As you all know, after 22 cycles on the CW, there is a new season of America’s Next Top Model airing on VH1 and honey, can you say amazing? I will say, like my other fellow ANTM watchers I was a little skeptical about the new season. Especially after hearing that Tyra, Mrs. Jay, Jay Alexander & Nigel Barker will no longer be judges and hosts on the legendary show. Instead, this time around Tyra has hand picked a new panel of judges and a host for the new season. Cycle 23 Panelist include Rita Ora, Ashley Graham, Drew Elliot, and Law Roach all trailblazers in the fashion industry who are identified as “bosses” the theme for this year’s competition.
Watching the premiere episode, it was a little nerve racking because I am so used to the idea of Tyra, being the prominent feature of the show I didn’t know how to react when in place of Tyra, there was Rita, Drew, Ashley, and Law. However, I will say my nerves subsided towards the end of the show as the usual drama unfolded and Rita began to really stand out and embody the theme of this years cycle “Boss & Branding”. There were a few potential supermodels that caught my eye first episode and I will be watching just to see if they make it to the end.
First up is Kyle; I think that although she is very androgynous here edgy demeanor and contrasting soft features would make her a super great pick, she definitely has potential to go far in the industry.
Secondly, Courtney; her brows is a defining feature of her face that makes her stand out and makes her very memorable. She slayed her com card photo op and I can tell her passion for fashion is strong. I do think however, she needs to harden up because modeling is a super harsh industry and if she doesn’t have that tough skin to overcome certain things she will eventually crumble.
Lastly, there is Tatiana who has obviously had some training and or has practiced modeling before. She exudes this confidence that isn’t too overbearing but is actually attractive. I know that this is something that she wants, and I look forward to seeing if she makes it to the end. Below are pictures of the other contestants for this cycle…
Final thoughts: I would definitely say that this season is a kind of revamp of America’s Next Top Model. Fresh faces, New Judges on a new network, This is something that the show desperately needed in order to win over the millennial audience. Out of a 5-star rating, I would definitely give the show 4 stars!!!! I hope you all tune into VH1 Wednesday nights at 10:00 pm for all new episodes of America’s Next Top Model cycle 23.