With the success of the show on the network, Tyra soon began to plan for the next instalment. Cycle 2 was great because it basically took everything from the previous cycle and improved on it. I watched it several times in the past, and upon my rewatch, I found it did not disappoint.

Better photoshoots, a larger cast, and (of course) more drama. This was the cycle of signature-walk divas, Christ-like decisions, crying yourself to sleep for six months, and the infamous moment you found out she had SAX. Let’s not forget about Tyra’s short venture into the music world; she still retained her Cycle 1 approachability that would become less and less frequent in later seasons.

With their good reception, the budget was clearly increased, and it’s definitely a cycle I’d recommend. There was an increase in the professional side of things, and the editing was slicker, but there was still a sense of intimacy from being one of the initial cycles of ANTM. Plus, we got introduced to the Nigel Barker (none of you probably know this, but he’s a noted fashion photographer) who, regardless of your opinion on him, grew to become another fundamental pillar to the Top Model franchise.

We got a lot of iconic moments and contestants out of the second cycle, and some truly breathtaking photos to boot. I do think it is slightly underrated, since people tend to focus solely on the Shandi’s storyline with her boyfriend and Camille’s villain edit and then disregard it. This cycle definitely does not deserve to be forgettable.

I think I have a better idea of how my rankings will go since I’m more familiar with the pictures here, but as always, there is room for surprises.

Cycle 2, coming right up! x

3. Sara

This photo is full of flaws for me, but has two incredible highlights. Sara’s face is FIERCE. She looks snatched and absolutely divine. The second part that I love are her arms and hands. That tension is EVERYTHING. It saves the awkward lift of the head and the poor styling. I live for this shot, even though it’s not my number 1.

Эйприл Уилкнер 😍😍 #топмодельпоамерикански #тмпа #antm #модели #девушки #Repost @all.antm • • • • • • #throwback to @aprilwilkner photographed by @saileywilliams. #aprilwilkner #saileywilliams #antm #antmalumni #antmcycle2 #antm2 #americasnexttopmodel https://www.instagram.com/p/CEilf4Hppw6/?igshid=i3yofwzs7j89

                OMG. Pasok yung dalawang pinay sa Top 3 ng Asia's Next Top Model :))) I Love You Jodily ! Galing galing talaga oh. 

5. Mercedes At first glance, I don’t even recognize Mercedes in this photo. And while that’s not necessarily a good thing, she is SELLING those clothes. As much as I hate them, I want to buy those shoes and top for myself. She’s doing her job and she’s doing it well!

5. Sara From here on up, the photos are all fairly strong. My only problem with Sara’s Eve is her hand in Adam’s mouth. I think if she had leaned over a little bit more or made direct eye contact with him, I wouldn’t mind the finger so much. But the pose is solid and works well with the styling.

7. Bethany Ah Bethany. In the eyes of the judges, she was just too sexy for the show. I like the pose, because she was obviously trying to hide her chest after how the judges reacted in week one. I think the shoes look lovely, and her face is really divine. She was done a bit dirty

1. April This shot is absolute FIRE. Every little detail is perfect. Everyone seems to critique her amputated leg, but it is so long and beautiful that I don’t even mind. There is such power in her eyes, the angle of her face is perfect, and my favorite part of this photo is the tension in her upper body. The strain in her neck and shoulders looks divine when juxtaposed with her serene face. Well done, April!

2. Mercedes WOW. That commercial girl is gone in this photo. Mercedes is commanding this set unlike any other girl. I love the depth she’s creating by stepping forward, it really helps separate her shot from that of Camille. I want to buy what she’s wearing, and it’s just paint!

These rankings do not surprise me in the slightest. They completely coincide with my thoughts on the models’ ability in the competition. I wouldn’t have minded this order of elimination.

April tops the list, which was to be expected, but Yoanna is not far behind, since she was quite solidly in the top performers each week (she actually has quite a few SCO, and apart from her first week and music video, never fell below my Top 5). It was unexpected to see Mercedes over Shandi since I was sure my 3 FCO would place her pretty high. 

I am surprised, though, that Camille’s score isn’t a bit lower, but she did excel in her initial photoshoots. Anna could either have a average of 12 or nothing, since I felt it unfair to rank her a performance when i didn’t have one in the first place. Xiomara had the benefit of her Grace Jones shot to thank for her average.

This was a fun cycle to rank for me, and I’m satisfied with the results. Still a couple more things, and then we’ll get on with numero tres!

4. Catie Catie is selling me those shoes! Her pose is pristine and relaxed, especially with so my strength required to look so effortless. Even her hair falls right in this photo. I’m surprised they thought to cut it after this performance.

6. Camille Camille is certainly selling something in this photo. She missed tooch and booch and went straight to hooch. I do love the strength in her body and although the pose is too sexy, it’s absolutely fabulous with those boots.

8. Shandi This shot of Shandi could have been so strong had she relaxed those shoulders and added some life to her face. I understand why she was in the bottom two this week, and I definitely think the judges made a good decision, but I can’t put this shot any lower.

9. Yoanna It probably looks like I don’t like Yoanna based on where she’s fallen in my rankings so far, but she just hasn’t performed yet. The styling is atrocious, and it looks like she’s doing one of those Russian dances where you jump out and extend your limbs before going into a squat. She can do better

10. Heather What was Heather thinking? She’s hidden most of her body and looks incredibly short. It literally looks like she is wiping herself in that position. Add to that the obvious gesture toward the product that just comes off gauche, and you have the perfect bottom two shot.

11. Xiomara

This shot is just so unfortunate. Being a shoe ad, I see that Xiomara has just tried to shove the product in our faces. Her body positioning is uncomfortable, her face is expressionless, and I just can’t believe this girl could escape the bottom two with this photo.