ANTM cycle 21 Finale: "Winner's Tale"

Previously on America’s Next Top Model, the models took on a Korean soap opera. Keith acted up, and won the drama challenge. During their Elvis/Marilyn Monroe photoshoot, Adam hit the right note and received best picture. Even though the judges usually prefer (half)-blondes, Shei was eliminated for her lack of versatility. Now, only four models remain. Who will become America’s Next Top Model?

Will Manaconda slither his way to the top? Does Adam the Alcoholic have a shot at winning? Can Will strap on the (six inch) heels of victory? Or will Lenox be the last woman standing? 

The models return to the House to see Adam’s first best-photo being displayed. He is confident and happy that this experience has helped him stop drinking. While Adam celebrates, Keith reflects about his life. “It’s full of highs and lows, peaks and valleys.” At this point, I’m not sure if he’s referring to his career or hairline…

Likewise, Will is pondering his time in the competition. He’s thankful that this journey has helped boost his self-esteem. After thirteen weeks of scrutiny, he now believes that he is a good person (I guess in comparison to Yu Tscream and the Wicked Witch of the West Side…)

It seems that Tyra has gone full Wizard of Oz and begins to show off how she’s transformed everyone’s lives. Will needed confidence, and Tyra gave him six-inch heels. Adam needed an intervention, and Tyra gave him a three-bottles-a-day limit. Keith needed a place to let his manaconda prey, and Tyra gave him her garden. Lenox needed to lose her virginity, and Tyra made fun of her endlessly...er, wait a minute...

I Think I’ll Diss You Most of All

Nevertheless, the models come together and agree that this will be a “pretty good finale”. Between Keith and Lenox, this will be one of the strongest final four(heads) in a while...

Since Tyra can never resist the call of her brethren, she enters the House and greets Keith. She greets them with a live Tyra Mail: “Eye See Your Beauty.” The models exchange confused glances, and so do I. Aren’t your eyes that thing you smile with? This show has muddled my brain too far beyond comprehension. Smize before Smarts, ya’ll!

Anyway, Tyra announces that she has created a cosmetics line. Thanks to her Harvard degree, she has learned how to Photoshop her name onto certificates become a business woman. She wants the models to help her advertise her eponymous brand, Tyra. While there will be some collaboration between the models and her, Tyra insists that she will be the main focus of the Tyra commercials. The advertisements will consist of the models chanting “Tyra” while listening to her new song, “Tyra” in the background…

I swear, if Tyra and Marc Jacobs had a child, its ego would be massive. To match the forehead of course…

Now that Tyra has given the final four their mission, she elects to widen her circle jerk. She brings in the eliminated models so that Adam, Keith, Lenox, and Will can receive assistance for these “beautitainment” commercials.

Since this makeup is geared toward women, Will, Keith, and Adam will be sharing the spotlight in order to fully deliver the product. Why can’t Tyra make male-oriented brands as well? The only way to judge the last four models fairly is to create a collection of beard-weaves. Faced with Faux Fur by Tyra (made with diabetic cheetah skin of course...) 

After they travel to a Korean mall, Keith decides to work with Mirjana and Shei. Lenox is grouped with Matthew and Ben. Will chooses his besties Raelia and Ivy. This leaves Adam with Kari, Denzel, and Chantelle. 

Every group of models is given a product to advertise. Tyra ushers them to work quickly and finish before the mall opens to the public at 7 AM. (God forbid we see ‘non-models’. They might pour beer on Tyra’s weave!)

Before they are rushed to hair and makeup, Tyra has one more surprise guest for these commercials. Since her eyes are her best feature, Tyra has invited cycle 12 and All-Star runner-up Allison Harvard to make cameos in the adverts. 

Will is the first one to shoot his commercial for “Sculpt In A Stick and Light In A Stick” (really rolls off the tongue, eh?) He is excited about the shoot until he finds out he must be shirtless to showcase the contouring makeup. Will is self-conscious about not being as toned as the other guys, and drawing heavy black lines on his chest is going to help. Nevertheless, he showcases the dollar-store charcoal and gets praise from Tyra.

