Smizing isn’t just for the ladies anymore, because Cycle 20 of America’s Next Top Model is guys against girls. In this first episode of the season, Tyra and the judges narrowed down 35 semifinalists to 16 final competitors.
The top model of this season will win the biggest prize package yet: a spread in Nylon Magazine, a contract with Next Models, and (never before heard of in Top Model history!) a $100,000 national campaign with Guess.
Some of the semifinalist male models opting for the grand prize included 22-year-old Cory who is, in his own words, “more feminine and edgy than the other guys.” On the other edge of the spectrum was the very masculine Delten, a plumber from Alaska. The other guys fell everywhere in between.
There’s always been drama between the ANTM contestants, but with a group of gorgeous guys and girls living in the same house, the tension (sexual and otherwise) is sure to be higher than ever.
To make the first cut, the models competed in a masquerade ball runway. During this avant-garde, couture fashion show, the models wore elaborate masks and strutted to the end of the runway in guy-girl pairs where they had to give their runway partner a passionate kiss. The high fashion photograph taken during the show would be the first one the judges would see to make their decision on finalists (no pressure!).
As the models were fitted for their ensembles and went through hair and makeup, several of the men admitted they were “makeup virgins,” and looked quite uncomfortable as blush and eyeliner were applied to their faces.
They looked great on the runway, though, where male supermodel Rob Evan, social media correspondent Bryanboy, sylist Johnny Wujek, fashion maven Kelly Cutrone, and the one and only Tyra Banks, sat in the front row to judge their every move. A few stumbles and a lot of sloppy kisses later, the judges had seen enough.
After interviewing each contestant and a lot of deliberation, the judges had narrowed the 35 semifinalists down to 26. The 35 models packed onto a bus and headed to the mansion that would hold the Cycle 20 contestants, but when they got there, not everyone was allowed in. Masks had been places around the front lawn, and only models whose face was pictured on a mask would be moving on.
The lucky 26 entered the house… and the drama began. It looked like male model Jeremy was starting to get the sweets for blue-eyed Jourdan, well, until she told him to stop following her around and that of course he can’t help liking her because that’s what comes with being an attractive model.
After punching the other guys in the crotch and not understanding why they got mad at him, socially awkward Chris decided to keep to himself. Nina, who resemblances Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter, took a break from hula hooping to console him.
Cory reached out to transgender Virgg, who was feeling ill due to her hormone treatment. Social butterfly Cory also bonded with Renee about their shared mixed heritages. Cory, half black, half white, said he was called “Coreo the Oreo” in school.
Sweetheart Marvin went straight to the phone to telephone his dad. Marvin, whose family is originally from Honduras but was raised in The Bronx, told his dad that he’s the happiest he’s ever been, and it’s all because everything his dad sacrificed to raise him and his seven brothers. Aww!
The models weren’t in LA to socialize, though, and soon they were whisked off to a “larger than life” photo shoot. As the models posed for the camera, their images were projected onto the side of a building, and passerby could vote for their favorite one.
The leather clad models all seemed a little nervous about their first photo shoot. Virgg said she felt dizzy during the shoot, and Marvin was feeling the pressure to represent Honduras. The photographer thought Delten’s expressions all seemed the same and Jourdan didn’t have enough confidence.
So who had the right stuff to make it to the final 16? Tyra made the announcement on the set of a Guess runway. Making up the Cycle 20 girls would be, Alexandra, Renee, Jourdan, Jiana, Chlea, Nina, Bianca, and Kanani, and for the guys, Mike, Cory, Dom, Christopher S, Jeremy, Phil, Chris H, and Marvin.
The top 16 would be walking, or more like repelling, in the Guess fashion show – the runway would go straight down the side of a multi-story building! Next week on ANTM we’ll see if anyone chickens out or falls down when the models give a new meaning to “high” fashion.
Photo: Facebook