with Kahlen and Joanie finishing runner-up. I think Heather has potential and am looking forward to seeing what she can do.
Video Interview Update: I am very disappointed in seeing Heather's interview video. At first I thought, "Oh she has a nice sweet voice!" Then I listened to what she was saying and she struck me as a girl who's just along for the ride. First of all, she only auditioned because her boss and his wife badgered her for a year. Second, she said she just went into this with no expectations and didn't start getting excited about the venture until she was in it. Also, not once did I hear her say she wants to be a model. Not once did I hear her say she has what it takes and she's ready to shine. She only talked about doing something fun and playing dress up. If she can't either fake it until she makes it or turn out great photos, she will be going home.
Chantal
Current Ranking: 11 - Previous Ranking: 12
Chantal is a 19 year old student from Austin, TX.
First Impression: An Austin girl? That's my hometown so she automatically gets some points from me. However, it's all moot because she has a stiff, "zombie" look right now. She's a beautiful girl and has a nice body, but her face is completely dead in her pre-season photo. I think she could be a nice palette to work with, but I'll have to see her in action and see how she adapts to everything that is thrown at her. Otherwise, I think she could go out quickly.
Video Interview Update: She's a very lovely, bubbly girl, but something about her look is still making me wonder.
Lisa
Current Ranking: 12 - Previous Ranking: 12
Lisa is a 20 year old dancer from Jersey City, NJ. Hmmm.
First Impression: Lisa, Lisa, what can I say about Lisa? She has a slim body and a nice face, but nothing in particular is really grabbing me. I can't say I'm thrilled with Lisa at the moment.
Video Interview Update: Still kind of underwhelming to me. Nothing she said really stood out and her presence wasn't magnetic. She kind of reminds me of Leslie from Cycle Six and Cassandra from Cycle Eight. They were both lovely girls, but both just sort of flatlined on the show and made quiet exits.
Victoria
Current Ranking: 13 - Previous Ranking: 11
Victoria is a 20 year old college student from New Haven, CT.
First Impression: Ohhhh dear. Victoria is so rough around the edges in her pre-season photo. Her body has some odd proportions, her pose is pedestrian, and her look is that of a girl who is very unsure of herself. "Am I doing this right? Is this the way to pose?" The vision I'm getting from her is someone of low confidence trying to be something greater than herself and the judges usually enjoy building these girls up and getting something good out of them. Just look at how Tyra responded to, say, Tiffany from Cycle Four and Anchal in Cycle Seven. However, unless she can really break out of her shell and show the judges that she can be fierce and command attention, eventually they'll just let her go so she has more time to find herself. I could be wrong and she could be the most confident, "I AM a queen" type of girl, but for now, I've got the opposite vibe.
Video Interview Update: Ok, can we please get this girl off the show and give her space to someone else? Seriously, watching her interview just kind of angered me. She started off by saying that she auditioned just as a complete joke. Strike one. She went on to say that she almost left the auditions twice because she wanted pizza and wanted to go home. Strike two. She admits to knowing nothing about modeling and wasn't prepared. Well, that's not so bad. Oh, but wait. At the end of the video, she said she has no interest in fashion and thinks that's a good thing because MAYBE she can learn something. Strike three, send her home.
So there you have it. In general, the girls are kind of blending together at the moment. Very few really jump out at me and make me think they could be a contender. As a whole, I find myself very interested in this upcoming season. I find it boring on these shows when there's one person you think has it locked because then you start watching it going, "Yeah yeah, just give them the prize already." It's very rare that I'll get caught up in one of those cases, such as Yul's run on Survivor and Melinda Doolittle on American Idol Six. With an even playing field, you get a chance to see people develop and grow and it gives you more of a chance to learn about them. This crop of girls is one of the most unique that I've seen and I will most certainly be watching!
Update: Having watched all the video interviews, some girls are really coming alive for me and others are just making me scratch my head. However, I stand by my assertion that this is one of the more unique group of girls I've seen on this show. It'll be interesting to see what the stylists do with them and what kind of photo shoots they'll be doing. See ya there!
Jacob D. is a twenty-something native of Austin Tx who spends his time
listening to music, posting on Austin based messageboards, playing
video games, and watching TV. Jacob also enjoys reading Shonen Jump,
Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes strips, playing Texas Hold 'em, drawing
cartoon chickens, and tending to his neopets. Though shy in real
life, he loves to sound off on his favorite shows and enjoys
interacting with other fans.
You can contact Jacob at Jacob@RealityTVCalendar.com
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