Adam collaborates with Chantelle and Kari to sell “Oops Liner”. Adam collaborates with Chantelle and Kari to sell "Oops Liner". Oops, I did it again! Luckily, Tyra has created “Oops Liner”: an infusion of eyeliner and makeup corrector in the same brush to fix these kinds of errors. Chantelle boasts that with “Oops Liner,” you no longer have to worry about any blatant, glaring mistakes.

Forget all the insults I’ve hurled. If it can fix the ultimate blunder of having Adam in the final four, Tyra’s products must be extraordinary!

After’s Adam’s erasure, it is time for Keith to hit the set. Mirjana and Shei tag along to showcase “Lip Model”. While I’d prefer the hilarity of a hand model, their “Lip model” advertisment is still plenty bizarre. Keith slathers the girls’ lips with fifty shades of awful puns. Mirjana, however, is thankful for Tyra’s lipstick. Now she and Denzel can share a makeup bag, complete with His and Hers “Hater Blocker” foundation. Thanks Tyra!

Lenox is also not going to let her “What It Takes” lip balm go to waste. She slaps it on before bringing Ben and Matthew to advertise “Smack My Fat Lash”. She is apprehensive to the thought of being sexy with her full thick lashes, but is encouraged by Tyra. Once Ben and Matthew engage with one another (#nolabels), Lenox is able to fully immerse herself into the commercial. Tyra applauds her ability to transform behind the camera and calls her ‘fierce’.

After the commercial shoot, all twelve models (and Chantelle) enjoy one another’s company in a Korean barbeque. Before they can call it a night, Tyra gives them another challenge. 

The next day, the models are taken to the judging set where they are met by Yu Tsai. He surprises them by saying he will be shooting their final photoshoot for Guess.“I shot your first photos,” Yu reminds them, “And now I’m shooting your last.” Lenox hasn’t even had her first, so her last must be very frightening. 

Still, the final four are eager to impress Guess and have this photograph become a national advertisement. Keith is skeptical, citing that his relationship with Yu is “hot and cold”. If we’re really describing Yu Tsai with Katy Perry songs, there are some much better alternatives:

This Is How We Yu

Roar
I Killed A Girl (And I Liked It)

With not a lot of time left, Keith is desperate to prove that he is not a one-hit wonder. After some coaching from Yu Tsai, he manages to get some great shots. In the same way, Will hits strong, masculine poses. Yu believes that Will can encapsulate the Guess brand nicely.

When Lenox gets on set, she is eager to prove her growth. She gets a confidence in being sexy and hits seductive poses; much to Yu Tsai’s approval. Tsai is most proud of Adam. He was doubtful at first, but by the end, Adam has improved so much and is the best suited model to represent the Guess brand. After the four finish their shoot, they decide to goof off in a final group shoot. In the middle of the festivities, Tyra appears.

“I was secretly monitoring this Guess shoot,” she announces. “I have already picked out your best pictures, and tonight, one of you will be eliminated.”

With that, Miss Jay and Kelly arise from the back of the room. Alongside Yu Tsai, they will be the sole judges figuring out who the final three models walking in the Lie Sangbong fashion show.

Tyra thinks that Will’s black and white shot is “sexy”. Kelly believes that his power lies in the color photo. Miss Jay wants more strength in his color photo, and Yu Tsai thinks his black and white is his best picture.

Kelly think that Lenox is “too hoochie” in the color photograph. Miss Jay feels that there’s a subtle sexiness in both pictures, and Tyra loves the control in Lenox’s black and white shot.

Yu Tsai thinks that Adam has power in his black and white picture. Tyra loves his color photo and calls him the “perfect Guess model”. Kelly appreciates that Adam has taken their criticism and adapted his modelling throughout the season.

