AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

The Girl Who Marks Her Territory
(TV-14D, L) (HDTV)

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL LAUNCHES THE CW -- In Los Angeles, Tyra Banks, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander narrow down thousands of aspiring models to 33 semi-finalists. The group is put to work right away to partake in a revealing photo shoot on a Sunset Strip rooftop. The models move into their stunning new house and drama immediately unfolds as 13 girls vie for 11 beds. Later, Tyra's dramatic appearance kicks off a controversial photo shoot. One of the 13 models is eliminated. Special guests include "Swirl Twins" Ron and Richard Harris, and photographers Bryan Lynn and Don & Bronson.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

Christian, a bank teller from Columbia, S.C., was the first girl eliminated during the seventh cycle premiere of The CW's dramality series ''America's Next Top Model,'' reducing the pool from 13 girls to 12.

After the field was narrowed down to 13 finalists, the girls were sent to their first challenge, a runway competition using the clothes from the designers of Elmer Ave.  Testing both their runway walks and ability to style themselves, the girls had to choose their clothes off the backs of 13 male models, then feminized the outfit and wear it down the runway.  Heading into the challenge, Christian was all confidence. ''Runway has always been my forte.  I rule the runway,'' Christian said.  At the end of the runway challenge though, the Elmer Ave designers selected Melrose as the winner, allowing her the chance to be Diva for the Day on the set of their next photo shoot.

At the next day's fashion shoot, the girls were greeted by ''Tyra the Diva'' who exemplified all of the stereotypes society often associates with the modeling world.  In possibly the most controversial shoot in the history of "America's Next Top Model," each girl was given a different modeling stereotype to portray.  While many struggled to represent their stereotype, Christian had an especially difficult time as she attempted to portray a ''Model turned Actress.'' ''I wasn't sure if I was grasping the concept'' Christian later told the judges.  Jay was frustrated that she continued to give the same pose over and over again.  ''She needs to find her own image,'' Jay said.

Although several of the girls did not exhibit model behavior, the judges felt that Christian had the least amount of potential to become ''America's Next Top Model.''  ''The judges looked at your photo and there's something that's just not popping through,'' Tyra said to Christian just before eliminating her from the competition. 

Contestants Facing Elimination:

Christian

Melrose

Contestant Eliminated:

Christian

MEDIA:

See photos from this week's episode in the Episode Photo Gallery.

CLOSE UP:

You asked and Christian answered! Watch the video now as she talks about life on the show, her relationship with the other models, and more.