ANTM Cast Rundown: Dominique Reighard and Isis King

            Making it past the halfway point today kids! Miss Dominique Reighard to the runway please!

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

It is weird. I already planned out what I was going to say about Dominique.

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Old. Mature, if you are feeling nice. Then I started looking over more of her photos. Glancing at her pictures I realized something. Dominique is not as bad as of a model as I remember. Now before you die laughing, let me explain. See these photos?

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

            They are not that bad, right? In fact, they are pretty decent and, at the very least, interesting. Most importantly, they are way better than I remember Dominique’s portfolio being. That is important for one big reason; she will be able to surprise people.

I am willing to bet a lot of people have the same opinion of Dominique that I had before I relooked at her work on the show. Basically, I always thought her personality was the reason why she placed so high during Cycle 10. She was always good for a laugh, normally at her own expense, and kept things lively. I still think that is partially true, but cannot deny her photos also helped get her there. In other words, she is going to come into the competition underrated, and then proceed to surpass expectations. Sure her photos might only rate a seven, as in passably good. When people expect a two, however, they cannot help but grade on a curve. Therefore, Dominique will benefit from people underestimating her.

Dominique also has a few more things going in her favor. As I just mentioned, her personality was a big part of why she is memorable. Do you remember her Italian CoverGirl commercial? Classic. That fun loving, and at times dramatic, personality will carry her far like it did last time. There are quite a few bitchy girls this time, but not a lot of outlandish ones. Dominique brings the crazy definitely, but ultimately causes for you to laugh at her, not root against her.

Finally, do not forget she won Modelville. Say what you will about that segment on Tyra’s talk show, but it was an obvious precursor to this cycle. At the very least, it demonstrates she has a relationship with Tyra.

Prediction: I think Dominique can win it all. I am not saying she deserves it or that I want her to, I just think she can. Her ability to surprise combined with personality and success during Modelville signals she is a contender. Also, and it just needs to be said, Dominique will help Tyra fulfill her diversification goals. Look, Tyra clearly wants a diverse stable of winners. Not only would Dominique be the first minority to win in three cycles, she would also be the oldest winner ever. If you do not think Tyra would love that, I do not know what show you have been watching.

Top 4-1.

Isis King, you are the next contestant in this dog and pony show.

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

I am not going to lie, I was completely shocked that Isis was asked to return. Here are her four competition photos.

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Photo Credit: All-ANTM.net

Yeah, no. Her first one is her best, and that is all I have to say about that. Everything is just so bland, and nothing pops out and screams, “Model!” So instead of looking at Isis’ portfolio, we should talk about her backstory. In all honesty, that is the only reason she made the show originally, let alone a second time.

As you may or may nor remember, Isis is the first and only transgender contestant to appear on ANTM. I think it is fantastic that a transgender model had the chance to compete, and I was rooting for Isis during Cycle 11. She had the opportunity to represent a group of people who are terribly underrepresented in entertainment. The fact that Isis could not really model, however, meant her appearance on the show was nothing but as a token minority. The second time around, nothing has changed in my opinion. Hell, it might even be more insulting. The first time, nobody was sure how she would do. This cycle, we know her abilities, and they are not good enough. Sure, maybe she has worked on her skills and found new confidence since completing her transition. I do not think so, and expect her to perform similar to how she did on her original cycle.

            Prediction: Isis will be around long enough for Tyra to pat herself on the back for helping to pay for her surgery, and then go soon after. Maybe she brings it and surprises the hell out of me, I actually hope she does, but I just do not see that happening. The show is going to regulate her to token status, again, and be done with her after they feel good about themselves.

            Top 14-12.

            Previous two girls here!                  Next two girls here!