Take It To The Top: Cycle 3

[bdon17]

PYRAMID CEREMONY

*the three girls enter into the judging room for their final evaluations before the decision on who makes the final two*

Elle: Hi ladies. Welcome back to the judging room where, tonight, three will become two. I can't believe we are already going to be seeing who will walk in the final fashion show because it seems like yesterday we began this competition. This week, you shot for Gucci and Revlon in order to decide who will make the top two and who will go home. The pyramid this week will have one girl on top and two girls who aren't safe. That top girl will be in the finale, but obviously will not get to choose who to put up for elimination as the other two are automatically up for elimination. The first girl to be up for elimination this week is...















































































Anna.
Elle: Let's start with your Gucci ad.
Karlie: Going through your film, I just did not see Gucci at all. There was a certain sexiness and glamour that was missing and it just looked like everything but Gucci.
Cara: I feel like you eventually got it with this shot, but I still don't think it's 100% usable. I like the pose and the laid back nature of the shot, but that doesn't suit Gucci. It's missing the high class sexiness that all their ads go for.
Elle: I unfortunately have to agree with them, Anna. It's definitely the weakest image in the bunch for the client. You're missing a connection and it just doesn't wreak of expensive sex. Now let's look at your Revlon shot.
Cara: Your face is just amazing so there is no surprise that you nailed this photo. It could be an ad for the mascara, the eye shadow, the lip gloss, the blush, the nail polish. Everything is being sold here and it's absolutely gorgeous.
Karlie: I was nervous your face was going to make this shot way too sophisticated for the client, but you brought a lightness to the shot which brought it down to an everyday consumer level.
Elle: You're just gorgeous and I'm jealous of you. I want to look like that and that's what an ad should say because then people are going to buy the product. Thanks, Anna. The other girl in elimination is...









































































Nicole.
Elle: Again, we will start with the Gucci shot.
Karlie: It totally works for an eyewear campaign for Gucci. It's edgy, sexy, and expensive. I love this photo of you, Nicole.
Cara: I love that you incorporated another model in this photo because I really feel like it captures the Gucci look. And what's even better is that you completely outshine and look much better than the other model.
Elle: I think you're so gorgeous and it was really captured here. I do think you could have amped up the sex appeal a little more though to completely nail the client, but other than that, it's great. Now onto the Revlon shoot.
Cara: I think you struggled during this shoot which I was really shocked about because you're the youngest and most fresh girl we have left and I really thought this was your shoot to own, but you were the worst on the day.
Elle: You just seemed very confused. You look beautiful, but a little timid. You aren't selling me everything because there isn't that pop of confidence that sells the photo.
Karlie: You're such a gorgeous girl and this is a gorgeous photo, but it just is lacking something. There is no spark that is going to catch my attention in the makeup aisle and make me want to buy the products. It's just not there.
Elle: Thanks, Nicole. So that means...


















































Juju is on top and in the finale!

*the judges clap*

Elle: First off, Juju, congratulations on making it into the finale. Let's start with the Gucci shot.
Karlie: You're the only girl who nailed Gucci. This is sexy, sensual, luxurious, glamorous, and beautiful. I'm so impress, Juju.
Cara: Gucci loved you on the day. They felt like everything was usable, though not everything was amazing like this.
Elle: I think it's clear that we all love this photo of you, Juju. You've really been a surprise to this competition with how well you have done. Let's talk about the Revlon shot.
Karlie: It's my favorite shot of the week across both tasks.
Cara: Me too.
Karlie: It's just young, fresh, beautiful. Everything that a makeup campaign should be. It's just very natural and stunning.
Cara: I love the wind in there hair, the raised shoulder, the alabaster skin, and of course the lips. You're selling the shot and I would buy that product.
Elle: Amazing job in both shoots, Juju.

Well ladies. It's time for the judges to deliberate. Juju, you're already safe and may remain in the holding room when the girls are called back in.

[bdon17]

DELIBERATION

Elle: Okay ladies. We need to decide who will face off against Juju in the final fashion show to decide who we think has taken it to the top. Anna or Nicole?

