SIDE-STORY: Modeling Life After ANTM

Finally! I was so busy with A LOT of things recently that I don’t even know where to begin complaining. Bottom line is, I’m proclaiming my new found hatred towards anything that has got to do with bridesmaid-dress-fitting! By the way, did I mention that I absolutely looooovvveee the movie RENT before? I can’t stop playing that damn song on my head. It usually goes off when my boss is giving one of those ‘motivational pep talks’ (that I’m praying like hell he doesn’t decided to give us a quiz on).

'Five hundred 25 thousand six hundred minutes, how do you measure, measure a year…'

Ok, so apart from BIO anyone would probably notice my obsession with the ANTM series. Everytime I’m stressed out, I just reached for my trusted ANTM DVDs (and BIO of course, but that’s another story) and laugh at the so-called drama that’s unfolding in front of my eyes. But I kept thinking, where the heck are my favorite bitches now since I still see Russian/Brazilian/European models gracing the Vogues and Elles, as well as posing ‘fiercely’ for the Guccis and Pradas. So I did some digging, and apart from the obvious winners, here are some other ANTM alumnae that had been signed on to major modeling agencies

1. Ford Models = Shannon (Cycle 1) Eva (Cycle 3) Naima (Cycle 4)
Brita (Cycle 4) Nicole L (Cycle 5)
2. Wilhemina Models = Adrienne (Cycle 1) Elyse (Cycle 1) Toccara (Cycle 3)
3. NY Models = April (Cycle 2) Rachel (Cycle 3 Top 20) Kahlen (Cycle 4)
4. LA Models = Catie (Cycle 2)
5. Nous Model Mgmt = Mercedes Yvette (Cycle 2) Norelle (Cycle 3)
6. Boss Models = Xiomara (Cycle 2)
7. T Management = Shandi (Cycle 2)
8. IMG Models = Yoanna (Cycle 2)
9. Major Models Mgmt = Nargis (Cycle 3 Top 20)
10. Next Models = Brittany (Cycle 4)
11. Elite Models = Ann (Cycle 3)
12. VNY Model Mgmt = Rebecca (Cycle 4)
13. Geoffrey Chapman Modeling Agency = Michelle (Cycle 4)


So far, it’s safe to say that none of the ANTM graduates had manages to make it big in the fashion industry. But all’s not lost as they’re not completely out of their 12 episodes limelights just yet. Toccara (Cycle 3) is doing pretty well commercially cause I’ve seen her in numerous things. I forgot to mention earlier when I did a post on The Cut that Yaya (Cycle 3) had also appeared on the show as a working model, just like Rachel (Cycle 3 Top 20) did in Project Runway 2. And from what I’ve heard, Brita (Cycle 4) is also featured in some billboard (hah! Take that Superdiva T) I was so crushed when they sent her home during the first episode of Cycle 4. Nole Marin should get himself a mirror before calling somebody else’s fat. But what they cannot do in the States, they most certainly made up for outside, in the big bad world. Elyse (Cycle 1) is making it big in Asia and Europe, the only one gracing a major cover (that didn’t have anything to do with winning ANTM) so far. Someone also told me that Norelle (Cycle 3) is also graining popularity in Asia, particularly in Japan. It’s not surprising though, since she has what the Japanese people would call a ‘kawaii’ look (check Gwen Stefani’s dictionary for the meaning of the word). I’m pretty surprise to see ANTM very own ‘Miss Thang’ Camille (Cycle 2) in a Jamaican runway covered by Fashion TV last few seasons. And yes, she did her ‘signature walk’ although I think it didn’t came close to the much more beautiful supermodel Nadine Willis ‘walk’ (she’d graced the same runway).

