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March 11, 2010

America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 14 Is Fierce…And Feisty

Tyra kicked off Cycle 14 of America's Next Top Model with a shameless plug for her myfiercepage.com page and the 32 semi-finalists kicked of the Cycle in typical fashion—with an incredible amount of screaming.

Mr. and Miss J are asked to do the dirty work. We don’t know what’s got Tyra so busy these days—her talk show is winding down while Mr. Jay Manuel is seemingly overbooked, fresh off the red carpet after doing the pre-Oscar commentary for The E! Channel, where he looked better than most of the starlets!

In order to whittle down from 32 to 14 contestants, the girls are asked to show their stuff as they create their own myfiercepage for the fellas. First it’s a photo and then they must show off their social net-WALKing skills.

Read more about the embarrassing pit-falls and heinous makeovers after the jump.



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March 5, 2010

Tyra boldly goes where Gossip Girl mistakenly went before



We here at the CW Source are personally embarrassed. How we let a repeat fashion faux pas at the CW slip past our vigilant watch is not only disappointing, it's just plain irresponsible.

But better late than never. If you would please direct your attention to the above photo of Ms. Banks, High Queen of America's Next Top Model. You'll notice Ms. Banks is wearing a jumpsuit. Ordinarily, we would just slap a "'nuff said" on this style lapse and call it a day. But this is a truly special fashion misstep, because it's been taken before.



If you'll remember, this -- I guess we'll call it a "garment" -- has reared its head on The CW before. Serena van der Woodsen chose to exhibit her charms in this at the Thanksgiving dinner table on Gossip Girl, about which the Fug Girls had some choice words. For the record, there's no such thing as tasteful cleavage for that holiday.

We're wondering: does The CW have some sort of deal with whoever designed this? Are contractual obligations at play? If so, the post-hiatus season will be more interesting than we could have predicted.

ANTM contestant grew up in a cult



Cycle 14 of America's Next Top Model starts this Wednesday and we're not sure if we're more excited for the drama or the fashion. (We'd like to say fashion, but really, who are we kidding?)

But it seems drama is leaking to the wires already. Naduah, a 22-year-old contestant from Cancun, Mexico, revealed that she was brought up in a religious cult.

"I was born and raised into a cult, a religious cult; which is probably the reason why I'm no longer religious," Naduah tells her fellow housemates.

The aspiring model isn't letting her difficult past get in the way, she seems to be starting on a strong foot, "It was very difficult transitioning from the cult where I was as a child to the real world, you know, but I think I did it very well. It took me many years, but now I’m at a place where I don’t even recognize the person that I used to be before."

This certainly adds a new layer to the multifaceted backgrounds Tyra's picks have brought to the table. Only time will tell how it might manifest on the show.

March 1, 2010

Eva Marcille at the NAACP Image Awards


Jason Merritt/Getty Images for NAACP

Winner of cycle three Eva Marcille made it to Go Fug Yourself's Fug or Fab carpet today.

The issue at hand was not, in fact, her chosen attire, which had a gorgeous, demure cut with perfectly applied embellishments. The "fug" in question was Eva's hair.

The Fug Girls seem to think that poor Eva's hair is still being handled by veteran coif abuser Tyra Banks, with its odd toupee-like qualities. Check out the Go Fug Yourself post and let them know what you think.

February 24, 2010

ANTM: Janice Dickinson thinks Tyra looks like a man

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Entertainment Fusion Group & Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Glamour Magazine

You know how you're not supposed to burn bridges even when you're leaving your job? Janice Dickinson never got that memo.

The former supermodel and America's Next Top Model judge told celebrity media source Starpulse that she thinks Tyra Banks looks like a man.

"She's huge. She's a big woman. I used to think she was a man. I used to look at her and think, 'Something isn't right here,'" Dickinson told Starpulse.

Dickinson was fired from the show after alleged disagreements with Banks regarding plus-sized models.

It seems Dickinson has a well-rounded disdain of "bigger" women. Too bad no one told her a big mouth is far less appealing.

ANTM wannabes can now sign up online

In today's age of increasing technological dependency and dwindling human contact, it's nice to know that there's one more thing we can take care of online. Well, not us, but you can, maybe.

Tyra Banks is touting her new campaign for America's Next Top Model contestants with an online application service. If you can't make the casting call in your local city, hate waiting in lines or just plain dislike people, you can apply for cycle 15 on Tyra's website. According to Ms. Banks, this is also the only way to guarantee that she will personally sift through your application.

Contestant hopefuls will need to send in four photos of themselves in a bikini; requirement details are listed on the website.

