America's Next Top Model Season 19 Episode 1

College Edition Begins: My Hot Takes

Okay, people. Let's talk America's Next Top Model. Season 19, the "College Edition," just dropped. And boy, do I have THOUGHTS.

First off, Tyra's back. Serving smize as always. But something feels...different. Is it the social media integration? Or the whole "fan voting" thing?

The Auditions: Brains AND Beauty?

They're all in college, see. We're talking students from Yale to Stanford. Are they gonna study, or strut?

One girl said she can solve complex math equations in her head. Cool! Can she also work a photo shoot?

My unpopular opinion? Intelligence doesn't automatically equal model material. There, I said it!

The Challenges: Social Media Madness

Seriously, the challenges are all about Twitter and Facebook now. Remember the good old days when they just had to pose in a weird location?

They had to create "Tyra Mail" videos. Cringe. Is this ANTM or YouTube star search?

One girl did a pretty good job, though. But I'm already forgetting her name. Such is the life of a reality TV contestant.

The Photo Shoot: Tears and Poses

Of course, there's a photo shoot. They had to pose as "college archetypes." Nerdy! Preppy! Artsy!

Some girls are natural. Others look like they’re being held hostage by the camera. Which, let's be honest, can be relatable.

One girl started crying. Classic ANTM drama. Did she make the right face for the camera though?

The Judging Panel: Kelly Cutrone, Why?

Tyra's still there, obviously. But Kelly Cutrone is back too! You know, the brutally honest PR woman. Prepare for some shade.

I kind of love her, even though she scares me. She will tell you the truth. Even if it hurts. The world needs more Kelly.

But her commentary sometimes feels... mean. Like, unnecessarily mean. Can't we offer constructive criticism with a side of kindness?

The First Elimination: Shocking!

Time to send someone home. Who will it be?

This season's big twist: fan voting! The audience at home has some power.

The girl that was eliminated didn't do too well in the photo shoot. No tears from me though.

Final Thoughts: Still Hooked?

Look, ANTM is still ridiculous. It's cheesy. It's predictable. And I'm still gonna watch every episode.

There's something strangely comforting about watching young women compete for a modeling contract. Even if it's all orchestrated chaos.

The social media angle is weird. The fan voting is suspect. But I'm already invested. Bring on the drama!

So, are you watching? Who are your early favorites? Let me know in the comments! (Even though I'm just talking to myself right now).

And remember, smize with your eyes! Or something like that. Tyra would be proud.