Karlie: I think as a whole, Nicole has done more things to impress me throughout the series whereas Anna has been a strong competitor, but has really just skimmed by and never really blew me away.

Cara: Oh I disagree. I have seen Anna really shine. Her iD shot was brilliant, her portrait with Marcin was stunning, her shot for the Elle editorial was simply beautiful, she showed versatility at the Versace shoot, she booked the Miu Miu show, worked it at the Versaille shoot, mopped the competition at the elephant shoot, and slayed in the Revlon shoot. She's had quite a few amazing photos and to discredit them is a shame, Karlie.

Karlie: But Nicole has been great throughout the series. She hasn't had a terrible week and on top of that, she came in as the girl with the most potential out of everyone. Normally we have the issue of a girl with tons of potential not living up to it, but this year we had a girl with all the potential in the world who could work it.

Elle: I think we have two girls with very similar paths in this competition so it is tough to differentiate between the two performance wise. As we can tell, there are only a few points separating them so basically we just need to choose who we think could compete with Juju in the final and have a shot at winning this thing.

*they argue for hours and finally choose the second finalist*

[bdon17]

ELIMINATION

*Anna and Nicole walk back into the judging room hoping to here them announced as the second finalist*

Elle: Ladies, this has been a tough tough decision. Every judge has a place for you in their hearts which made it even more difficult to part ways with one of you. But there is only one look remaining in the Gucci fashion show. Anna, week after week we rave about your amazing face and how makeup contracts will be flying your way when this competition is over with. You've taken consistently strong photos week after week and it hurts to even think about eliminating you when you've come so far. Nicole, your potential is undeniable and it seems pretty rare that a girl with so much potential can back it up with strong performances as we've seen girls who have a ton of potential falter in front of the camera. You're another girl we can't even handle having to send home. You're both amazing, but the girl joining Juju in the final Gucci fashion show is...































































































































































Nicole. Congratulations, you're a finalist! Go and join Juju in the holding room.

*Nicole hugs Anna and leaves the room*

*hugs Anna while tearing up* This hurts so bad, Anna. You're really one of the most beautiful girls that we've had in this competition and you really shocked the hell out of us making it this far. You're going to work and if no cosmetic brand sweeps you up for a campaign, then they will be losing a lot of money. You're amazing. You're stunning. But you did not take it to the top. Goodbye and good luck.

[bdon17]

FINAL JUDGING

*the final two walk in wearing their beautiful Gucci looks from the fashion show*

Elle: Well, well, well. We are down to our final two, our final judging, and our final decision. After tonight, one of you will be walking away as the winner of Take it to the Top Cycle 3. You'll also be walking away with some amazing prizes. Those prizes include a $100,000 contract with Revlon cosmetics, a cover of Italian Vogue, an ad campaign for Gucci, 1-year representation with IMG Models: New York, a $250,000 cash prize, and we just added this and did not tell you, but the final prize is an all expense paid trip to Milan and Paris to meet with international agencies. So if you win this, you're bound to have amazing success. So for your final task, you both walked in Gucci's fashion show and we would like to take a look at how you went starting with Juju.



Elle: I thought you looked beautiful up there. The dress fit you amazingly and you really worked that. I really love the ponytail swing also because it brings a little intensity that I felt you were lacking in the overall walk.
Cara: I agree with Elle, but I do think you were stiff in the neck and it looked like you were holding your breath. I don't know if you were nervous or what, but it was a little stiff.
Karlie: As someone who has walked in numerous Gucci shows, I felt you were lacking. There just wasn't that strong, sexy, powerful strut that I think you could have given. It was very filler to me.
Elle: Thanks, Juju. Let's look at Nicole.



