AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 6
LESLIE ELIMINATED FROM UPN'S "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL"

Photo courtesy of UPN.

Leslie, a student from Higley, Ariz., became the sixth girl eliminated from the sixth cycle of UPN's hit series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 8 girls to 7.

J. Alexander greeted the girls for a lesson about movement on the runway and demonstrated tips on how to use accessories and body motion to make garments come alive. While J. critiqued the girls on their techniques, Leslie's uncertainty became very apparent causing her awkwardness to stand out more than her beauty. "It takes the pretty away from her," J. said after the lesson.

The girls then met with Richard and Ron Harris, better known as the "aswirl twins," for a lesson on swirling and twirling that would further sharpen their knowledge of movement on the runway. Although many of the girls had difficulty mastering the graceful movements, Leslie appeared increasingly tense and unsure of her actions.

The next day, the girls put their skills to the test in a fashion show held in a local church that featured the fashions of renowned designer Lloyd Klein and beautiful diamonds of Sol Rafael. Leslie, who openly expressed being nervous before the fashion show started, had trouble relaxing which led to a stiff and unenthusiastic performance on the runway.

Jay Manuel then led the girls in a rooftop photo shoot for Payless Shoes, where each had to create an edgy and energetic look while dancing with Tommy the Clown and his Krumpers. Once again, Leslie had difficulty embracing the essence of the shoot and failed to provide a variety of poses and facial expressions. Jay was disappointed after Leslie's shoot, commenting "I really thought she was going to nail it more."

During the week's elimination ceremony, the judges challenged each girl to showcase their signature walk and tested their balance and posture in a slow motion 360 degree turn. Although the judges agreed that Leslie is both photogenic and beautiful, they were not convinced of her presence as a top model. "The judges think, 'beautiful girl, beautiful pictures,' but a lot of them don't see a model in front of them," Tyra said to Leslie before eliminating her from the competition.

The winner of UPN's AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL will have the opportunity to be managed by Ford Models. She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl. Finally, the winner appears in a fashion spread in Elle magazine.

The sixth installment of UPN's hit dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL airs Wednesdays, (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on UPN. For more information about AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, log on to www.upn.com.

The Interview

Sometimes it is almost insane to think of our interviews as "work". I had a great time talking with Leslie after her elimination from America's Next Top Model, and I want to thank her for taking the time, and for being so candid.

Tell us a little bit about your life before doing the show.
"Pretty normal for an 18 year old. I was in my freshman year at ASU majoring in Criminal Justice. Hanging out with friends. Pretty normal" she laughed.

What made you decide to audition?
"Modeling was always in the back of my mind. But I know it is a very competitive field. I used to dance... funny that I was eliminated on that show, huh? But I went for it."

Had you modeled before?
"Never. Well... 1 thing for a hair salon. It took 10 minutes, and no pay. I had no clue what I was going to do [on the show]. But I had the confidence."

Was modeling harder than you thought it would be? In what ways?
"Yeah. A lot more." she signed. "The whole process was more difficult than I thought it would be. I thought I did OK in the photo shoots. My runway was horrible!" she laughed. SO has she worked on that? "Oh yes. I used to never wear heals. Now I'm kind of used to it. I'm a LOT better!"

Was the "reality" aspect of the experience difficult to get used to? Did you ever get used to it?
"Yeah.. another thing I underestimated. I thought I'd get used to it - the cameras everywhere. It drove me insane. The lack of privacy. I'm a very sociable person, but it made me more reserved.

What was your favorite experience on the show?
"Getting to know the other girls. Especially Brooke. She is one of my best friends. The photo shoots were the best thing. Transforming each week. The Dominatrix / Criminal Justice shoot was my favorite. It was fun to get into. Kind of kinky. "I was like 'bring in the guys!'"

Was it difficult to work with the male models?
"Yeah, I was worried about that. But it was great. I really fed off the energy."

Were there any eliminations before yours that really surprised you?
"Kari. Hands down, Kari. She was doing so well. That ice photo shoot? She nailed it! But for Kari to be eliminated over Gina? I love her, Gina is a great girl. But.. I was so mad."

Would you do it all over again?
"Oh yeah. I had the highs and the lows. I missed my family so much. But who gets to do this? I never would have pursued modeling. It isn't like I live in the modeling capital, ya know?"

Is there anything you would change?
"I don't believe in regrets. Obviously there can only be 1 winner. I can take so much from this experience. I would let loose more. I'm so open as a person, but I'd get nervous or tense in panel.

You said that you couldn't go back to your life after this. So what is next for you?
"I'm gong to pursue modeling. There really aren't any local agencies, I want to move. Maybe to LA. I'm from New York originally, so maybe New York. Or Miami. There's so much going on there. I have a couple choices."

Do you have any thoughts or words for your fans out there?
"Yes!! Thank you all sooooo very much. You'll never know how much I appreciate all of the messages and support. I don't want to come off as corny or fake, because I really do appreciate the support.

~April 13, 2006

Read about America's Next Top Model Cycle 6
Read about America's Next Top Model Cycle 5
Read about America's Next Top Model Cycle 4
Read about America's Next Top Model Season 3
Read about America's Next Top Model Season 2
Read about America's Next Top Model Season 1

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