by Gina Scarpa

 

We've got seven beautiful women from the United States and seven more from the United Kingdom competing in an all out catfight, walkoff, and poseathon to win this season of America's Next Top Model. Nigel Barker meets up with the girls and throws them a "fierce parade". It's kind of like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade but instead of Santa at the end, the girls trash talk and walk against each other in the first (of many, I'm sure) US vs. UK competitions.

 

Their house this season must make The Real Would house cry itself to sleep a little at night - they've got a diner in their house, a massive pool, telephone booths, to name a few! The culture differences are showing already, with the American girls skinny dipping on the first night while the British girls look at them like they have about 17 heads.

 

For their first photo shoot, Jay Manuel lets the girls know that he'll be pairing up an American girl with a British girl and each will represent an iconic figure from their countries while jumping on a trampoline and being shot in 3-D. Oh, simple. We've got everyone from Janet Jackson and Mel B to Michelle Obama and Margaret Thatcher. A fashion interpretation of Margaret Thatcher!? Is anyone else reminded of Austin Powers? "Margaret Thatcher on a cold day, Margaret Thatcher on a cold day..."

 

At panel, it was so exciting to see this season's newest judge, Kelly Cutrone, of The Hills and of course, Kell on Earth. Can't wait for that brutal honesty to come out! Tyra is not playin' around with the prizes this time around. Up for grabs for the winner of Cycle 18: a spread in Italian Vogue, a position as a celebrity correspondent with Extra, a single that will be produced and released, she'll become the face of the ANTM fragrance, a modeling contract with LA Models and NY Model Management, and a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl. Damn.

 

Ebony and Ashley are up first to face the judges and don't exactly win them over as Jackie O. and Princess Di. Laura sells her Madonna picture short but Kelly Cutrone likes it, while guest judge Kelly Osbourne wishes that Alicia captured more of Elton John's joy and happiness. Catherine nails her interpretation of Queen Elizabeth I while Tyra wanted a little more "oomph" from AzMarie as George Washington. Kelly Cutrone complains that she doesn't like the pairing or costumes for Mariah and Jasmia as Pocahontas and John Lennon, but that's not their fault!

 

Kyle impresses with her take on Andy Warhol but the angles aren't there for Nigel when he looks at Louise as Amy Winehouse. Annaliese seems too angry as Mel B, while Candace isn't aggressive enough as Janet Jackson. The favorite photo of the day seems to be Sophie and Seymone as Michelle Obama and Margaret Thatcher.

 

After deliberating, it's time to hand out some photos.  Seymone gets the first one, meaning that hers was deemed the strongest of the evening.  Kyle is called next, followed by Sophie, Laura, Catherine, Candace, Mariah, AzMarie, Ebony, Louise, Alisha, and Annaliese.  That leaves Jasmia and Ashley, both from the UK, who fell flat this week.  Tyra decides that Ashley will stay, while Jasmia only gets a plane ticket home.

 

Check out our exclusive interview with Jasmia! America's Next Top Model: British Invasion airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.

 

(Image courtesy of the CW)

 

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