Yours truly feeding a hungry flamingo! (Photo by Elizabeth)
Hi Modelinia!
It’s been a fun two days, and as I sit on the American Airlines flight back to JFK and watch the sun dip into the horizon, I am already missing Aruba!
Saturday was a day off for the international scouts and we packed our schedule with sightseeing excursions, beach afternoons, and dinners among friends.
Sunday was packed and began with an early casting call with all the contestants. This is the moment where we see each and every person up close and get a sense of their personality. I have to say, it is my favorite part of the weekend. I get to ask one-on-one questions to see who each person is and what their dreams and goals are. It’s also the point where we judge the contestants on swimsuit, personality, and overall model potential. In essence, where we determine who is going to win AMS. The agents are excited; the models are nervous. It makes for the best environment to see who has the muster to make it in the high fashion world of New York City.
After our casting call the agents had a break and were able to unwind back at the beach before the grand finale. At dinner we all chatted about who we liked and our projections as to who the winner may be. Miss Mickey picked us up and we were off into the Arubian night, the energy in the packed van was palpable as we piled out and into the Aruba Entertainment Center with a packed crowd of spectators both in the audience and at home watching live on Telearuba, the islands national television station. During the two-hour live telecast we were greeted with dance performances, live music acts, and runway shows styled by Ronchi’s own label, Trash. (On a side note: If you are ever in Aruba you must stop by the store. It has an air of New York meets South Beach cool. I love it.) After winding down, the 40 aspirants to the top five male and female models the final announcement was made: Raquelle Reberg and Gregory Tromp won top female and male model, respectively.
Both Raquelle and Gregory were in my top pics for male and female model. Gregory is the epitome of what a male model should be: tall, slender, sleek, personable, plus he has a killer smile. Raquelle is tall, has a body to die for, and is a sweet and demure beauty. I think both these models have a lot of potential and can’t wait to see what lies ahead for them. My other favorite girls were Sjarlaine and Madelyn. Sjarlaine has the body of a top runway girl and the walk to match, the personality is divine, and she has a conversational wit that is so important for a top model. I liked Madelyn the most. Her personality took me in immediately and she was the one I most wanted to get to know—from my recollection, she has aspirations to be a surgeon!
The show was a fantastic success—Ronchi produced another amazing event. Each and every day brought new people and places and was filled with the beauty that only a Caribbean isle can boast. The talent this weekend was phenomenal, and I can’t wait to see who snags one of the spots for next summer’s five-year anniversary AMS 2010 competition! I want to send out a big Thank You to Ronchi and the entire team at AMS, especially Miss Mickey, Andrew, and Fernando.
The sun has set outside my airplane window as I settle into my seat and get ready to turn on the DVD I brought along (my advance copy of Coco’s new E! special—about to air on E! Canada this coming Monday, June 15. Canadian fans be sure to tune in!!!). Safe travels to all my Modelinia friends!
You’ll hear from me on my next adventure.
M
I’m pretending to drive the boat with Steven and Matthew in tow! (Photo by Kwok)
Elizabeth from agency 301 on the boat to the island
Kwok getting up close and personal with the flamingos
Paradise at it’s best (Photo by Kwok)
The judging team having a quick break on the beach (Photo by Kwok)
Steven and Elizabeth making some new friends on the beach!
Matthew, Steven and I racing back to the hotel to change for the Finale!
Casting Call:
Greg, Elizabeth and Gaspard from Request NY waiting for the casting to start
Matthew, Steven and Kwok take a quick break from casting
Sjarlane: Love the body!
A sneak peak at the soon to be announce winner - Raquelle
One of my faves Madelyn’s comp card!
Gregory during the swimsuit casting
The LIVE Finale:
The AMS 2009 Opening dance act
Kwok, Matthew & Steven on the judges panel for the live finale
Gaspard, Ron from Next Miami & Elizabeth
Duane from T NY, Rachel from Q NY & Duane’s BF
Madelyn on the runway, check out the smile! Such great energy!
You can see why Raquelle was a standout – the face is runway beauty
The live music act which entertained the TV and live audience – they were fantastic!
Sjarlane on the runway – love the wind swept look!
Our winners Raquelle & Gregory!!!
A quick snap of the judges, Ronchi and team and winners!
