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I won’t be watching America’s Next Top Model again. No, it’s not because London was eliminated – it’s why she was eliminated.
I can remember a while back when Tyra Banks herself was being called "fat" by the media because, according to the magazines, she was losing her supermodel frame at – get this - 161 pounds and 5'11''. She was so disturbed by the negative attention she was getting that she dedicated a series of talk shows to discuss how the media was sending the wrong message to young girls. So imagine my shock and disbelief that tonight’s ‘Top Model’ episode did the exact same thing.
London’s weight gain was the topic of the night as the other models and the ‘Top Model’ judges all gave their two cents about London’s body shape. You could see the hurt in London’s face every time the “weight watchers” would make these negative comments, which went on and on and on and on the entire night. Except for when they interjected “oh, but she has a pretty face,” trying to put a band-aid on it.
Truth is, the majority of girls and young women who make up the fan base for this show are no smaller than London in size. So what are these viewers thinking now that the show is over and they are looking at themselves in the mirror, with the comments about London’s weight ringing in their heads? No doubt tonight’s episode will affect how they see themselves.
We know that magazines and the modeling industry have aided in giving young girls and women a warped view when it comes to body image. But Tyra has built an empire on the claim that she wants to build up young women and strengthen their self-esteem. So I’m not sure why she would produce and air an episode that would do such damage.
I was so proud of London for how she handled it though. She didn’t lash back, but she handled it with grace and class by declaring we would definitely see her face again. That’s the spirit, London. Tonight, you proved you are truly a ‘Top Model’.
Please wait...
Popular singer Ciara will stop by for tonight's episode of America's Next Top Model, which focuses on London's personal struggles with body image.
Look for all the details of the show beginning at 7 p.m. on our live blog on neighborsgo.com. America's Next Top Model airs on The CW.
It’s an acting challenge with Clay Aiken of American Idol fame and the previews show London in tears. Has she reached her breaking point?Watch the show unfold tonight at 7 p.m. on The CW and follow our live blog on neighborsgo.com for all the details.
Remember to watch London tonight on America's Next Top Model and don't forget to post your comments on neighborsgo.com.
I'll be keeping everyone up-to-date with show details in a live blog throughout the evening.
America's Next Top Model airs at 7 p.m. on The CW.
I was really excited about tonight’s episode - after all, London definitely continues to prove herself worthy of the ANTM crown every week. But how would she fare in Episode 4?
Tonight, special guest Toccara from Cycle 3 stopped by the house for a sleepover in which she spoke to the girls about the importance of having a personality and not relying on looks alone. I don’t think London has a problem here. She’s definitely got personality, but we need to see more of it on the show.
After Tyra Mail was delivered, the girls were off to meet Benny Ninja, a posing instructor, and Sky Nellor, a DJ and model. The challenge was to use music to motivate their poses and after Benny gave some examples, the girls got right down to it. With Sky spinning a rock record, London posed like a rock star, receiving a “very, very good” from Benny. The final posing performance took place at The Mansion where the challenge winner would be chosen based on the crowd’s response. Dressed in blonde wigs and tight sequined dresses, the girls struck their poses to a tough crowd. London actually got some boos here which was the first time she’s received a negative response on the show.
For the challenge that really mattered, the girls had to pose with Benny Ninja and a group of child models in “old fashion film” as immigrants coming to the United States. Photo shoot director Jay Manuel told London she looked like she was in the movie Titanic which London said was her inspiration for the shoot. It was looking good here but London, for the first time during judging, was given less than stellar comments on her photo. J. Alexander said she looked short and Paulina P. said it was “not a great shot.” Tyra also gave her some instruction regarding her poses. London looked concerned, another first, but still pulled it out, moving on to the next round.
In a bombshell, Celia revealed to Tyra that Tahlia had voiced wanting to go home, in hopes that it would save Kortnie who was eliminated. It didn’t work and Tyra was none too pleased with Celia's antics. With this development, I know things will heat up next week as was shown in the previews for Episode 5. Where will London be in all of it? We’ll have the inside scoop on neighborsgo.com.
It’s another week and another look as London represents D-FW on America’s Next Top Model. This week’s episode began with J. Alexander’s “charm school” of runway training and two contestants from Cycle 9, Bianca and Chantal, stopped by to show the girls how it’s done. After the session, it was back to the house where they played a game of "Truth or Dare," in which Tahlia was called out for having the worst photo on the last episode. Emotions ran high and cliques were staring to form. Not much of London was seen here as she continued to avoid any conflict.
Then “Tyra Mail” arrived with code words “excess baggage” and the girls were challenged to walk the runway as they modeled Jill Stuart designs while carrying shopping bags. Fashion designer Jill Stuart herself and Ann Shocket, editor in chief of Seventeen, hosted the challenge and were in the audience to judge the models' runway style. London, wearing a black and white dress, exuded confidence with a fierce (Tyra’s favorite word) strut without any gaffes. What helped her conquer the catwalk? “I got so into the music. This is amazing,” she said.