Elle: You definitely were the stronger of the two, Nicole and that's no surprise because at the Miu Miu show, you were one of the best. You're just completely runway ready. You have the body, the height, the face. You're a girl that will walk 50 shows in a season. I have no doubt about that.
Karlie: I kind of felt the same way about you as I did Juju. You weren't the star of the show, but you fit in really well. You're a reliable model to give a strong walk and that's what designers will love about you.
Cara: But she won't be the opener or the closer because she doesn't stand out.
Karlie: At least she'll consistently book shows in Paris, Milan, and New York and get them consistently. We want a girl who will work and personally, I don't have that faith in Juju to consistently book shows all over the world simply because she doesn't have the height or a spectacular walk to make up for it.
Cara: Whatever, Karlie. Settle for mediocrity on the runway.
Elle: Okay, ladies. Simmer down. Now Juju and Nicole, you've had a multitude of photoshoots throughout this competition, so now we will compare each of your portfolios week by week starting with your vintage swimsuit shoot for American Vogue.



Karlie: Nicole, this was the first shoot and you really impressed me. I was impressed in casting and glad to see that you could use your potential in a photo.
Cara: I agree, Nicole, you clearly did better of the two of you. You're soft, sultry, and beautiful. Juju, it's a good shot of you and showed that you could nail the basics. It was good, but didn't really pop.
Elle: Nicole, this is still one of my favorite photos of you. It's so simple and really shows off your beauty. Juju, like Cara said, it's a good, basic shot for a starter model, but no where near amazing. Just some tweaks here and there and it would have been amazing. Next you girls worked with Marcin Tyszka in a simple, yet elegant photoshoot in gowns. Then he took your portraits.




Cara: Juju, this was the first time you made it on top of the pyramid and you totally deserved it. That shot in the gown is just perfection. There's motion and a pose, but it doesn't look contrived.
Elle: I completely agree. Your beauty shot was good too, but not as great. You look a little scared, but it still has some power. Nicole, this is where I questioned how good of a model you were because in the gown shot, you weren't doing much on set so it made me wonder if you're just a gorgeous girl since week one, you were just laying there looking stunning.
Karlie: Juju, this could be my favorite shot of you in this competition. Juju clearly did better than Nicole in the gown shoot, but I personally like Nicole's beauty shot better. She brought a soft intensity that this shoot called for.
Elle: Next you girls shot for an iD cover.



Elle: I don't think that either of these shots are amazing, but I sway towards Juju on this. I really think that you took critique from last weeks portrait and applied it here. You caught the light perfectly.
Cara: I feel like they are two completely different photos. Nicole, you went more commercial and spunky and Juju, you went sexier and edgier. I don't think either of them blow me away, but they are usable covers.
Karlie: I like that Nicole took a risk and went the commercial route because everyone else went the edgy route, but I will say, I prefer Juju's photograph.
Elle: Next you worked with Elle Magazine for a simple cool girl shoot and an interview.




Cara: Nicole, you were hands down the stronger model this week. Your photo is simple, effortless, and chic while still grasping a commercial look. In the interview you were cool calm and collected and sounded like a girl I'd want to get to know.
Elle: Juju, nerves got the best of you this week. Your interview was one of the worst because you gave very short answers and just didn't bring your personality to the table.
Karlie: Your photo was good, Juju, but not brilliant. It was definitely one of your weaker weeks while Nicole, you soared. This shot is beautiful and the fact that you looked a little like me, so that was a plus.
Elle: Next you did the biggest shoot to date with a nude accessories shoot for Versace.

(I can't view Juju's photo anymore, but I remember it)
tinypic.com/r/e1dwzm/5

Karlie: Nicole, I was just really disappointed with you this week since you refused to go nude, so I'm not going to even bother acknowledging this shot because it's clear that Juju did miles better.
Cara: This is where I realized your versatility Juju. You can do high fashion and sexy and tie it all into one. Brilliant job.
Elle: I began questioning your drive here Nicole because you refused to go nude. Juju, you brought yourself up after your weak performance in the previous week, so good on you. Next you both flew to Paris and booked the Miu Miu shoot, but it was clear that Muiccia Prada favored Nicole to Juju, so we won't even discuss that. Then we went to Versailles for a couture photoshoot.