While Keith has a sexy black and white photo, Kelly disagrees with the other judges about his color picture. Miss Jay calls it “soft”, but Kelly wants more “diversity” in his face. 

“Now, the judges and I will give you scores. There is no challenge or fan vote, so after this deliberation, only three of you will walk in the Lie Sangbong fashion show.”

“Four beautiful models stand before me. But I only have three photographs in my hands. And these photographs represent the three finalists of America’s Next Top Model cycle 21. The model who performed the best in this Guess shot and the commercial for my makeup line is…”

ADAM (38)

“The second finalist is…” WILL (35)

“Will Keith and Lenox please step forward? I only have one photo in my hands. And this photo represents the finalist who will walk against Will and Adam in the Lie Sangbong fashion show. With a score of 34 to 31, that model is…”

KEITH

Lenox is not the only one disappointed in her elimination. Tyra is surprised that “for the first time in Top Model history, there are three boys in the finale.” Unless the first nineteen cycles were a weird She’s The Man situation, it’s not this massive deal, Tyra. I know you’ve been thirsting for a male to win, but let’s not make it sound like you’ve been wriggling through the desert for the last decade.

Still, it is an achievement. We’ve whittled down the cast of fourteen model hopefuls to the best three guys. And now, may the best man win!

Bestosterone

Adam is proud of making it to the final three, snatching best photo twice during the process. He is thankful that Tyra has helped him curb his drinking and believes that giving up grad school was worth it for the experience.

Will has a similar sentiment. He was reserved before this experience, he “didn’t let [people] in,” he “didn’t let [people] see.” He tried to be the straight boy they wanted him to be, but now, he’s gained confidence in his identity. 

Keith is glad to have made it into the finals. He calls up his mother on the Line App and talks about how he wants the $100,000 grand prize to help move his family out of the projects. With so much riding on this competition, and Keith wants to do is get to the finish line. He has defied so many odds to get here: getting a college degree, playing professional sports, having a conversation on the Line App that isn’t laggy…

With all of the tension building, the guys travel to the Some Sevit islands atop the Han River. Kelly Cutrone introduces them to the Lie Sangbong fashion show, where they will take three turns in her avant-garde designs. Backstage, Tyra gives the models some last-minute encouragement. After she looks at the guys practice moments before the runway, she is worried. That hair must be some sort of veil to shield her from the terrible modelling to come.

Tyra Bangs

Her forehead may get to escape this cycle, but we don’t have that luxury.

In order to excite the models even more, Jourdan Miller (the cycle 20 winner) will be opening the show. She has a quick kumbaya with the final three guys before they hit the runway. Adam admits that he’s given up grad school for this competition. Keith has given up football to chase his dreams. Will has given up teaching dance to pursue this industry. Jourdan, having given up her marriage, empathizes with all of the sacrifices these models have made.

With all of the backstage jitters dying down, Tyra introduces the fashion show. To appease the Korean crowd, the K-Pop band “2NE1” performs one of their songs to welcome the models. I don’t know what the song was about, but Adam was really enjoying it backstage. He claimed it got him into the mood: must be about crushing beer cans!

One by one, the guys walk down the runway. Adam has a consistency in his walk. He showcases the clothes and has worked on his posture. He is a lot less rigid in his walk than it was in the first weeks.

When Will hit the catwalk, it felt like he was holding back. His presence felt reserved, and with the personality he has, there should be more of a commanding energy. Keith, on the other hand, had constant energy and smized from beginning to end. All in all, it was a tight final runway and all of the models looked great and fresh. 

Forever 21

With that, we will move onto the final deliberation.

Panel

Tyra thinks that Adam has a connection with the girls and is comfortable selling her products. Miss Jay thinks that he had a bumpy start, citing his water photo as “complete frat boy”. By the time he reached the HIV awareness campaign, Kelly points out, Adam started to listen to the judge’s critics. Yu Tsai notes that his best pictures arose from the Elvis and Guess photoshoots. 

