'America's Next Top Model' seeking shorter women

By Hanh Nguyen

February 23, 2009 12:23 PM

Do you think America's Next Top Model has come up short lately? Well, if you're 5'7" or under, you could fix that.

Tyra Banks and her cronies, who broke new ground by casting transgender model Isis King in the previous cycle, are challenging industry standards and the concept of what's model-esque by seeking shorter model wannabes for its 13th season, it was announced Monday, Feb. 23.

Consider your world rocked.

"There have been top supermodels in the past that weren't as tall as the industry demands, like fashion icon Kate Moss," says Banks. "So we are changing up Top Model for cycle 13 and making it a year for the shorter model!"

Well, it's about time. Unfortunately, it's too late for the likes of booted Top Model candidates like poor Cycle 2 contestant Jenascia Chakos, who couldn't seem to make up for her height and had to return to her job at Hooters.

Vertically challenged candidates must be no taller than 5'7" and must be between the ages 18-27. Apparently, the modeling industry is still ageist, so no decrepit 30somethings, please.

Those who lack in inches but make up for it in fierceness are encouraged to attend open calls in Miami, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., NYC, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles. Check out the CW's full application details.

In the meantime, you can check out those lame, taller models on the 12th cycle of Top Model, which premieres Wednesday, March 4 on The CW. And already, we at Zap2it are gunning for creepy, nosebleed-fetish girl Allison.

What do you think about Top Model's decision to go short? Do you know the next Kate Moss?

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in America's Next Top Model

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| Comments (27)

27 Comments

I belive that its great that tou are going shorter becocuse woman like me who belive that they have what it takes but dont have the hight should be giving the chance.

Lakeshia williams | February 23, 2009 12:40 PM

But what if one can p*** for 25?

brainylagirl | February 23, 2009 12:51 PM

i W*** a COnTeStant on CyCle 12 (w*** nUmBEr foUrteen) buT wAs cut Fo bEing tOo shoRt!!!!!FATIMA!!!!!!

boWanDa J | February 23, 2009 3:19 PM

Short or tall - What's the problem - - Let the best model
become the top model...............

stan | February 23, 2009 3:47 PM

anything fora gimmick
tyra knows that short women very rarely make it in the modeling world
they may make it as a commercial model
or in catalogues or some print
but if you go to any top agency they will tell you that you have to be over 5.9
silly
but good luck

laurente | February 23, 2009 6:53 PM

I was interested in modeling now becuse a person is 30 or over istill think they sould be able to audition if they still look good for their age, it shoulnt't matter.

Debbie Patrick | February 24, 2009 10:19 AM

I think it will be an interesting twist in the show. Im excited to see what girls they come up with! Here is a little bit more about what I think!

http://www.944.com/blog/americas-next-top-model-cycle-13-changes/

Ashley | February 24, 2009 10:28 AM

how i wish i can, will they accept 5'4 in height?

jera hular | February 24, 2009 1:27 PM

Well 5'4" is under 5'7" jera..so go for it!!!

MrDinBK | February 24, 2009 4:38 PM

Why don't they accept models over 27? I am 29 and would love to give it a shot!

Meg | February 25, 2009 11:52 AM