Tyra is also still encouraging the "fiercely real" a.k.a. plus sized models to apply. We don't quite understand the "fiercely" qualifier, "real" would probably suffice.

If you think you have what it takes, meet ANTM's requirements and have a high tolerance for made-up words like "smize" and "dreckitude," check out Tyra's Web site to apply. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 30 at midnight (EST).

February 16, 2010

Joy! Early Pickups for Some of Our Fave Shows!

Oh frabjuous day! The CW just sent out word that some of our very favorite shows would be back on our screens next season -- and we're in the mood to celebrate! The net announced that America's Next Top Model, 90210, Gossip Girl, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries are already on the books for Fall 2010. That sound you hear? That's a whole bunch of CW fans doing the happy dance. Glee!

Some of these early pickups are hardly a surprise. The Tyra Banks juggernaut is bringing fashion legend Andre Leon Talley to the judging table, and we're just dying to see how that will turn out. Will he be back for Cycles 15 and 16 next year? Likewise, Gossip Girl may be the most buzzed-about show out there. The season has stumbled a bit -- who knew a threesome could be so soporific? -- but we can't imagine the TV season with Chuck, Blair, Serena and the rest.

We're also not surprised -- thrilled, but not surprised -- that The Vampire Diaries is coming back. We're in love with the show, and we're not alone -- it draws the biggest audience of any show on the channel. Who could resist the blend of smart writing, spooky situations and great acting?

Then there's Supernatural, which, as you all well know, makes our little hearts go pitter-pat. We've debated whether the show should return, considering Kripke has talked about his five-year plan, and hey, how do you top the Apocalypse? We're really, really looking forward to seeing how they pull this off.

Finally, 90210 gets the nod, which, we have to admit, surprised us a bit. Not because we don't like the show -- we're loving the soapy storylines, the bitchery and back-stabbing, and the eeeeeevil elements that make out world go 'round. But we were a bit surprised to see it get an early pickup over a show like, for example, One Tree Hill or Melrose Place -- until we saw that it gets lots and lots of DVR love. Ratings for the show nearly double when you add in the TiVoing throngs.

And what if your favorite show isn't on this list? Well, don't panic -- these are early pickups. There's still plenty of time to hear good news about One Tree Hill and Melrose and Life Unexpected and Smallville... but we'll jsut have to wait and see.

What's your reaction to the early renewal news? Talk about it in the comments!

February 10, 2010

Top Model Hopefuls Revealed, Plus a Judging Shakeup

The good folks at KPLR have the first pics of Cycle 14's Top Model hopefuls. We're going back to the regular tall, skinny model types after last season's itty-bitty models experiment. We have no idea whether or not Tyra will be breaking out her Supermodel Superhero gear to defend regular models, but we live in hope.

We also hope for better styling, because the initial pics of these girls... well, they're not good. They're dressed like supervillains who got their powers after being bitten by a radioactive Jane Fonda Workout video, or aerobics instructors who spend time pole dancing onthe weekends. We are, to quote fashion maven Tim Gunn, concerned.

And we can't wait to hear what fashion legend André Leon Talley has to say about it all. The renowned fashion powerhouse will be joining Tyra, Nigel and a rotating guest judge on the panel this season, and we expect great things. Unfortunately, it means that Miss J will not be judging... but will be mentoring the models all season long. That means the opportunity for scathing commentary increases exponentially!

What do you think of this Cycle's crop of hopefuls? What are you expecting from Miss J as a mentor and La Talley as a judge? Talk about it in the comments!

CW Fans: Defend the Hotness Honor of Your Fave Stars!

It's been a while since we've had a knock-down, drag-out fight to the death over the hottitude of our favorite CW stars. Fortunately*, the drought is over -- and you have two opportunities to vote for your preferred people in bracket competitions!

The fine folks at KWGN in Denver are hosting a Battle of the CW Hotties as we speak. Right now, the Women's bracket is up, but you can still vote in the Men's bracket as well. The second phase of the Men's competition launches Friday, and the second round of Women's matches goes up on Tuesday, February 18 -- so get voting!

Then there's an all networks battle to the death over at the South Florida Sun Sentinel, where CW stars are going up against the juggernauts from the other four broadcast networks. The Bad Boys division (which includes Chuck Bass, Dean Winchester and Damon Salvatore -- and Dean and Chuck are currently losing) is already off the front page, but you can still vote. Keep checking this page throughout the next month to support your fave stars!

* We know, we know -- there are those among you who sneer at such things, who protest that we should focus on the content of the shows and the nuances of the acting rather than the exterior facade of the people who bring our favorite characters to life. And we like to think we do that here... but that doesn't stop us from being able to celebrate the aesthetic pleasures these folks bring to bear. Are we shallow? Maybe. But we are having fun!

