Welcome back!
Can't believe it's already been a year since our last search for Canada's Next Top Model. Really pumped about the competition this cycle, mainly because the fabulous Jay Manuel's on board. He knows this competition so well, I'm sure he'll prove to be a great "guiding light" for all of us judges. And how fabulous is it that my buddies Paul Alexander and Yasmin Warsame are rounding out the judging panel! They're both going to bring a lot of valuable insight into this process I know... As for me... Well.... Once again, I both relish, and loathe the task at hand. So often it's like judging apples and oranges. Not only is beauty so subjective, but you really can't be sure just how well a girl is going to fare out there in the big bad world of fashion! Okay...so maybe it's not so bad... But it sure can get a little dangerous. The girls this time out seem to be pretty amazing: not only beautiful, but personable. I can only imagine the fun, and potential craziness, that's going to go down at the house. Everybody's first picture's seemed so strong... except maybe for Steff... But I have faith that she's going to pull it together. I almost don't really think that it was her fault that this shot turned out so badly. She certainly seems to have what it takes. Everyone else really did fare quite well... Beau Nelson's make up was amazing. And Nole did a great job with the creative direction.... Paul took some killer shots for sure. I was especially impressed with Cori. She seems so young, but so capable.... even though she's a little shy. Almost reminds me of that famous young Australian model Gemma Ward. I can't wait to see how these girls grow over the course of the competition. I was a bit concerned about Mika though. As beautiful and exotic as she is, she really does seem a little too mature to be starting a modeling career... I know that the competition is open to girls up to the age of 27... but some ladies that age do look a whole lot younger than their years. I'm not saying that Mika looks "old" or anything... But I somehow get the feeling that she's already had a kick at the can when she tried modeling in Hong Kong a few years back. Although her picture was pretty gorgeous, and she seems to have a great dramatic edge, I really doubt that she'd go the distance in this competition.... So right off the bat, she seems like the obvious one to have to be let go. It's all so sad of course-I can't stand seeing someone's dreams go up in smoke like that. But if she's really set on trying to model, hopefully she can try to make things happen on her own. Jay of course is truly a drama king! He's so good at what he does, but I know all the girls were freaking and so nervous about hearing who was going to go. And he seemed to be really milking it! Guess that's why he's such a great performer. I felt horrible seeing some of the girls cry... And if they're this emotional at this point, can you imagine what is going to be like a few weeks down the road????? Man oh man... this is going to be one heck of a roller coaster... especially since ALL the girls seem so fabulous already. Can't wait to see how they all evolve....And what they'll look like with their makeovers!!!!!