SIDE STORY: American Idol 5 (Auditions)

Yes, it’s that time of year again where people all around America (and the world I presume) had a great time making fun of other people (and will most likely loose half of their paychecks via texting and phone calling). Heck, they should just make it a national holiday or something. It’s only been a few auditions but everyone can’t seem to stop talking about it. Julia can’t seem to stop singing the Fame song after the show (cause she’s convinced that her rendition is better which is not!). Chris can’t get over the fact that he used to know one of the chicks that had auditioned in Colorado (yeah right!). Lizzie and Claire (my boss’s secretary) can’t stop discussing about their ‘future husbands’ (apparently they had ‘dump’ their last-season-husband Bo for a new one). And last but not least, Kenny just called me all the way from Denmark to ask me a very specific question “So is that girl with the famous grandma any good?” He was here for a week or so and flew back again just 2 days ago so he got to watch the first 2 auditions (and the preview of the upcoming episodes).

So the AI first stop is Chicago and no one so far has grabbed my attention. Okay, maybe except that ‘jumpy’ guy that miraculously got into Hollywood. It just cracks me up to see Simon’s face when he realized that the guy is seriously in. And Julia can’t stop talking about how cute that Michael Buble wannabe that almost didn’t got in. In the next state (which is Colorado) things looks more promising, but I’m still not ‘attach’ to anyone (the way I did when I saw Constantine & Bo last season – it was love at first sight!). But my heart strongly goes to that farm guy who sings Elton John to his turkey before the AI. I’m actually kinda surprise to hear his voice cause I expect something different (okay, something ‘dreadful’). And I think that bald-headed rocker is kinda cute, a fact that the wife would definitely agreed on (damn!). North Carolina saw more talent coming around. There’s that girl Kellie I think (the one living with her grandpa & mom abandonment) whom I think is adorable and likeable and all but her voice is not really that superb. But hey, I’m a sucker for sad-family-stories-and-future-Kneenex-moments so I’m still rooting for her. And that Steven guy (who’s a National Guard or something?) really ‘dance’ his way into Hollywood now doesn’t he? Really hilarious stuff! And let’s not forget (or ignored) Lil Kim’s twin sister who decided to take it on Paula when she didn’t got in. I practically snoozed during the San Francisco auditions until the girl with the voice-coach mom came in (her name was Catherine is it?) Boy… now that’s a voice! Let’s just pray that the mom doesn’t go all ‘I’m-a-voice-coach-and-everyone-must-do-what-I-say’ during the semis like last year’s parents. Simon also throws a tantrum in this particular audition but I don’t entirely blame him though. Even though I love Randy & Paula, I personally think that they went overboard with some of the contestants. Take that Filipino college girl that had supposingly ‘spark’ the judges-tension-incident. No offence to the Filipino people but I think the girl sounds so much like Camille Velasco from Season 3 (again no offence but the girl annoys me like hell) and was pretty average despite what Randy & Paula says. But then again, what do I know right? For all you know, she’ll probably make it to the Top 12 (but at this point I highly doubt it). Ah well, let’s just move on to Las Vegas…

On the Set of BIOYA

Curious like hell to see a behind-the-scene exclusive of BIO3? Have no fear folks! The good people at Ultimate Rihanna website had provided 2 exclusive footages to give us the first look at BIO3, namely "BET Styles: On the Set of BIO3" and "Exclusive Look On The Set Of BIOYA". If you guys wanted to view these footages, you can visit Ultimate Rihanna site to view it.

SIDE-STORY: The New Year & Other Modeling Series

HAPPY NEW YEAR PEOPLE (Okay, so maybe I'm 10 days behind)!!! Believe it or not, I just hung out at home (with Jojo of course, whom I decided to forgive and forget) while waiting for the clock to struck 12. Well, I went to a friend’s house for a party earlier but left around 10 when I realize that I much rather watch TV than partying. Julia told me that it’s the ‘old-people-syndrome’ but I tend to ignore 90% of what she usually said anyway so that didn’t really bother me. After I got home and semi-lengthy phone call to my mom and my boyfriend Kenny (love you sweety!) who’s probably ogling at Danish tramps right at the moment he said he was suppose to be busy doing ‘research’ for his thesis, I found myself getting bored (can’t believe I just said that) so I got busy and did some ‘research’ on other modeling related series (cause yes, I love looking at beautiful people and their ‘dramatic’ lives on camera).

