by Mike Bandy

The first episode of cycle 15 of America's Next Top Model began with 32 women arriving in Palm Springs for the competition. There is a bus waiting for them and they have assigned seats. A few notable girls were Chris and Terra, who are sisters; Kacey, who tried out for cycle 11 and didn't make it; and Vanessa, who was Miss Teen Minnesota in 2009.

The bus arrives at the Parker Palm Springs and the girls gather in the foyer. The Jays appear and inform the girls that the assigned seating on the bus was deliberate; they were seated next to their direct competition. The girls find their rooms and get settled in.

Next, everyone is sitting outside, drinking lemonade, and Tyra appears. Screaming ensues. Tyra says that she started ANTM because she wanted to bring modeling to the masses; this cycle, she wants editorial beauty and it's all about high fashion. She announces that the winner will have a $100,000 CoverGirl contract, will be signed by IMG models, and have a spread in Italian Vogue, as well as an additional spread and cover of Beauty in Vogue.

The contestants got to participate in a runway challenge, wearing designs by Cynthia Rowley, and were paired into different groups; Quirky, Sexy, Strong Bone Structure, Blondes, and Brunettes. Each group had to give their best runway walk.

It's panel time! Here were some memorable contestants:

Kayla: Showed up with a lot of blonde curls that Tyra & Co. asked her to comb out. She entered the room and went the wrong way several times, and did the same thing upon exiting. She slept in a sleeping bag until she was 13 because her family didn't have any money.

Rhianna: Has a very quirky style and amazing poses, and says she's inspired by nature; Tyra loved her "willow tree" pose. All of the judges said she had major potential.

Esther: Was raised as a modern Orthodox Jew who does not use electricity on the weekend; her chest size is 30G, and she showed the panel how well she holds them, which impressed Tyra.

Liz: Works 2 minimum wage jobs and goes to school, and gets government assistance to take care of her daughter. The judges liked her masculine face. Liz said that she's been through hell, but she's trying to get to heaven.

Kendal: Discovered on Tyra.com, says she's a virgin because she doesn't like semen on her hand. She's never left Alabama. Tyra said that she was one of the most beautiful Top Model girls that she's seen in a while.

Ann: The tallest contestant, Ann is 6'2" and naturally very thin. Ann says it's hereditary; she's got a very tall skinny family. She's tried to model before, but was turned down for being too tall.

The time came for the group to be narrowed down; they are all invited to a party hosted by Cynthia Rowley, but only 20 of them can attend. Among the eliminated girls were Vanessa, who said that we'd see her on the big screen. The remaining 20 girls meet Cynthia Rowley, and are paired with their direct competition for a photo shoot.

Tyra and the Jays then sat down to decide who would make it into the house. Among the comments made: Esther can fit into a sample gown despite her ample chest, Kendal needs development and Tyra thinks they can give it to her; of the two sisters, Chris is better at posing, while Terra has a stronger runway walk, and Ann has potential, but needs polishing.

Once the decisions have been made, Tyra gathers the girls together and picks her final 14! They are (in order of call out):

1. Anamaria
2. Kendal
3. Rhianna
4. Chris
5. Jane
6. Chelsea
7. Liz
8. Sara
9. Lexie
10. Esther
11. Kacey
12. Kayla
13. Ann
14. Terra

Chris and Terra embraced and cried on the runway, because they were happy to be picked to be in the house together. All of the girls were very excited to begin the competition, and Tyra announced that it starts now!

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.

(Image courtesy of the CW)

For more ANTM links, visit SirLinksALot.net