Top model, competition is the name of the game

Tyra Banks returns for another season of UPN's Top Model. Westin Century Plaza Hotel in Century City is where the prospects for America's next Top Model will reside until the final cut of who will move into the house is complete. While interacting with the 35 contestants, Banks announced "I'm looking for girls with pizzazz, I'm looking for girls that are beautiful on the outside...but I'm also looking for the beauty on the inside, something that is rare, something that is extra special." Two girls return from last season Tiffany- the 'bout it gansta chick who was fighting in a bar, and Mary is the plus size model who is determined to take the cake. Each girl went through the interview process by approaching the panel of Banks, Ms. J, and Mr. Jay. Not all of them could walk straight in heels. The panel mimicked the contestant's footsteps with their hands on the table after she left the room. "Once the initial interviews are completed, Tyra brings everyone in for a lingerie walk-off to see how all the girls can hold their own next to each other while wearing skimpy attire. In groups, they strut their stuff for the panel, bringing the audition process to a close." (www.upn.com)

First, the thirty-five young women enjoyed a whirlwind of poolside excitement accompanied with a game of truth or dare. Later that evening the girls prepare for a night on the town. Those who are 21 and up head to the blazing club White Lotus, and the minors are surprised to trade their stilettos for bowling shoes. The very next morning contestants were gathered to search through 20 portfolios to determine who made the first cut. If your picture was inside one the portfolios, you were still in the running to become America's next top model; if your picture isn't there you were clipped. The 20 semi finalists' first photo assignment was to capture their beauty in a small photo booth. The judges later analyze the girl's simple smiles and dramatic poses to determine who will be the final 14 moving into the Los Angeles loft. The contestants are gathered and six girls are left devastated that they didn't make the cut. Banks hugs each of them, saying they are beautiful and encourages them to pursue their dreams. She saves Mary for last, revealing that she too had been in the same predicament of being rejected on two occasions.

The remaining 14 contestants in the running for America's next top model are: Brandy a 20-year-old cosmetology student from Houston, Texas; Brita a 25-year-old waitress from La Canada, Calif.; Brittany a 22-year-old elementary school instructional aide from Tallahassee, Fla.; Christina, a 24-year-old a fashion marketing student from Tallahassee, Fla.; Kahlen a, 21-year-old restaurant hostess from Broken Arrow, Okla.; Keenyah, a 19-year-old student from Compton, Calif.; Lluvy, a 21- year-old janitor from Modesto, Calif.; Michelle a 19-year-old wrestler from Terre Haute, Ind.; Naima a, 20-year-old coffee shop waitress from Detroit, Mich.; Noelle, a realtor's assistant from Reno, Nev.; Rebecca, a 22-year-old former flight attendant from Minneapolis, Minn.; Sarah, a 22-year-old waitress from Baltimore, Md.; Tatiana, a 18- year-old waitress from Maui, Hawaii, and the once bad apple herself, Tiffany, a 22-year-old mother from Miami, Fla.