'Top Model' launching all-star edition. Here are 15 alums who must join the cast.
You guys, I can't help it: I'm smizing. How could I not after hearing Tuesday's news that the CW is launching an all-star edition of America's Next Top Model? It's about Ty-time. Talk about long overdue! We've seen all-star seasons of shows like Big Brother, The Amazing Race, Top Chef, Survivor, and So You Think You Can Dance — how has it taken this long to reunite some of Top Model's most broken-down baby dolls?
Of course, how an all-star edition will fare will depend on which alums Top Model casts. In order to draw in viewers, they need to concoct the perfect mixture of kooky contestants — and those who are actually talented. So, without further ado, I'd like to help the CW out: Here are 15 former finalists who need to be cast in Top Model's all-star edition. (This list assumes winners cannot be brought back to the show; the CW had no comment regarding EW's query surrounding the fact.)
Robin Manning, Cycle 1: Admittedly, I'd prefer to see Elyse Sewell claim her rightful crown. But I'm guessing the former contestant is too busy getting sweet revenge for tragically placing third: Sewell is a successful model in Japan, and even penned a popular LiveJournal blog. So, instead, I'm going to go with plus-size model Robin, if only for the drama factor. I'm guessing Tyra won't be able to resist seeing how Robin feels about nude shoots this time around.
Shandi Sullivan, Cycle 2: Really, could you imagine anyone else from Cycle 2 returning for an all-star edition? The gawky Shandi stole our hearts — and ripped out her boyfriend's on air after admitting to cheating on him during the competition. If the all-star edition wants good TV, Shandi is the one to deliver. Plus, as a current DJ in New York, she could use the publicity.
Ann Markley, Cycle 3: Because Toccara Jones is already enjoying a healthy modeling career,I'd love for Ann to return to see if she has improved her photo shoots. The girl is competitive — she'll not let the Top Model title pass her by once again without putting up a good fight.
Tiffany Richardson, Cycle 4: Duh. This is a no-brainer. Remember this? Who else is ready for a rematch?
Brittany Brower, Cycle 4: Not only was Brittany good TV (thanks to goofball tendencies), but she was a damn good model as well. And if we can't have Janice Dickinson, we might as well welcome back her youthful doppelgänger.
Jayla Rubinelli, Cycle 5: If former Celebrity Rehab cast member Lisa D'Amato has reversed her troubled ways, I'd love to see her return to the show — especially after being inexplicably placed sixth during the undeniably entertaining Cycle 5. But, since she has gone on to call the show a "joke," it's safe to assume Tyra won't be reading her Tyra Mail anytime soon. And since Kim Stolz has used the show to jumpstart a career writing and reporting for the likes of MTV and the Huffington Post, I'm going to shoot for pure drama and suggest Jayla. Every season needs a villain.
Cassandra Whitehead, Cycle 5: Yes, another Cycle 5 contestant! How could Top Model resist inviting back the first contestant to quit over a haircut — especially when you can force her to shave her head in another tragic makeover session?
Jade Cole, Cycle 6: We all loved runner-up Joanie Dodds. But Jade was the Cycle 6 contestant who best knew how to make an entrance — and an exit.
Michelle/Amanda Babin, Cycle 7: I'm going to count the twins as one person here. (After all, they did pose as one.) Top Model needs another dose of sibling rivalry. Plus, the two girls actually had the chops to win the final prize.
Heather Kuzmich, Cycle 9: Quite simply, Heather was the only likeable contestant during Cycle 9. And her struggle with Asperger syndrome not only touched us fans, but also made her gorgeous photo shoots all the more impressive. Saleisha who?
Sheena Sakai, Cycle 11: This all-star edition is going to need some sass. And someone to deliver reality TV-friendly one-liners. Sheena is the one.
Elina Ivanova, Cycle 11: But it also needs its subdued personalities. And Elina's mysterious ways impressed the judges during Cycle 11. Too bad she was robbed, placing fifth after enduring what might just be the series' worst makeover.
Celia Ammerman, Cycle 12: Celia proved to be a fan favorite during Cycle 12, thanks to her intelligence, poise, and knowledge of the fashion industry. But her appeal extends beyond that — she also gave us one of the most dramatic panels in Top Model history, when she was chastised by Tyra for calling out Tahlia. Model fight!
Laura Kirkpatrick, Cycle 13: Someone needs to represent the Top Model shorties. So who better than the Cycle 13 runner-up, who had the disadvantage of competing against the very talented, very editorial Nicole Fox? Plus, the all-star edition needs some Southern charm.
Kayla Ferrel, Cycle 15: The gorgeous Cycle 15 contestant deserves a second go, yes? Especially considering she rocked photo shoots… with a Budnick makeover.
Those are my 15 choices. Your turn, PopWatchers: Which Top Model alums should make the all-star cut?
Follow Kate on Twitter @KateWardEW
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