My New Client ALASIA BALLARD
Alisha Ballard was a contestant during Cycle 14 of ANTM.
The then 18-year-old was a student from Marietta, Georgia during her appearance on the show.During episode 1 of Cycle 14, Alasia divulged that she is a devout Christian, even quoting scripture during on-camera interviews.Alasia had shaky beginnings on the show, as she didn’t impress Mr. Jay during the “Which supermodel are you?” shoot. She was supposed to embody supermodel Naomi Campbell, but couldn’t think of any ‘classic’ Naomi poses to show the photographer.
In episode 2, it’s clear that Alasia and Ren clash in the Top Model house. Alasia’s rambunctious and strong personality rubbed Ren (whose typically quiet) the wrong way, causing a full-fledged yell out between the two.
Episode 2 also found Alasia in the bottom two with Gabrielle for the second panel judging. Judge, Andre Leon Talley, found Alasia’s modeling methods adventurous during the nude photo shoot, so Tyra chose to eliminate Gabrielle instead.
Alasia’s performance during episode 3 put Alasia back in running for Top Model when she was called first following the “dance” photo shoot with Cade Martin. Tyra said that Alasia’s ‘interpretive dance’ photo chosen for panel was just one of many exceptional photos she took that day.
Alasia managed to stay ahead of the game in episode 4, when she was, for the second week in a row, called first during panel following the vampire photo shoot with Sarah Silver. Tyra described Alasia’s photo as “stunning and unbelievable.”
Despite her remarkable performance during the photo shoot and in panel, Alasia was not as popular with the girls in the Top Model house, specifically, Anslee. After an argument over frozen vegetables (aka veggie-gate), Alasia made a comment about the upbringing of Anslee’s daughter, which caused Anslee’s temper to flare.
During episode 5, Alasia maintained her forward momentum in the competition when she received good critique from the judges for her “fake” photo taken by D-Nice. The judges liked her photo and thought her body looked great. They also said that she evoked style and thought out of the box. Additionally, Alasia won a $5,000 diamond ring from Jude Frances Jewelry (a prize she shared with Jessica) for being called first during the previous elimination. In this episode, she was called 4th during panel.
Alasia began episode 6 as the center of attention because of the rising conflict with other girls in the house; specifically Jessica, Raina and Brenda. After some choice words in the limo with Jessica, she also showed attitude with Raina, after hearing Raina talk about her in the Top Model confessional.
Later, during the first challenge with Ann Shoket at Seventeen Magazine, the girls had to choose fashions that suited their body shapes/proportions. Alasia wanted to shower before they left, which caused the whole group to be late to the challenge. Ms. Jay and Ann Shoket were outwardly frustrated with the groups tardiness.
During the next challenge, which was a one-on-one talk with Manhattan socialite Tinsley Mortimer and mingling with industry insiders, Alasia appeared less confident and fidgeted frequently while being interviewed. Tinsley included this point during her critique of Alasia’s obvious nervous idiosyncrasies.
The bad news continued for Alasia during the “New York women” photo shoot with Mike Ruiz. Mr. Jay said that she failed to deliver overall. He added that she showed no emotion behind her eyes and that he didn’t have one quality photo to show to Tyra. Alasia became upset, leaving the subway set in tears.
During panel, Ann Shoket said that there wasn’t a lot in her photo. Andre Leon Talley said that she’s improved from week to week, but this week she didn’t do well. Tyra said that she needed to include her dancing energy behind her thoughts. Nigel said that if she’s not thinking of anything, it’s going to say just that in her photos.
Due to her unimpressive photograph, Alasia became one of the bottom two girls with Brenda. While in the bottom two, Tyra said “You were the girl who embraced dancing; the judges told you to hold on to that. Then you threw it out during your shoot. That was your gift.” Tyra added, “You thought about nothing during the shooot; and they saw nothing in her photo.”
Despite her poor performance, Brenda was chosen for elimination instead of Alasia.
Episode 7 began with Alasia back in the spotlight due to her proclivity for being late to challenges/shoots. The other girls piled into the elevator to go downstairs, leaving Alasia, still getting ready, upstairs. Because the elevator took so long to return, she had to take the stairs.
During the runway challenge at Lucky Cheng’s, Alasia failed to dazzle Miss J and the other guests. Fortunately, she managed to once again produce an impressive photo following the “Hair Couture” photo shoot with Jerry Metellus.
Andre Leon Talley said her photo was ‘high fashion’ due to her foot positioning. He also said her photo was very reminiscent of something you’d see in an Alexander McQueen ad. Guest judge, Whitney Port, loved her photo as well. Despite being loved by ALT, Tyra criticized her film, saying she had the same pose in every shot. She said Alasia didn’t take enough chances. Alasia was called fifth during elimination, which included her as part of the group traveling to the international destination of New Zealand for the second half of the competition.
During episode 8 (in New Zealand), Alasia did well during the go-sees challenge and was confident, unfortunately, she was disqualified from the challenge for being 45 minutes late back to the agency.
When Alasia stepped on to the hillside set with Nigel Barker for “the same dress shoot,” Nigel said that she looked amazing, but was “lost” when he began shooting her frames. Her strategy was to be “serene” and “calm,” but Nigel said she gave him “nothing.”
During panel, Nigel said that her picture had drama because of the landscape, but it wasn’t inspirational. ALT said he wasn’t getting emotion from the photo; maybe she should have interacted with the sheep. Guest judge Sara Tetro said that she would flick right through her picture in a magazine.
Due to her poor performance, Alasia ended up in the bottom two with Jessica.
While in the bottom two, Tyra said that Alasia lacked focus and had potential, but when she got on set, she’s not mentally present.
In the end, Alasia was eliminated. Upon leaving, Tyra told her that she’s stunning, but she needs to connect her brains with her body and focus.
Upon leaving, Alasia said the following:
“It’s the end of the road for me; I’m just happy I made it this far. I’m an amateur; I did not know anything about the fashion industry and I made it this far. I’m happy with myself. At home, I always felt boring and plain, like I wasn’t important and I didn’t stand out; I was just kind of there. But being in this competition and making it this far changed my mind completely; I’m somebody.”
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