Tyra was entranced by Keith’s swagger in the commercial. Kelly thinks that Keith “started off strong”, having gotten a best picture the first week. Miss Jay agrees, calling his HIV awareness campaign a “testament to his energy”. The Elvis and Guess shots are deemed “iconic” by Yu Tsai, even though he does note that Keith struggled on set.

When viewing Will’s commercial, Tyra feels a “special energy”. Miss Jay likes the control that Will possessed in the beginning of the competition. Kelly mentions how his confidence fell by the time the HIV awareness campaign week rolled around. Yu Tsai defends him, stating that he got that self-esteem back toward the Guess photoshoot.

“Now, the judges and I will give you three a score for your entire body of work. These four judges scores, plus the fan vote, plus the average challenge score, will determine who will become America’s Next Top Model.”

“Three beautiful men stand before me. We have seen you three go through this journey, but only one of you can become America’s Next Top Model. One of you had the lowest score. The name I call will not be America’s Next Top Model. That model is…”

ALLISON

Oh whoops, sorry. ‘Allison Harvard’ and ‘runner-up’ are just words that usually go together. 

ADAM (45.16)

Before parting, Adam thanks the judges for the experience.

“Now, only two models remain. Keith and Will. One of you will become America’s Next Top Model. You two are so different. Black and white, tall and short, gay and straight. The two of you represent two different types of modelling in this industry. But the both of you stand before me as great models. So, will be win? Who will be become. America’s. Next. Top. Model? That model is...one of the two of you standing here before me. You've been through a lot in this competition, but it all ends here. so, America's. Next. Top. Model. is...going to receive a bounty of prizes. A one-year contract with NEXT Model Management, a spread in Nylon Magazine, and a $100,000 spree with Guess. That model, America’s. Next. Top. Model. is...going to join the ranks of Top Models before them. All women, the former twenty winners of this competition. But tonight, a male will be in their midst. The winner of America's. Next. Top. Model. is...the model who has won cycle 21 of America's. Next. Top. Model. is...*commercial break*

“Without any more excuses, America’s. Next. Top. Model. is…the model that has a score of 51.7 to 49.2. So, America’s. Next. Top. Model. is...”

KEITH

Keith is America’s Next Top Model. Tyra is elated to crown the first male winner of Top Model, and she is very excited for the rest of his career. “You are going to have a long success,” she salivates. “Girls are gonna want to be with you.” 

“Yes!” Keith responds, oblivious to the jealously in Tyra’s smize. Nevertheless, he is beyond exhilarated. He hugs Kelly, Miss Jay, and, even Yu Tsai. They are all happy about his win, but nobody is as thrilled as Tyra. She decides to shoot one final shoot with Keith and with that, this Tyra Banks fanfiction has concluded. So, until next cycle when she finds a new batch of prey, Tyra will be settling down for a year of Keith.

Ty The Knot

ANTM cycle 21 episode 13: "Some Like It Fraught"

Previously on America’s Next Top Model, the models hit the streets of Korea for a new round of go-sees. While Keith and Lenox were a sight for behold, Will and Chantelle were looked over by the clients. In the end, Keith became the face of success in Korea. Afterwards, they participated in an advertisement for Jinny Kim shoes at the Gyeongbokgung Palace. The client fell head over heels for Keith, but Adam failed to put his best foot forward. Ultimately, Chantelle got the boot for her unwillingness to let loose. Now, only five models remain. Who will be eliminated tonight?

When the models return to the house, Keith is very excited to see his photo being displayed as digital art. He’s thankful that Tyra was able to appreciate his manaconda modelling talents and give him another best picture. In addition to this, he also is awarded a box of “goodies” for his Tyra Treat. A collection of Tyra’s nudes? Anal beads?

Oh, it’s just some Korean candy. Still, Keith likes the gesture and thanks Tyra. I don’t know, Keith. Given Tyra’s recent desire for children, I would tread cautiously when accepting this strange present.

