Beverly Johnson - Behind the Judges' Table

Braving the Elements

Beverly_Johnson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:35:31 GMT

This is one of my favorite episodes because the ladies got the full effect of modeling while braving the cold and rain for a photo shoot in Central Park in their undies. Personalities got a little out of control with LeeAnne and Shelly's infighting - and the latter's inappropriate behavior with photographer Heidi Niemala. We also witnessed Dolores having doubts about her modeling potential, and Jamie stepping up to the plate and showing lots of heart to help out her fellow teammate in the "leg-up challenge" for 3 Musketeers chocolate.

We've heard it all before: Modeling is sooooo easy. Well, you stand out in the cold rain with your knickers on and come back and tell me how it good your day at work was. Seriously, one of the most difficult situations a model can find herself in is a photo shoot conducted under extreme conditions. The way models act in assignments like these is very important and determines their future work.

During this immunity challenge the ladies were troopers, particularly Theresa, who was also suffering from a migraine. Truthfully, her ailment actually helped her in this challenge, because she wasn't so focused on the elements, and it really came across in the photography. She was so focused, so in control of every move; every pose was perfection. I was really proud of Theresa; she had to force herself to stay with the task at hand and really proved what a professional she is.

Shelly, as much as I like her, demonstrated the way NOT to act with a photographer. The photographer controls the shoot, not the subject.

The challenge also gave us a chance to see the bodies of these beauties. What a proud moment! Who could tell Theresa had twins or that Jamie "hardly ever worked out"?

The challenge with the lovely Frederique proved to be much harder than the first. Coordinating bounces on a trampoline, while keeping a pose and showcasing a 3 Musketeers bar was harder than rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time. What the ladies failed to focus on was the task at hand and that was highlighting the candy bar.

As a team, Theresa, Sandy and LeeAnne found their rhythm. Theresa once again shined. Rachel's shyness was proving to be a problem in photo shoots, and Raquel needed to figure out how to turn athleticism into gracefulness. Dolores needed to take charge of her situation in order to make her photo work. Jamie was brilliant to come over and help - a phenomenal display of teamwork, but it was really up to Dolores to lead and make this photo happen.

Ultimately, it was too late for Raquel and we bid her farewell, but it must be said that this woman is a terrific role model and will surely be missed.

Rising to the Challenge

Beverly_Johnson — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:05:57 GMT

To sum up the women in Season 2 of She's Got The Look: STUNNING.

From L.A. to Dallas, the turnout in each city was great, and the women that auditioned this past fall were nothing short of spectacular. We had the quirky Ernestine. The unique Vicky, a petite, plus-size Asian woman, who certainly did create her own category. And there was, of course, the drop-dead gorgeous Angela, who sped through auditions but fell seriously short during the first challenge.

There is one thing to understand about women over 35: Life's experiences have made them less concerned about their flaws, more secure about their assets, and that's really captivating. Of course, Shelly is the exception to this as she wears her insecurities on her sleeve -- but this spectacular beauty does change her stripes over the season. And Dolores is case in point -- the 72-year-old grandmother was an instant success. The judges were all in love with her, especially me.

We were introduced to some unbelievable women, and it was certainly hard for Robert, Sean and me to eliminate several -- but what viewers saw in the beginning is that any one tiny thing can get a contestant instantly eliminated, no matter how much we loved them during castings. That's why it's so important to do what the judges ask and really meet any challenge head on.

What we saw in the first "Leg-Up Challenge" quickly pointed to those that would stay the course throughout this competition. Their task - to be sexy with just the addition of a few choice accessories - was a lot harder than the ladies initially thought.

A lack of experience with modeling, of being in front of the camera, does make it hard to be sexy. We clearly saw some frontrunners... hello, Rachel! Cutting that shirt was the right thing to do; if only she rocked it like the superstar that she is. Then there were the low points. Goodbye, Angela. A scarf and coat are not the accessories that sell sex appeal.

What we also saw in the first challenge was fledgling modeling versatility. Who could reinvent themselves? Who could redefine beauty? Who had the style to make heads turn?

While the other judges might have disagreed, I loved, loved, loved Raquel's style - hot jeans, great big hat - all the makings of a future J-Lo. The fact that she's in the military and a mom made her even hotter.

Jamie had the right idea, too. She understood that style and presentation had a lot to do with one's air of sexuality. And Sandy has brought a whole new personality to this season: The Cool Chick. I instantly loved her.

Can't wait for more? This season has some frights, fights and falls, but all in good fun. This is a journey of self-discovery that can't be missed.

A Salute to the Top 10 – and Tanya (Season One)

Beverly_Johnson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:37:59 GMT

She's Got the Look is the real deal – and these are the major leagues. After all, we are talking about New York City, home of the world of fashion.

It was really so very difficult eliminating most of the ladies. Melissa, Paula, Hope, Sharon, Celeste, Bahia, Roxanne, Kathy and Karin -- you all made tremendous strides throughout the competition. Each of you leaped over any obstacles we laid before you. Please recognize that you are all winners, and remember that out of thousands of women you were all in the Top 10. I’d just like to say, ladies, you’ve all got “The Look.”

One woman, however, stood out. Tanya's ability to take direction and criticism is crucial in the modeling profession. During the show she took the judges’ feedback like a seasoned pro. A supermodel has to show up on time, have clean hair and face, be able to get along with other models, photographers, art directors, make-up and hair stylists, assistants and the folks who cater lunch on the shoot. Being beautiful and photogenic is a given for Tanya and many of the other ladies in the contest, but Tanya also had an added bonus: focused positive energy.

Tanya now has the responsibility of receiving modeling assignments, meaning she has hundreds of thousands of dollars on the line. In terms of her future, she has range as a model. By range I mean going from being photographed as a mom to a high-fashion model to the runways of the most prestigious designers. She is perfect for television commercials, and she’s articulate and has that friendly woman-next-door appeal.

Tanya's life experiences really suit the market we are addressing: She has five children, a husband and beauty-pageant talents. These all serve as a positive, in spite of my tough observations of some of her beauty-pageant nature.

Tanya is one-of-a kind and she’s won the supermodel journey of a lifetime. I couldn't be more proud of our choice. Bravo!

Message Edited by Beverly_Johnson on 07-10-2008 04:39 AM

Message Edited by TVLTheLink on 06-11-2009 11:53 AM