February 1, 2010

America's Next Top Model: Tyra Gets Fiercely Real

It’s no secret that our America's Next Top Model host and creator, Tyra Banks, is a trailblazer. But she’s now embarking on a new project we think is pretty cool.

New York Daily News is reporting that Tyra is cooking up another major scheme for an upcoming modeling competition and this time she’s looking for plus-sized teenagers.

Tyra revealed on her talk show that she’s calling for gals between the ages of 13 and 19 for her search. They must have a dress size of 12 to 20 and are between 5’9” and 6’1” tall (size 12 is considered plus size? uh…okay). Tyra’s goal is to change the way people perceive beauty and the way teens see themselves.

“I’ve always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty” Tyra says. “Through America’s Next Top Model, True Beauty and The Tyra Show, I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out.”

Hey—we already respect short people more after Cycle 13! The winner of the competition will score a one-year modeling contract and a fashion spread in a top magazine (sound familiar?). The winner will be revealed on The Tyra Show on March 2nd.

If you are interested in registering for the contest, head to Tyra’s Web site.

January 23, 2010

America's Next Top Model: Yes, We Are Outstanding, Thanks For Noticing

Looks like Tyra and America's Next Top Model are hotter than ever! Fans around the world are itching for Cycle 14 to kick off, the cast and crew are engulfed in a media frenzy Down Under and now the show has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award!

According to Buddy TV the show has been given a nod in the "Outstanding Reality Series." The competition is ruthless, however, with the American Idol 8 (EEKS!), Dancing with the Stars, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Real Housewives of Atlanta also in the running in that category.

But what ANTM has going for it that the others don’t, is the fact that one of the show’s former contestants is also up for an award. Cycle 3 winner, Eva Marcille, who now appears on the daytime soap, The Young and the Restless, is nominated for “Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series.”

Don’t miss the 41st NAACP Image Awards on February 26th.

January 13, 2010

America's Next Top Model: ANTM Cast & Crew Bombarded By NZ Media

The contestants of America's Next Top Model Cycle 14 are certainly getting a taste of the real life of a top model as they are continually hounded, pestered and overrun by media in New Zealand. In fact, in order to conceal their identities they have been forced to wear hats and glasses and hide under umbrellas so that the final outcome of the Cycle won’t be revealed.

They hunt models, don’t they?
While Tyra and the mummified contestants head for the hills (literally, they were spotted lunching on top of Mt. Eden), other cast members greeted the eager camera crew from The New Zealand Herald with open arms and big smiles. Both J. Alexander and Jay Manuel were accosted at Auckland International Airport but were cordial as ever, even as they were getting their luggage knocked off the trolley by the frenzied media types.

Sweet digs!
One coup that the NZ Herald managed to pull off was to discover where the models are staying while they are in Auckland. It’s a cozy little penthouse suite on the North Shore in a place they call Sentinel Apartments. The poor dears will have to make due in the $11 million hovel which includes a lap pool and spa pool, gas fireplace and home movie theater!

January 7, 2010

America's Next Top Model: Nigel's In Awe Filming Cycle 14 Down Under

Now that the word is out on the typically secret international destination for America's Next Top Model Cycle 14, everyone is weighing in on just how cool the place is.

Buddy TV is reporting that delicious ANTM judge Nigel Barker even did an interview with the New Zealand Herald, discussing their stay. At first the photographer was uncertain how the visit would go in a place that’s mostly popular for hobbits and sheep. The contestants screamed when they found out they were headed to New Zealand (but let’s face it, those girls scream about EVERYTHING). Any misgivings were forgotten once the cast got off the plane and were greeted by the legions of fans who had apparently been waiting since the crack of dawn to see them. Once again, Tyra had made the right choice.

A lovely location for hobbits...and models
Aside from NZ’s massive Top Model fan base, there’s the spectacle of the countryside. Nigel points out that the light strikes the country on a different type of angle making it appear “other-worldly.” They’ve had to really try hard not to make the ANTM visit appear like a tourist commercial but it’s been difficult with all of the cameramen constantly “ooh-ing and ah-ing” about what they are shooting.

What do you think? New Zealand is an unusual location but perhaps that is why Tyra and company selected it. What do you think of the location and what other countries would you like the show to visit in the future so we can visit vicariously? Tell us in the comments!

December 21, 2009

America's Next Top Model: ANTM Goes Vogue, Literally!

The empty judges' seat has been filled for Cycle 14 of America's Next Top Model and this time around it’s not a top model from the "real world."