Mangers With Candy

Nevertheless, the models partake in breaking bread now that “the crust has been cut”. Lenox is especially glad that Chantelle is gone because she has less direction competition. Shei is also aware of this fact and vows to work even harder to reach the finale.

After their celebration, the final five meet with Miss Jay. He announces that they will take part in filming a Korean soap opera. They will be directed by Emergency Room actors Clara and Yoon Jong-hoon. 

Overall, the models are excited to learn their lines. Keith is worried that he doesn’t have the best memory and might not remember all of his cues (must be the head concussions from all of those intense football games, huh?)

Adam, on the other hand, boasts about his ability to memorize these facts. Within two minutes (his speciality), Adam has read all of the dialogue and stresses that he has no trouble with the lines. As long as he doesn’t have to walk in a straight one, that is…

Lenox is the first one to shoot with Yoon. At first, she is comfortable in her chemistry with the man; but then her confidence wavers. In a desperate plea to please Tyra, Lenox doesn’t give up. Even if it means stopping the filming every couple of seconds to ask for help, Lenox wants to show the judges her commitment to this competition. Give me the line please, she pleas. Line. Line. Line App.

Attagirl, Lenox! Now that she has secured herself a spot in the finale, Lenox watches the other models struggle in this Korean soap opera challenge.

During her shoot, Shei tried to connect to Yoon, but couldn’t get the right amount of chemistry. Miss Jay says that her nerves are inhibiting her ability to “focus on the task”. Likewise, Keith has some troubles staying in character. When he first starts shooting, he can’t match Clara. By the end however, he is able to keep both his lines and character tight.

After he confidently boasted backstage, Adam is ready to shoot with Clara. As soon as the cameras start to roll, Adam forgets all of his lines. Too bad “Korean Soap Operas” isn’t an SAT category, Adam! Still, he manages to remain cocky during the shoot. Somehow, Clara finds this alluring and says that Adam did well.

From loving cocky to just loving cock, Will is last on set. Even though he has a firm grasp of the lines, Clara is upset that he couldn’t “form a bond with her”. What do you expect Clara? As Will so eloquently puts it, “Sweetheart, I don’t like girls. So the fact that you want me to have an emotional connection to you is not possible.”Well, it still shouldn’t be too difficult for a gay man to feel attracted to Clara. As long as she’s a man about it, I don’t really see the problem... 

In the end, Clara and Yoon decide that Keith was the least awful of the bunch. He is given the challenge win by default. The other models are angry that Keith is winning all of these consecutive challenges but like his attitude on the court, Keith loves to hog the wins. Adam promises that next time, he’ll upstage Keith and take the coveted win away from him.

MVPeeved

When they return to the house, the models are greeted with their challenge scores. Shei was very close to the top, boasting an 8. Lenox is eager to do well in the photoshoot, having the lowest score of the five models left.

The next day, the models are taken to the Gangnam District where they meet up Tyra and Yu Tsai. Tyra announces that they will be posing as some iconic American pop culture figures: Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. In addition, they have a new photographer: Massimo Campana.

What happened to Eric Asla? Was Tyra’s forehead foreplay not enough for him? Whatever the reason, the models will be shooting as Elvis and Marilyn. She dubs the project: “Evilyn Presroe.” See, Tyra doesn’t need a man: she can be her own! 

Lenox is scared of not being able to embody the “sexiest woman alive”. If it’s any consolation to you Lenox, Marilyn Monroe is dead. Guess you only have the necrophiliacs to impress!

Will is also apprehensive about taking on the studly Elvis Presley. Even though his first few minutes on set are spent getting coached by Yu Tsai, he manages to hit solid poses by the end. 

Shei is confident that she is sexier than Lenox. When she steps on set however, Yu Tsai warns her about being overbearing. Tyra doesn’t feel the connection between Shei and the audience of people watching the shoot.

