When it comes to Trya Banks, people have opinions. You either love her, hate her, or you think she’s crazy. The only certainty is that she is incredibly successful and has used that success to take incredible risks with the latest cycle of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM).
The 13th cycle of ANTM, Le Petit Cycle 13, is radically different from other seasons because all of the models are under the usual height requirement of 5’7″. This time Banks decided to let only “short” girls audition for the show.
Some people consider Banks’ move ridiculous, considering that many modeling industries won’t hire a woman under 5’7″, whether she’s been proclaimed “America’s Next Top Petite Model” or not. Banks had to switch to a different modeling company, Wihelmina Models, to ensure that the winner would receive management as well as a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Banks said that it took two years to get the network to agree to a short-model contest. The show has featured full-figured women and in cycle 10, plus-size model Whitney Thompson took home the title.
Another change for Le Petit Cycle 13 is the absence of a regular guest judge. Model Paulina Porizkova was fired amid rumors that there was a rivalry with Banks.
Despite all the negative gossip, Banks is clearly trying to keep the show fresh. So far, there is no permanent guest judge, but model Chanel Iman helped judge the first elimination round and reality star Lauren Conrad was the guest judge for the second. Future guest judges include reality star Kim Kardashian and Victoria’s Secret model Marisa Miller.
The show is also just as ridiculous as ever. The cast includes Nicole, who claims her nickname was “Bloody eyeball,” and Sundai, who is only 5 foot 3 inches. The premiere also included Amber, who was convinced that Jesus had instructed her to participate in the show. For unknown reasons, Amber has now withdrawn from the competition. Of course, the reality show also features catfights and competition as the girls vie for the number one spot.
If you love the crazy, Banks herself does not disappoint. In this cycle, she adapts a faux French accent, perhaps to emphasize the “Le Petit” aspect of the season. She also dresses up as a superhero nicknamed “Super Smize” to drive home the point that the girls have to “smile with their eyes.” Banks’ large ego is on display as she refers to herself in third-person and pretends that “Super Smize” is an entirely different person.
ANTM has been around for thirteen cycles and it is getting tired. Since its debut, hundreds of reality shows have come on air, and hundreds more have been canceled.
ANTM can be vapid and silly, but its staying power clearly comes from Banks’ ability to mix it up, whether that includes casting tiny models or turning herself into a superhero. If nothing else, Banks’ antics are amusing.
Tune into ANTM on Wednesday nights at 7 on The CW.
