Model hopefuls vie for top prize

SYNERGY TV kicked off the first leg of its super model competition yesterday with auditions at the station’s Tragarete Road studio.

From as early as 7 am, aspiring models lined the sidewalk outside the building, waiting for the opportunity to appear before the judges — photographer Calvin French, former beauty queen and model Leah Marie Guevara, model trainer and stylist Richard Young and radio announcer Paul Richards.

By 9 am, the queue outside the studio was so long that it extended around the corner and down Pole Carew Street, Woodbrook. At about 10 am, groups of ten contestants were called upstairs to meet individually with the judges. Contestants had to be between 16 and 25 years old for the women and 18 to 26 years old for the men.

They were also required to wear no make-up and to come dressed in jeans and a white top. While many obeyed the “No Make-up” rule, the dress code had to be changed as many contestants did not follow suit.

The judges made their assessments based on face, complexion, walk/comportment, body and personality. Those who met the criteria were sent to be interviewed by Jason Williams and Shawna Maharaj.

Tensions ran high during the day as many hopefuls did not come with the full requirements of copies of their ID cards. Others were simply nervous.

One aspiring model, 19-year-old Tenille Alleyne said: “I am feeling confident.

“What made me get up and decide to do this is the fact that I was interested in modelling. I decided to capitalise on this opportunity to work with professionals and the best of the best in the business.”

The second leg of the competition takes place next Sunday when there will be a call-back session for those who have successfully made it through the auditions.