"America's Next Top Model" Cycle 11 Begins

Cycle 11 of the CW Network's "America's Next Top Model" began on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. The two-hour premiere narrowed down the top 20 to the 14 that would continue on.

I often wonder how the preliminary judges, which consist of Tyra Banks and the two Jays, make their final cut. Some of their choices seemed a bit odd. However, I don't pretend to understand how the modeling industry works.

Here is a list of the top 14:

Analeigh, age 19, from California;
Brittany, age 19, from Nevada;
Clark, age 19, from South Carolina;
Elina, age 18, from Washington;
Hannah, age 18, from Alaska;
Isis, age 22, from New York;
Joslyn, age 23, from California;
Lauren, age 20, from Virginia;
Marjorie, age 19, originally from France;
Mckey, age 19, from Illinois;
Nikeysha, age 17, from New York;
Samantha, age 18, from California;
Sharaun, age 18, from Illinois; and
Sheena, age 21, from New York.

The audience was treated to or perhaps a better word would be subjected to the opinions and observations of the 14 candidates. Some were childish while others were mean spirited. However, a handful of the girls displayed their open hearts.

Some of the girls immediately began attacking Isis, who is a transgender individual; a woman trapped inside a man's body. Many of their words were hurtful and harsh.

However, two of the girls jumped to Isis's defense. Mckey told her that she thought she was very brave to put herself out there knowing that scrutiny was about to happen. She referred to her as butterfly coming out of her cocoon.

Sheena seemed intent on defending Isis and any other girl that the others ganged up on. She may well turn out to be the peacemaker of the group.

The girls had the opportunity for some one to one face time with each of three judges - - Nigel, Paulina, and Miss Jay. Some made a lasting impression (both negative and positive) while others seemed at a loss as far as what they should say.

For their first photo shoot the girls had to portray various issues tied to this year's presidential election.