America's Next Top Model - Casting call attracts more than 100

More than 100 women threw their hat in the ring last month in hope of being selected for the next cast of the CW Network's "America's Next Top Model.


(Published July 12, 2010)

By Joe L. Hughes II
The Gaffney Ledger

For the more than 100 women who made the audition at Prime Outlets — Gaffney on Saturday, the journey toward chasing the dream began with a strut followed by a pose, each vying for the opportunity to be “America’s Next Top Model.”
One of the CW Network’s most watched shows, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) offers knowledge and expertise to women seeking a career as a model in the fashion industry. Created by model and talk show host Tyra Banks, up to 14 contestants are scouted to participate in the production, though only one winds up with the title, in addition to earning a modeling contract and the opportunity to grace the pages of the world’s most famous magazines.
"Modeling is my dream, it is always what I have wanted to do,” said Amber O’ Fair, 23, of Boiling Springs. “This is my passion and it has brought me here. Hopefully I’m one of the lucky ones selected.”
It was the first time such an audition was held at Prime Outlets — Gaffney, which partnered with CW Carolinas and Upstate music radio station Hot 98.1 to sponsor the event.
“We’re so honored to be chosen for something of such esteem like this. For a small place like Gaffney to be chosen among a lot of other larger markets is quite remarkable,” said Prime Outlets — Gaffney Marketing Manager Leesa Bodden. “It was a great marriage between each of us and I’m glad we made it work.”
Hundreds lined up outside the mall’s doors early Saturday morning, some peering through windows in an effort to get a glimpse of what was going on inside. Each person was given her chance, however, as for more than four hours contestant after contestant filed through the curtain for that lonesome walk to the end of the runway, where a camera focused on their every movement and emotion.
For Jennifer Jones of Kings Mountain, N.C., it was a blessing to be able to walk out there following a horrific jet-ski accident seven years ago.
“I actually broke my ankle seven years ago in the incident,” Jones said. “Doctors told me I never would walk again, but look at me now. ... This was an opportunity I could not pass up. I believe I could learn so much from Tyra (Banks) and the other judges.”
To be considered by ANTM producers, the female participants had to be between the ages of 18 and 27, 5-foot-7 or taller and a U.S. citizen.
Candidates were asked various questions during the audition, ranging from “Why do you feel you should be on ‘America’s Next Top Model?’,” to more unique ones such as, “If you were a jelly bean, what flavor would you be?”
Prior to the catwalk portion of the audition, each applicant provided the show with three photographs of themselves — a head shot and two full body shots, one of which was a photo of the model in a bathing suit.
For their effort, the first 100 women to audition were given gift bags laden with gift cards and coupons, courtesy of the outlet mall.
But the big prize each contestant wants is a phone call that has yet to be made.
“In my opinion, it is not just about being pretty, but being a beautiful person,” said Christina Kelly of Charlotte, N.C. “America’s Next Top Model exemplifies that and hopefully I get the chance to reveal that side to you.”