Manhunt: The Search For America’s Most Gorgeous Male Model (US) Bravo

(L-R) Rob Williams, Jon Jonsson

To anyone that didn’t watch it, the eventual winners are Jon Jonsson & Rob Williams (who came in 2nd- but I still love him!) The judging panel consists of Marissa Miller (supermodel) Bruce Hulse (model) and an array of various guest judges. Hosted by Carmen Electra, the series actually planted ‘a mole’ inside the group (Kevin P, who was suppose to be a noted model), who will report any of the model wannabes ‘bad behaviors’ (although I personally think he’s the major influence). The prizes include a contract with IMG Models & a photo shoot with a prominent photographer (sorry, can’t remember the guy’s name). Every week the contestants will be given various modeling challenges and will be judged based on their pictures (same as ANTM). Elimination however varied from just 1 or 2 person a week to 4 or 5 in certain weeks.

Model Behaviour (UK) TV2

(L-R) Camilla, Nathan, Jenny

Different from the other series, this series will choose 2 winners (1 female, 1 male) from 8 finalists. Prizes include a 1 year modeling contract with Select Model Mgmt and a cover spread at GQ & Glamour (British editions). The wannabe models go to extraordinary lengths to attract the judges' attention with singing, dancing, wacky outfits and even stripping (like a good-looking American Idol)! In the next stage of the competition, 20 finalists selected by the judges will take part in a modeling workshop where they are whittled down to the final eight - four girls and four boys. From here, the final eight travel to London where they will share a ý2 million luxury flat and work as professional models with help from the very best of photographers, stylists, models and fashion experts in the business (lengthy!). Judges includes Jo Elvin (Editor-in-Chief, Glamour), Dylan Jones (Editor, GQ), Kim von Dickmann (Select Model Management) and Gemma Shaw (Select Model Management). Previous winners includes Jenny Richards (2001) Camilla (2002) Nathan (2002)

Make Me A Supermodel (UK) Channel 5

(L-R) Alice, Kate, Joanna

The lineup includes two identical twins that have entered on one ticket. The series will culminates in a nail-biting live catwalk final where the final three girls will go head-to-head, before the winner, voted for by the public, is revealed. The prizes include a modeling contract with Select Model Management (the IMG of the UK). In each episode, the participants face daily assignments that will help determine who’s got what it takes to become a successful model. Those who impress the panel most will go on to the next stage of the competition, whilst the girl who hasn’t quite made the grade will be eliminated. The eventual winner is Alice (see pic) while Kate and Joanna came second and third. From what I gathered, everyone thought Kate should win (that everyone being Brits who’d actually watched it) but Alice was voted winner instead. Judges includes Rachel Hunter (host/model/actress/Rob Stewart’s ex) Perou (top photographer) and co-director of Select Model Management, Tandy Anderson (at least they got qualified people to be the judges)

Britain’s Next Top Model (UK) Living TV

The prizes include a contract with Models 1, the agency that represents Yasmin Le Bon and original supermodel Linda Evangelista and a magazine cover/spread. Lucy Ratcliffe is named the eventual winner (see pic). What I particularly like about the BNTM was the fact that the Brits had no problem with frontal nudity (see pic again as evidence). Judges Lisa Butcher (host/model) Marie Helvin (model/designer) Jonathan Phang (modeling agent)
Australia’s Next Top Model (AUST) Fox 8

(Clockwise from upper left) Shannon, Sam (4th), Chloe, Gemma
Apparently, one girl (Allana) forfeited after the house somewhat turn against her. The last 3 women standing are Chloe, Shannon & Gemma, with the latter as the final winner. The prizes includes a contract with CHIC (Aussie’s biggest agency), all-expense trip to Italy to meet with the Milan based agency ‘Fashion’ plus $1000 spending money, eight-page editorial in CLEO, campaign for Napoleon cosmetics (so far they got the best ‘prizes’). Judges includes Erika Heynatz (host/model) Alex Perry (fashion designer) Marguerite Kramer (fashion editor) Ken Thompson (stylist)