So, Asia’s Next Top Model Season 4 just ended tonight and just like AsNTM signature: they chose the wrong winner again.
First, let’s back track to the past seasons to check how they did with their finales:
Season 1
This is the only season which I agreed to their chosen winner who was Jessica Amornkuldilok from Thailand. But it was unquestionable since the two runner ups, Kate (Taiwan) and Stephanie (Philippines) don’t really have that model potential, and Jessica was the only one who keeps on targeting brief after brief and hands down: Jessica was the one.
Season 2
This is where AsNTModel started to get a little confusing and crazy. The remaining two contestants were Sheena (Malaysia) and Jodilly (Philippines). It was also unquestionable that Jodilly would win (I remember writing a blog post prior to the finale episode congratulating her for the win), but to my surprise it was Sheena’s name who was called. I was totally in disbelief because I couldn’t form any logical explanation on why they chose Sheena. Until I later realized that maybe because Jodilly didn’t have that ‘Asian’ look that’s why she didn’t win even though she keeps on nailing photoshoot after photoshoot, while Sheena only showed that flat and repetitive look. I won’t talk about it any further because my frustrations are slowly coming back, but that was probably the most unjustifiable win ever.
Season 3
Gani from Indonesia and Monika from Philippines came face-to-face in the finale. And although my cent was on Monika since she’s done well in the competition: I thought the judges would call Gani, because just like in season 2, the judges were looking for a winner who had kinky eyes and small and long face that they justify as ‘Asian’ look… it was Gani who won. I rolled my eyes a little bit more…
Season 4
…until Season 4 came and my eyes rolled further back of my head. Listen, most of the models in season 4 aren’t good at all, period. That’s the truth. I even ranted about how untalented (in modeling) these girls are in my previous post but you don’t have to really explore episode per episode: it’s visible in Glenn Tan and Yu Tsai’s face. And I’m tired of this shit. Three girls were left: Sang In – the girl who has THE model potential; Patricia – the girl who was the fast learner; and Tawan – the amateur one-hit-wonder. Come on, guys it was clear that Sang In was the best in the bunch but was dubiously in the second place after Patricia? Let’s admit Sang In doesn’t have the most interesting personality but the contest is not Asia’s Next Top Personality. It is more acceptable for Patricia to win actually.
That last photoshoot was even Sang In’s throne and let’s just say she’s sometimes difficult to direct, let’s give her that: but that’s not the point. The point is who could bring the best picture on the table. And truth is all of them are difficult to direct because, as I’ve said, they’re not good nor experienced.
I’m not doubting Tawan’s capacity to model, she can be good in time… but not today… not in that finale episode.
This is so frustrating. I don’t know how could AsNTM alleviate the contest. It just keeps crashing down, but I guess they should start with the cast.
They also need to bring Joey Mead-King back because that Season 4 model mentor was useless. I hope Cindy Bishop would be back because she’s a very good host and Yu Tsai should also be there in the 5th season since his shouting brings color to the show and he pushes models to their potential.
And I hope next time they wouldn’t choose a winner just because she has a typical ‘Asian’ look or a winner out of pity or a winner out of personality that lacks modelling skills.
Congrats, still to Tawan. Prove us wrong.