In the past we’ve seen a few famed runway models on the judges’ panel. But TV Guide has confirmed that the new ANTM power monger…uh…judge…is one André Leon Talley, Vogue magazine’s editor-at-large. A front-row regular at fashion shows all around the globe, André could make the perfect judge. He mentors models and fashion designers and in 2008 even advised the future first family on fashion.

Yes, but can he cha-cha like Paulina Poriskova? That remains to be seen, though we do look forward to what André will bring to the judges' table. And we especially look forward to how he and Miss J Alexander will interact. Should be entertaining!

There was initially a rumor swirling that André would replace Miss J but Buddy TV put an end to that ridiculousness. As if anyone could replace Miss J! Our Buddy also squelched a rumor that Kimora Lee Simmons would be a guest judge during Cycle 14—which is good because we really want to keep watching the show.



December 11, 2009

America's Next Top Model: Laura's Sweet Manhattan Digs

A couple of weeks ago we reported that America's Next Top Model Cycle 13 runner-up, Laura Kirkpatrick won "fan favorite" While everyone really wants to win the top prize, we're learning that fan favorite is almost as good.

Rented Spaces is reporting that the former Kentucky-bred bull castrator is now calling a coveted pre-war building at 240 Central Park South home. Laura’s neighbors in the hipster building are young and up-and-coming and include such luminaries as Renee Zellweger. A typical studio in the theatre district building is about $2,500 a month and our Laura will be hanging there for a full six months! We’re no math wiz but that’s a pretty sweet deal.

With Laura’s sparkling personality and drop-dead looks, we have a feeling that she’ll do really well in the next six months -- hopefully so well that she’ll be able to stay in the building after the six months is up because she’ll be making fat bank. Who knows where this will take her!

What do you think about Laura’s new living situation? Do you think that she’ll be able to make the most of her time in NYC? Do you think that winning fan favorite is just as good as taking the top ANTM prize? Tell us here in the comments!

December 9, 2009

America's Next Top Model: Cycle 13 Model Spotted with Robert Pattison

Okay, so now that we've got your attention: We have to come clean with a very cute America's Next Top Model winner's story for the ages.

E! Online is reporting that our painfully shy ANTM Cycle 13 champ, Nicole Fox, was recently making an appearance on Regis & Kelly (where she was, no doubt, already a bundle of nerves due to her fear of public speaking) when she stepped out of a backstage bathroom and right into the path of the hottest undead guy around -- Robert Pattison!

Here's the capper...she didn’t even really recognize R Pattz. Well, in her own, adorably dorky way she kind of did. Nicole had recently helped a friend draw a larger-than-life portrait of the hunky vamp on her Halloween T-shirt—so she recognized the hair…she had drawn it before.

Unfortunately, the shy stunner looked down at her shoes and strolled right on past ol’ Patty without as much as a word.

We're speechless.

What do you think? Should Nicole have approached the hottest guy in Hollywood or was it classier for her to walk by without pestering him? What advice would you give Nicole? Tell us in the comments!

December 3, 2009

America's Next Top Model: International Destination for Cycle 14 Revealed!

Typically, the Powers That Be at America's Next Top Model like to keep each Cycle under tight wraps during the tender time that the shooting is taking place. In fact, participants sign a strict confidentiality agreement just to be sure none of the information is leaked.

So color us shocked to find out that news about the international destination for Cycle 14 has been circulating online! Buddy TV is reporting that fashion blabbermouth blogger Isaac Hindin Miller spilled that the Cycle 14 models were shooting a runway challenge, together with some local models, down under in New Zealand!

Not to be shown up, Tyra posted the information on Twitter, “Rumors are true & UR 1st to know. Top Model is goin' to NEW ZEALAND for cycle 14! Can’t wait to get there. Are y'all excited for next cycle?”

Uh...heck ya!

Cycle 13 saw the models hit Hawaii (not officially, an international destination) so NZ is definitely a big change. If down under seems like a strange destination, it is, but they do have their own fashion week and their seasons are flipped so when we are in winter they are enjoying summer.

So what do you think about the gals heading down to New Zealand next Cycle? Do you think it’s an appropriate place for high fashion to take place? Tell us in the comments!

November 24, 2009

America's Next Top Model: The Miss Congeniality Award Goes To...

Pretty Nicole Fox may have won America's Next Top Model honors for Cycle 13, but don't count popular little Laura Kirkpatrick out. While Nicole did come around, personality wise, her low-key attitude and stoner-like persona didn't win any fans in the house in the beginning. But Laura was a different story. And now the adorable, cow-castrating country gal has scored the coveted prize from Tyra, the title of "Fan Favorite."