After the runway show, “Tyra Mail” was delivered again, with code words “thrown under the bus.” From here the ladies met Jay Manuel for a "guess who?" type of photo shoot where they had to pose as a particular social group on top of a double decker bus in New York. London and Allison teamed up as “5th Avenue socialites/Upper Eastside snobs.” The makeup was super-dramatic and the hair was way out there, but London pulled it off. Although Jay Manuel wanted her to interact more with Allison, he said “[London] jumped into character.”
Back at the house, with eliminations looming again, London said, “I’m thinking of who’ll go home. I really have no clue.” Yet there was no sign of worry in her facial expressions. Actually, she was pretty giddy. I think she’s just having a great time which seems to be helping her keep her cool.
During eliminations, Tyra didn’t rave about London and Allison’s shoot, but she did say that London “looked really pretty.” And fashion photographer Nigel Barker said she was “the best shot” between the two. As Tyra began calling the names of those who would continue on, I got a little nervous. Two more names were called before London’s, making her #7 instead of #5 this time. At this point, I did begin to see a little tension in London’s face until Tyra flashed her photo, signifying she was “still in the running.” London breathed a sigh of relief, as did I, and said a quiet “thank you” to Tyra. So here we go again - London (thankfully) moves on and I can’t wait until next Wednesday night!
Here we go, another episode! This one started off with some catty conflict between the girls about who really deserved to go home on the previous show. London wasn’t a part of the discussions and has seemed to avoid most of the little spats that have been taking place in the house. I think it’s a smart move because it shows that she’s all about the business at hand which is winning America's Next Top Model.
Well, Episode 2 was also the makeover show when all the girls get their hair either chopped off or lengthened with extensions as instructed by glamazon Tyra Banks. First, the girls were chauffeured in a pink plaid stretch limo to the renowned John Barrett Salon. After the reveals, there were whines, complaints and tears, and some excitement. When it was London’s turn, Tyra said “J’adore London’s bone structure” and suggested London’s features would be accentuated with short hair (she originally had long brown locks). Although I thought London was beautiful before, she’s fierce, as Tyra would say, with this new cut. London was shocked at her new look and did tear up but said “I do believe that change is good” and then rocked the cut like she was born with it!
The ladies then broke up into groups of three for a challenge in which they were sent out to the streets of New York to grab a girl for Cover Girl eye makeup demos. London and her group impressed the judges with their “amazing makeup skills” but lost the challenge.
The photo shoot challenge, however, is the one that can send a contestant home, and this episode’s shoot was “all about the light.” Fashion photographer Nigel Barker shot the girls, who had been transformed into high fashion models with a rock n’ roll edge, as they posed holding flashbulbs while attempting to use the lighting to enhance their individual photos. Nigel’s comments on London, who had amazing poses that seemed naturally effortless, were “Beautiful, we got it” after just a few frames.
During deliberations, while Tyra and the judges were looking over the photos, Tyra said she loved London’s energy and movements and also said London was “willing to go there.” London’s photo ended up ranking fifth (what?!) but it still guaranteed her a spot in the next round.
One thing I noticed about London on this episode was that when the other girls’ names were called before hers during elimination, London still had a smile on her face, and didn’t look nervous at all. She seemed quite confident and settled. This postitive attitude and level of maturity should definitely work to her advantage because the competition will undoubtedly be heating up with every elimination.
So, how does London remain so calm under pressure and who does she think is her biggest competition on the show?
Find out in a new Q&A with London coming soon on neighborsgo.com, and continue to watch her compete on ANTM at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on The CW.
Being a top model is not just about being pretty, it's also about having a presence. After meeting London last night at her watch party for her America's Next Top Model debut, I'm here to tell you she's got the whole package. There was also something so genuine about her and she seemed completely unphased by all the attention she was getting.
London's family and friends came out to support her and were super-friendly as well. Her mom Judy, who is a single mother of four, is a sweet, sweet lady. God only knows some of the struggles she's had raising a family all alone, so it's pretty amazing for her to be able to witness London following her dreams with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
More importantly, I was blown away at how boldly London professed her faith in Jesus Christ on the nationally-televised ANTM show. A lot of people tend to leave out their faith when given these types of opportunities, saying that there's a time and a place for it. But here we have a 19-year-old girl who made it known to the world and Tyra Banks herself. How awesome is that?
Read about the watch party and see exclusive photos here.
She’s been introduced as an 18-year-old student from Arlington, TX, and she’s a part of America’s Next Top Model’s cast for Cycle 12. Hosted by supermodel and talk show host Tyra Banks, ANTM is one of those “reality” types which focuses on a group of girls vying for the coveted ANTM title. London will compete with 12 other girls, all with little experience and lots of drive, as they live together in one house while competing in photos, fashion shows and other challenges. Prizes include a modeling contract and a photo spread in Seventeen magazine. The premiere airs Feb. 25. Stay tuned…
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