Kimberly second girl cut from 'America's Next Top Model's ninth edition

Kimberly's "high-fashion" personality couldn't be captured on film and as a result, the 20-year-old student from Ocala, FL became the second runway wannabe eliminated from America's Next Top Model's ninth season during last night's broadcast of The CW reality competition series.


"I was just really disappointed in myself," said Kimberly through tears following her ouster.  "I want everybody to be proud of me, and I feel like my pictures didn't show my best ability.  I'm just embarrassed.  I'm embarrassed with my pictures.  Yeah I'm in the Top 12 in the whole country, but I'm also the second girl to leave."

Top Model's second episode began with Bianca, an 18-year-old college student from Queens, NY, giving what she described as "bad tips" to Kimberly on how to walk the runway. 

But not all the girls were looking for a competitive edge, as Saleisha, a 21-year-old receptionist from Los Angeles, CA with previous modeling experience, provided fashion tips to Heather, a 21-year-old college student from Valparaiso, IN who suffers from Asperger's, a mild form of Autism that hinders her social interaction and verbal communication.

"Even though this is a competition, I'm not trying to be a bitch... That's just not my personality," explained Saleisha.  Bianca commented she didn't know if Heather "deserved" the attention from the other girls.


The girls then received some Tyra Mail, hopped on their eco-friendly bus and arrived at the "Fashion Madhouse" where they were met by runway expert J. "Ms. J." Alexander.  He explained that they'd each be fitted for a straight-jacket and pair of high heels and have to show-off their runway walk for him.  Saleisha stood out when Ms. J. commented she had "good control" and a "nice strut."

A week after having problems with Lisa, a 20-year-old exotic dancer from Jersey City, NJ, Bianca decided to set her sights on Saleisha, calling her the "biggest competition."  Kimberly also commented she was "intimidated" by Saleisha's experience with high-fashion runway shoes.  Bianca wasn't impressed, and called Saleisha a "borderline plus-size" model... to her face.  The two shouted at each other.

"Bianca, she needs to control herself," said Saleisha.  "She's only 18.  Everybody goes through that stage..."

"I can break these bitches down one by one," commented a cocky Bianca.  "I refuse to let these bitches think that I'm not a real model."

The next day the girls were met by fashion-show producer Roy Campbell, who told them they'd be competing in their next reward challenge, a high-fashion runway show.  The girls would be wearing designs created by Colleen Quen, who would choose the winner.  The prize was a trip to Paris next Spring to participate in the launch of her new clothing line.  The girls would be judged on both their runway walk as well as how well they bring out the "spirit" of the garment they're wearing.  Colleen chose Saleisha as the winner.


"I felt good that I won that," said Saleisha.  "I felt damn good."  Saleisha also noticed Bianca didn't look too happy or impressed.

"I didn't think Saleisha did better than me," said Bianca.  "From what I saw, I should have won that challenge."

The girls then received some more Tyra Mail and met Top Model art director Jay Manuel.  He said that for their next shoot, the girls would be posing on a rock-climbing wall while wearing a high-fashion gown.  Matthew Jordan Smith served as the photographer.  Saleisha had trouble at first until Jay told her to "let go," and then she was fine.  Because of Bianca's creative look, Jay wanted her to take it to the next level.

"Bianca, you know what?  It looks so forced!" commented Jay.  Like Saleisha, Bianca started "rough" but thought she finished strong.  Jenah, an 18-year-old student from Farmington, CT, received rave reviews because she previously worked as a rock climbing instructor.  However Kimberly had some problems, as Jay thought she was being too safe.

"Some girls can be fierce.  Some girls can be a little mysterious.  But I'm just normal," said Kimberly.  "I want to be a good role model to the girls who do have a normal life!"


"Kimberly looks at modeling as a two-dimensional art," explained Jay.  "She wants to look like a typical model."

Jay recommended all the girls shouldn't "self-analyze" themselves so much during photo shoots before sending them home to their posh Los Angeles mansion to await individual evaluations.

"I really want to stay," said Kimberly.  "I know that if I got to stay I'd be able to learn so much more."

The 12 remaining aspiring runway walkers then had their second individual evaluations, where they would be judged by Top Model creator Tyra Banks; Ms. J; photographer Nigel Barker; former model Twiggy; and Roy.

While the judges praised Saleisha, Heather and Jenah, Bianca and Kimberly ran into problems.  Ms. J. thought Kimberly's facial expression was "a bit scrunched," and Twiggy added it looked like Kimberly smacked into the rock wall she was climbing.


"It's just not a very good photograph," said Twiggy.  "Can you see it's not a very good photograph?" Nigel said he thought Kimberly was "charming" and "personable" in person, but it didn't come through in the photo.

Nigel thought Bianca looked "uncomfortable" and wasn't a fan of her face's angle; Ms. J. thought she looked "mad;" and Roy also said she actually looked "upset."  Tyra was a fan of the photo, but she was the only one.

"Is this the most fabulous shot in the world?  No," said Tyra.  "But is it boring?  No."

Once all the individual evaluations were complete, the judges began to deliberate which girl would be the second one eliminated.  Twiggy commented Bianca wasn't her "favorite photograph" but added she "loves her in person." 

"I really don't think that she has it," said Roy of Bianca.


Ms. J. said with Kimberly, he doesn't see any "nutritional fashion value," however Tyra thought she has a "high-fashion kind of face."

Tyra then revealed that Jenah; Heather; Lisa; Chantal, a 19-year-old student from Austin, TX; Sarah, a 20-year-old college student from Heath, MA; Ambreal, a 19-year-old college student from Dallas, TX; Victoria, a 20-year-old college student from New Haven, CT; Saleisha; Janet, a 22-year-old aesthetician from Bainbridge, GA; and Ebony, a 20-year-old nursing student from Chicago, IL, were all safe from elimination.

Tyra said with Kimberly, they see a "gorgeous girl" and "high-fashion" person but just a "pretty girl" in photographs.  While Tyra said she thought Bianca's photo was "absolutely stunning" this week, the other judges didn't like it.  Tyra then revealed Kimberly was eliminated.

America's Next Top Model 9's next episode will air Wednesday, October 10 at 8PM ET/PT on The CW.






About The Author: Christopher Rocchio