Surprised by Shei’s performance on set, Lenox is hoping to please. Even though she tries to uphold the sexiness of Marilyn, Lenox still has some lack of confidence in front of the camera. Yu Tsai wastes no time critiquing Lenox and tirelessly mocking her.

The Seven-Year Bitch

There’s an itch you just can’t scratch (out)! Luckily, Lenox ignores the crabby consultant and gets some decent shots.

Backstage, Adam is confident in his ability to portray Elvis. “I’m from Memphis too,” he boasts. “I have the Elvis blood in my veins,”amongst other things...

Whatever is coursing through his veins seems to be enough for this shoot. When Adam hops on set, he “entertains” the crowd and impresses the photographer. Must be those blue suede (steel) shoes…

Being the last one to shoot has shaken Keith’s confidence. He is greeted by the usual Yu Tsai tirade, but Keith zones out the noise to hit some strong poses. Still, that is not enough for Yu Tsai. “If you were doing it, I wouldn’t be yelling at you!” Woah, there Yu Tsai. I don’t want to hear about your sex life…

After the shoot, Tyra announces that the shoot was an interesting look at the final five and after this judging panel, only four models will be in the finale where they will walk in an avart-garde fashion show. 

Panel

Tyra loves the relationship between Adam and the audience. Kelly agrees and compares him to “porcelain”. He receives two 10s and a 9.

There is some disconnect between Shei’s “mature” look and the sexiness of her pose. Tyra thinks there should be “a little more spark, a little more fire, a little more*strange gurgling noise*”. In the end, Shei gets two 7s and an 8.

There isn’t much of a “commanding presence” in Will’s photograph. Tyra likes the pose and awards him a 9. Kelly doesn’t think it’s memorable and he gets a 7 and 8.

There is no “sex appeal” in Lenox’s photograph. Because she “kicked ass on set”, Tyra hands her a 9. Miss Jay is less pleased with it and she gets a 7 and 8.

There is “no neck” in Keith’s picture. Tyra thinks there is a “regression” in his work and he gets a 7. Kelly loves the energy and Miss Jay doesn’t feel the connection. He gets an 8 and 9.

"Now the judges and I will add up these scores and see who will still be in the running toward becoming America's Next Top Model."

"I only have 4 photos in my hands. And these photos represent the four finalists that will walk in an avant-garde fashion show. The model with the best score, and who is the first finalist, is..."

ADAM (41.8)

KEITH (39.2)

WILL (37.8)

"Shei and Lenox, you two have the lowest scores. With a score of 37.2 to 36.6, the girl that will remain in this competition is..."

LENOX

With only four models left, it is anyone’s game. With just a Guess shoot and fashion show in the way, who will become America’s Next Top Model? Tune in to a special two-hour finale to find out. Until then!

Austria's Next Top Model Cycle 6 11th Episode : Nude in Pairs as Adam and Eve

Original Airdate : November 20, 2014

Photo Shoot : Nude in Pairs as Adam and Eve

Christoph

Damir

Kajetan

Lydia

Manuel

Manuela

Oliver

Sanela

Eliminated outside judging panel : Kajetan
Granted immunity by the public: Oliver
Call out order : Oliver, Sanela, Lydia
Nominated for elimination by the public : Manuela
Nominated for elimination by the judges : Manuel & Christoph
Bottom three : Manuel, Christoph & Manuela
Eliminated : Christoph Tauber Romieri

So sad to see Kajetan leaving... I really like his photo in Adam & Eve... He's so underated despite his strong and constantly great portfolio.. I like the photo shoot... it's simple but still fashion... Finally Christoph out of the scene! I think he overstayed and  one of the weakest male model there... Kajetan, Rene and Miro are way stronger than him... I don't get the judges think why he still there until now... His issue with with his girlfriend about nude shoot really broke him...

My call out order : Oliver, Damir, Manuela, Sanela, Manuel, Lydia & Christoph (out)

Eliminated Models

Anna Maria

Carina

Mario

Michael

Michelle

Rene

Sonja

Stella

Sylvia