Ashley Howard latest competitor booted from 'America's Next Top Model'

Ashley Howard latest competitor booted from 'America's Next Top Model'
by: Tyrone.Warner
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The model plucked from the audience at a taping of Tyra Banks’ talk show is the next girl to exit the 13th cycle.

This season of "America's Next Top Model" is being referred to as "Le Cycle 13," featuring petit models who must be 5'7 or under.

In the latest episode, the models were flown to Las Vegas where they had to pose alongside circus performers, while also posing in groups of three.

Despite thinking she did a great job at the shoot, Ashley, a 22-year-old from Chicago, found out from the judges that they thought she brought her group down, and was the next person eliminated from the show.

CTV.ca talked to Ashley about her exit, and the unusual way she was selected.

What was first going through your mind when you were eliminated?

The first words in my head were, “Wow, really?” I didn’t feel as though I did that poorly. I didn’t get terrible feedback from Jay or the photographer, so I didn’t think it was my time to go. It was a strange elimination.

Did it make more sense after watching the episode this week?

No, it didn’t actually. I didn’t know what happened, I still don’t agree, even after seeing the other pictures. It was tough to watch.

Who did you think was going home?

I didn’t enjoy Brittany’s picture or Kara’s picture or Jennifer’s. There were some people who were fumbling, and that wasn’t going on with me.

Looking back on the experience, what stands out as the most memorable to you?

It’s all pretty memorable! All the shoots were fun. I had no modeling experience, so everything was new, everything was a challenge.

So the way you were selected to be on the show was rather unusual. Can you explain?

Sure! I went to the New York open call for this cycle, and I stood in line for about 12 hours before a stampede broke out. They shut the audition down and I was never seen. I then decided to go to a taping of Tyra’s show that was supposed to be about that audition, but I later got a call saying that the topic had changed, but I went anyways. At the very end, when it was finished taping, a woman came over to me and asked me for my information. She said it was pertaining to future shows or something like that. I thought that was strange, and the next day I received a call that they wanted an appointment with me for “America’s Next Top Model,” so I was excited and confused. It was only when I got to LA for the show that I learned that it was Tyra’s hairdresser that pointed me out in the audience and asked someone to get my info.

Did you ever think about modeling before?

Of course, it had crossed my mind, but the only thing that was stopping me was my height. That was the only barrier for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t think I could do it; it was just that I knew there was this height requirement. Now that this door has been opened, I feel like I can do it.

What was it like watching yourself on TV?

It was odd, very odd. I was so nervous I thought I would break out in hives. It was strange because I knew I was going to be on TV, and I knew people were watching me. I didn’t know what they were going to show or how I was going to look, it was a nerve-wracking experience. After the first two weeks I was kind of comfortable with it.

What was your impression of our “Canada’s Next Top Model” host Jay Manuel?

Honestly, I really enjoyed working with him. He’s very honest and at no point did I think he was just saying something just to be saying it. Every criticism he gave towards me was relevant for the shoot. He’s never flustered and he’s well put together and he’s never off his game. I really enjoyed working with him.

Do you have any advice for people who want to get into modeling?

I would say that if it’s a dream of yours, then go for it. You should be focused and never worry about what people have to say. Study designers and study the industry so you don’t get lost out there.

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Thursday, May 17 at 9pm ET/PT - Jez Smith

The models make their way through Hong Kong to attend go-sees, where one of the women loses her confidence and crumbles under the pressure. At the photo shoot for the "America's Next Top Model" fragrance, Dream Come True, the stakes are raised as the models pose in front of the client, Hatch Beauty founder Ben Bennett.

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