Karlie: You were both amazing this week. Juju, you brought a sensuality and emotion to the shoot where Nicole went couture and edgy. You were both great, though I prefer Nicole slightly.
Cara: Both of you were brilliant and I can't even choose.
Elle: Same with me. This was definitely some of your best work ladies. Next you shot motion editorials.

Karlie: Once again, you were very equal ladies. Nicole, your close-ups were brilliant, but your long shots weren't amazing while Juju, your long shots were stunning while your facial shots were lacking.
Cara: You both needed a little bit of each other this week, for me, like Karlie said.
Elle: I completely agree. Wow, this is easier than I thought! Next you ladies were posed in a group photograph recreating an iconic Vogue cover.



Elle: You two were the best once again this week, but Juju, you take the cake for this shot. It's so soft, beautiful, elegant, but you created interesting shapes as well. It's brilliant.
Karlie: I think it's interesting that Nicole, you went very simple, where Juju did something more interesting, but you two were still the best.
Cara: You both catch my attention for different reasons and I love this overall shot.
Elle: Next you posed in the jungle of Thailand with a beautiful parrot for a beauty shot.



Cara: I think it's clear that Nicole killed you this week, Juju. It made me really question your consistency because you had just been on top of the pyramid. It's your weakest shot of the competition, Juju.
Karlie: I have to agree, Juju. While Nicole, this is one of my favorite's of you. It's a little stronger and edgier than you normally go so I really liked that versatility.
Elle: So the consensus is that Juju faltered while Nicole jumped ahead. Next you shot your Vogue Italia covers in these crazy Louboutin ballerina heels.



Karlie: What happened the week before to Juju happened to you Nicole. You went from the top to the bottom for me. It brought back my old fear that you don't take enough risks and rely on your looks a little too much.
Cara: I agree, unfortunately, Nicole. Juju, you however took a ton of risks and worked it in this photo. Doing a one-footed pose must have killed in those shoes, but you took it like a champ.
Elle: Then you ladies headed back into the jungle and posed on an elephant.



Elle: Again, Juju you were a risk taker and stood on the elephant and it really paid off. You look tall and gorgeous. Nicole, while this shot is probably the most beautiful of the week, it just didn't stand out and that was a problem I had with your photos.
Karlie: I actually really like the soft, demure thing here. You channeled the attitude of the elephant which is very calm and mimicked it here. I love it.
Cara: But Juju did something unusual and it really worked for her and showed that she can overcome her height.
Elle: Then you had your Gucci and Revlon shots which were all around a success and we don't need to go over them again since we judged you yesterday. Now it's time for the judges to deliberate and decide who will be the winner of Take it to the Top: Cycle 3.

[bdon17]

AND THE WINNER IS...

*the two walk in holding hands almost in tears as they know that one of them is about to win the competition and one will be going home empty handed*

Elle: Welcome back girls. I can't believe that we are at the moment where one of you become the winner of this competition. Both of you are great. Juju, you came into the competition as the shortest girl and instantly had to work harder than the rest of the girls to keep up. Week after week, you amassed a stunning portfolio full of versatility and power. With four weeks at the top spot, you've clearly been a force in this competition. Nicole, you came into the competition with the opposite qualities of Juju. You were the tallest and one of the youngest with immense potential that looked beautiful from photograph. You started off strong and rarely let up. You're definitely a deserving model. But only one of you can win. It came down to only half of a point: the closest the competition has ever been. The girl who did Take it to the Top is...





































































































































































































Juju! *she immediately breaks into tears and hugs Nicole and then Elle* Congratulations, Juju! You took it to the top!

*hugs Nicole* Nicole, you've come such a long way and we are so proud of you. I saw your potential in casting and thought you could make it overseas, but I wasn't sure you'd make it this far and I'm so happy that you proved me wrong. You did not win, but you will definitely have an international career. I'm sorry, but you did not Take it to the Top. Goodbye and good luck.

*Nicole leaves and the judges celebrate with Juju*

Me: Thank you all so much for playing. I know the game got slow at times, but I thank you all for your patience. I'm currently designing a new game and I should be launching it pretty soon.