America's Next Top Model

In its 16th season, America's Next Top Model continues to get the attention of countless viewers, especially those in high school.

Tyra Banks created the show in 2003 and since then, the show has been a hit. Banks was also the host of her talk show "Tyra" until its final season aired in 2010. The show was created to discover everyday girls that aspire to be models but never had the change. Many times throughout her career Banks describes her desire to help young women and this only helps reach her goal.

The contestants fill out a survey where they are required to be over 5'7" and be registered as either a normal or plus sized model. They then wait to be contacted by Top Model. The models then attend a tryout and nearly 30 girls are chosen to continue. The filming begins after the top 30 are chosen. Half of the models are then kicked off after one photo shoot that is judged and the remaining 15 stay on the show and live with the other 14 contestants.

The show becomes more personal for these models. They are constantly interviewed on happenings in the house and how they feel about a certain photo shoot. Viewers often pick their favorites based on the attitude of the models. "This season there's a girl (Alexandria) I can't stand just because she has a terrible attitude. She is all about herself and it's annoying to watch her, but at the same time it keeps the show interesting," said Burris senior Jennifer Watkins. Watkins has been watching the show since it has began. "I missed a few seasons in the middle but I missed it too much, now I can hardly wait until the next episode!"

The other models agree with Watkins' perception of Alexandria. They believe that she is possibly "bipolar" and "too controlling". Alexandria is a model who believes she knows what she is talking about. Banks threatened her that if her attitude didn't improve she would be sent home.

Every week there is a challenge and a photo shoot. The challenges usually consist of a fashion show or acting lessons. The model who stands out most to the photographer or designer wins prizes, usually a piece from the collection or a nice dinner where the model can choose a few friends to join. The photo shoots have evolved over time and there is never a repeat. "I am amazed at all the types of shoots they have," said Burris senior Kelsey Carr. "They are always so different, and sometimes kind of weird and crazy." Like Watkins, Carr has been watching the show for a very long time.

The show concludes with the models attending the judges panel where they are evaluated on their 'best photo'. The judges are very critical with the photos because they are looking for a top model. The prizes include a contract with IMG Models, a contract with Cover Girl, a spread in Italian Vogue and a cover and spread of Beauty in Vogue. These prizes were recently changed from a cover and spread in Seventeen Magazine and a contract with both Cover Girl and Willimena Models. The stakes are higher considering the better prizes and the models have to work a lot harder.

This week, model Dalya was sent home. The judges believed that she was performing like a remedial model and she was failing to stand out against the other models. Who will go nest week? Tune in to The CW at 8:00 pm next Wednesday 3/30 to find out.