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.

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

CSB — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:25:30 GMT

I love this show and I am so HAPPY season two has started and I look forward to seeing who will be the winner of season two. It is GREAT for us older women to see women our age being praised for their beauty.

FYI...I love when I am able to get tips from the show, so keep them coming.

Re: Rising to the Challenge

Strawberry Wine — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:06:07 GMT

My favorite part of episode 1 was watching how the fabulous Dan Hallman captivated the unique beauty of the contestants on film. He was able to bring to life the dormant inner qualities in each contestant. This in itself is incredible. Hats off to you Dan. You are such a terrific photographer!!!

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.

Re: A Salute to the Top 10 – and Tanya

ceretha1 — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:45:28 GMT

First of all let me say that I attended the auditions today in Dallas,tx.(10/02/08). I was and still not surprised by the people that were picked to advance. I am an african american standing 5ft.11in tall, and very striking. I know that you are not the owner of the modeling agency but you are an african american woman. Tonya! I don't know what race she is. If she's black then she needs to be recognized as a black woman. Naomi Campbell did a great thng when she spoke up for african american models. Apparently Sean did't hear her. I know that you'll have to ick a couple of black women to make it look good, but in actuality, you also know whose going to win as far as race goes. If you are going to pick an african american model to represent you, then show her as an african american and don't ry to make her look white! Be proud of whom you picked to represent you. The all white judge panel that you had today cutting, why they're not on t.v.? hum.? These are the judges that decide if we the contestants get to see you. Where was the black judge in that room? There was a lady by the name of Kathy next to me in line that was 50 yrs. old and had five children. You'll picked her. Are you'll looking for another Tonya? I have an idea! This time when you pick the white lady to win, make her look black like you'll made Tonya look white! Thanks for the opportunity to see first hand in reality that the modeling industry is still the same and the game will never change. See you next audition for season 3. I hope you all have done some deep self evaluation by then. Until then I wil keep living in love here in Port Arthur,tx. Thanks again Naomi Campbell for giving us women of color hope!

Re: A Salute to the Top 10 – and Tanya

ChristinaNevada — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 02:53:50 GMT

I never really watched American Idol, because I couldn't stand it when they were mean to the contestants. You guys show the love. Not only do you make it possible to change lives with opportunity gifts, but you eloquently and genuinely embrace all women. You're not just a supermodel, you're a superheromodel :)

Re: A Salute to the Top 10 – and Tanya

faerydust23 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:44:20 GMT

Look, I know that this is your show and you get to make the decisions, but as a viewer, I have to say I think you TOTALLY missed the mark. You may have perceived a positive, professional attitude, but she's missing one important thing - "the look." I absolutely would not have guessed that she would win, because, quite frankly, she didn't stand out at any point during the series. She has such a common look that I honestly don't think I'll even recognize her if she does start showing up in magazines. Compared to Bahia, Celeste and Karin, she didn't seem to "sparkle" with that star quality that will make a model more than just another middle-aged fitness or catalogue model.

I know this may just be related to the editing of the show, but I did not get that Tanya had a professional attitude. I distinctly remember two scenes in the series where I noticed the male photogs and staff seeming uncomfortable because she seemed to be coming on to them. Again, hopefully it was just odd editing, but from our prospective she came across as kind of a "cougar", which is entertaining, but not appropriate in a real professional environment.

Sorry to blast you, but I was really surprised by the finale and felt I needed to give you my two cents.

Monika, 33, N. California

Re: A Salute to the Top 10 – and Tanya

QueenBee — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:05:10 GMT

I agree with you, Beverly, although beauty is a given in the world of modeling, you have to have more going for you than just a pretty face and Tanya has the total package. Congratulations Tanya, and best of luck on your new journey!

Regina

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