Buddy TV is reporting that it was announced that the Kentucky native won the equivalency of Miss Congeniality on Tyra's show. As the Fan Favorite, Laura scores six months of free rent in a New York City apartment, something that will certainly help her pursue her dream of becoming a model. She's always wanted to model for Victoria Secret. After the way that girl impressed the judges and the fans, we have no doubt that she'll take NYC by storm.

Good luck Laura!


November 19, 2009

America's Next Top Model: Laura or Nicole? It's Anybody's Game

Cycle 13 of America's Next Top Model started with 14 hopeful girls and it’s come down to just two who are still in the running. But as we’ve seen in the past, being in the final two can be all kinds of pressure!

Easy, breezy, beautiful—Covergirl
Laura and Nicole get the scripts for their Covergirl commercial shoot. Cycle 12 winner, Teyona, even shows up for a little pre-shoot pep talk, but after her disastrous shoot last cycle they’d be better off asking her what NOT to do.

The girls both end up taking several takes and both struggle a bit—Laura with her dyslexia and Nicole with her lack of personality.

A couple of Tyra one-on-ones
Things are so tight in this competition that Tyra pays a visit to talk to the two finalists one-on-one. Not sure what she learned but it was really sweet. They’ve both come a long way.

Run, don’t walk from the catwalk
It’s down to the wire and for their fashion show, Laura and Nicole are stomping it out for the big prize. And for the first time in ANTM history, the PTB bring back some eliminated models so the finalists are joined by some familiar and somewhat friendly faces, including Erin, Brittany, Sundai, Jennifer. The night of the fashion show the house is packed and it’s filled with luminaries such as Eddie Murphy. But Jay reminds the girls not to be nervous. Each walk represents an element with wind proving to be pretty difficult as the girls walk out with what Laura describes as a quilt over their faces. And then for the finale they all get drenched in water. But they're pros at this point and it all ends up looking great.

The final pesky panel
It’s so close that we really have no idea who is going to win. Both girls are beautiful, inside and out. They both photograph well and they both “want it” badly. We’re thinking that the judges must have deliberated longer than usual because the decision must have been tough. We think that they would have chosen both if they could, but in the end it's Nicole who is selected as America's Next Top Model. And she's whisked off immediately for her photo shoot with Tyra.

Opening up the behind-the-scenes vault
After the finale we’re treated to a behind-the-scenes look at Cycle 13. We forgot about Courtney, the girl with her foot in the cast and cranky Bianca. We’re reminded of the makeovers and the heinous bleaching of the eyebrows. We’re sad that we never saw some of the footage, including the games the girls played to occupy their time and Roger the cat. We think they should extend the Cycles by a couple eppys so we can fit in more fun stuff!



Great ANTM quotes
“Oh, man. I’d rather have actual boogers in my nose than sound snotty.” Nicole

“If we have to, cut her out of that dress!” Jay, during the show

“You have proved that it’s irrelevant how tall you are. You guys have what it takes.” Nigel

“Thjs is the first day of the rest of your life.” Tyra to Nicole when she wins ANTM

“I’m a dork and I’m America’s Next Top Model.” Nicole, after she wins ANTM

Cycle 13 rocked
The "petite" models who were featured in Cycle 13 really did themselves proud and we're hoping we'll see (most of) them gracing covers of magazines and hitting the runways as they stretch their talents and push the envelope for aspiring short models everywhere.

Some of the girls, especially those in the final six, showed real promise. Which models do you see going on and being successful in the business? Tell us here in the comments.

November 12, 2009

America's Next Top Model: Maui Wowie, It's a Twofer!

After the last brutal panel, the remaining contestants take a moment in the limo to reflect on their chances of becoming America's Next Top Model now that it's down to just the final four. After being in the bottom two for the past three weeks, Erin hangs in the competition by the skin of her teeth. Jennifer just had best photo so she's feeling good. Nicole feels more confident than ever and Laura's just happy that she's not castrating bulls.

Some heinous hip hop hula
For the challenge this week the girls have to learn a hip hop hula routine. The scariest part -- they have four eight counts to tell their personal story with hula moves. Each girl must perform with the hula dancers and then bust out her solo in the middle of it. Erin used to be a cheerleader so she's pretty confident but there are others who are...well, awkward.

The prize this time around is that the girl who wins gets to return to the island with a friend for a five night all-expense-paid trip at the Four Seasons. Heck, we'll get up and hip hop the heck out of the hula for that prize! Miss J shows up to judge the competition and Nicole is so hard to watch that he feels compelled to get up after her performance and imitate it. While Jennifer and Erin were pretty good, Laura brought the booty. She could crunk with the best of 'em. And she chooses Jen to join her on her return trip to Maui.

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