Cycle 10, Episode 3: “Top Model Makeovers”

Ok, did y’all watch Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model??? I feel like pretty much everyone has at this point, including these ANTM podcasts.

In case you haven’t seen it yet, here are the main takeaways:

• During Cycle 3, Shandi was SAed in Italy and her trauma was blasted all over the world!!
• Miss J had a stroke, but is recovering!
• Tyra barely took any accountability for the incorrect and at-times problematic choices ANTM made that resulted in long-term physical and mental harm to contestants. And she still needs you to know that she fought for the show’s diversity (I do respect that).

E! has also released a documentary series called *Dirty Rotten Scandals* that has two episodes about Top Model. Once I figure out how to watch it, I will read out my findings.

Back to Cycle 10!

The doorbell rings and the models come running and screaming.

There’s a bag for each contestant filled with things from Apple Bottom.

As Marvita says,

Stacy-Ann loves her new Apple Bottom jeans.

Allison does not like the energy from everyone else in the house.

We get a clip of her saying she’s previously traveled to Bangkok and Taipei to model. What?? Where did that come from? Also, we now know Allison’s going to look like a bad model this episode.

Out of seemingly nowhere, Fatima says and doubles down that Allison’s butt is bigger than hers. Allison gets peeved and storms off, revealing that she previously struggled with an eating disorder.

Fatima does admit she was in the wrong but this whole situation is a shame! If only women wanted big butts back then the way they do now!!

After receiving a Tyra Mail that tells them to be prepared for anything, the models hop in their limo cab and get taken to a Walmart.

They are met there by CoverGirl’s Brent Poer (who has gotten very yassified since last cycle) and Molly Stern.

They give the models five minutes to create a look using three CoverGirl products. It’s a mad dash.

Claire wins and gets her photo on the CoverGirl section of Walmart’s website.

Allison randomly has two dolls (one white and one black) and decides to use them to reenact her earlier drama with Fatima.

I appreciate her trying to process her feelings but this does not seem to be the right way.

And she takes it too far and makes it racist.

Fatima is rightfully upset by this and calls her out.

I don’t understand how this behavior was allowed on the show and also how I don’t remember any of it!

Later, the models receive another Tyra Mail that says “curl up and dye”, so you know it’s time for makeovers!

The models, Miss J, Mr. Jay and Tyra all meet up at the Stephen Knoll Salon with the man himself.

Tyra tells everyone their makeovers will be a surprise! They won’t know what they’re getting done before it happens.

Anya looks great as a blonde.

They also turn Whitney blonde but I think this is a letdown. She looks so good with dark hair and the blonde hairstyle will evolve (get worse) throughout the cycle.

Aimee looks model-y but I still don’t remember her on the show.

Marvita gets a WILD mullet that does not work at all. She needed long hair or short hair but not both.

Lauren gets extensions, which helps her.

Katarzyna got Whitney’s old look.

Claire looks great. 10 out of 10.

Allison didn’t need this color. It doesn’t work as well with her face as the dark brown.

Dominique looks like Rhianna when they style her new hair…

But like a mom when they don’t.

Stacy-Ann’s before is better.

The show also wants to add an extra “e” to her name.

Amis’ extensions look really cheap and the color is too light.

Fatima had a long journey to get her new hair, but it’s so much better than before.

The next day, the models meet with Mr. Jay who explains this week’s photoshoot. They’ll be on a boat with the Brooklyn Bridge behind them.

Their photographer is George Holz who did the underwater photoshoot in Cycle 2.

After Mr. Jay introduces him, George doesn’t get to say one word.

What will the models be wearing on this shoot? Lingerie by model, designer and host of Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model Elle Macpherson!

Allison and her (not great) hair are feeling very confident pre-shoot.

Elle seems so kind and lighthearted with the models.

Once the models get a Tyra Mail about elimination back at the house, they’re all decompressing and worrying about the upcoming panel. Claire has her breast pump components in hand.

Tyra’s photo for panel looks like a Godzilla-inspired collage of fan art.

I really hated this photo of Lauren when the show aired, but she got first callout for it. Now, I don’t mind it.

My favorites:

Amis

Fatima

Whitney’s photo wasn’t great, but Tyra gave her a pass blaming the styling. It covered up her curves.

During the judges’ deliberation, Tyra forces Miss J and Nigel to feel her booty because she was upset she didn’t get to see Whitney’s booty.

It’s a lot.

Dominique and Allison land in the bottom two. Dominique is told she doesn’t bring enough attitude into her shoots while Allison is told she’s cocky. I do not think her photo was the worst.

But it’s good that she left after her interaction with Fatima. Maybe the producers thought she was too much of a liability and gave her the boot.

After the show, Allison modeled a bit.

But she’s retired from modeling and is now a senior product designer. I hope she’s grown since the show because she looks absolutely beautiful.

Thanks for reading. I hope to see you back here for Cycle 10, Episode 4.

If you’re not already, be sure to subscribe to get added to my newsletter.

Fierce and love,

P