On this week’s episode of America’s Next Top Model 11, the girls learned that modeling wasn’t just about showing up and looking pretty. It was about discovering who you were and not being afraid to let go. It was about knowing your best traits and embracing your warts.

Given Clark’s recent elimination, the remaining eight ladies realized they couldn’t afford to take their critiques for granted. Elina still had to overcome control issues, Lauren Brie had to deliver a personality and Analeigh needed to find her niche.

For this week’s lesson, the ladies had a rare opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Tyra Banks. Since Miss J was in charge of molding their signature walks, it was her responsibility to help them find their signature pose. Each girl would be given 10 frames to deliver what they thought their signature style should be. After a quick consultation with Tyra behind the monitor, they would then be given another 10 attempts with the benefit of her coaching.

Although Analeigh wanted to incorporate her skating background, her poses came off too literal. McKey started with a bunch of over-the-shoulder poses until Tyra pointed out her strong neck. Samantha tried emphasizing her hands but wound up looking like a monster. Lauren Brie attempted “surfer dope chick” but merely produced “pretty but empty” frames. Joslyn started with “wide poses” (huh??) until Tyra discovered her strong profile. Sheena performed cultural dance-esque poses that were borderline hootchie. Meanwhile, Elina aimed for “Top Model of the World” but only reached the stiff, cataloguey level.

In the end, Tyra said Marjorie’s work was the best of the bunch. The shy girl chose to work with her natural awkward side and came with a “Hunchback of Notre Dame” theme in mind. Although her poses were initially a little round, she found a way to make the unusual shapes beautiful. Because this “lesson” was actually a surprise “challenge,” Marjorie and a friend (Analeigh) were both given free pieces of jewelry.

For the photo shoot of the week, the ladies met Jay at LA’s Orpheum Theatre. The theme? An ANTM version of Tyra’s “Fiercee Awards.” (That’s apparently something she started on her own talk show.) Instead of recreating all the scripted moments most people see during awards shows, the girls were going to act out embarrassing moments people don’t typically see on camera.

Marjorie (Using the Restroom in a Gown) put aside her shyness and hammed it in her bathroom stall. Samantha (Can’t Read Cue Cards) looked fake and disingenuous. Elina’s (Overemotional Winner) honest feelings couldn’t be read on camera. Lauren Brie (Trips Up the Stairs) looked as stiff as a mannequin. McKey (Believes She’s Going to Win But Loses) showed nice emotion. Sheena (Starlet Steps on Her Gown) reeled it in way too much. Joslyn (Another Starlet in the Same Gown) with her ¾ pose produced her best photo to date. Meanwhile, Analeigh (Interviewer with Attitude) did a good job looking bitchy yet pretty at the same time.

When it came time for evaluations, Marjorie – last week’s near breakdown girl – was chosen as this week’s winner. The judges loved how she managed to still look fashionable in her extraordinary positions. Analeigh with her character-filled photo came in second while McKey and her beautiful frame came in third.

Coming in this week’s Bottom Two were Sheena and Lauren Brie. The two girls – who were polar opposites – faced the chopping block for two different reasons. Although the judges agreed Lauren Brie had the gorgeous, high-fashion look, she lacked Sheena’s undeniable personality. Meanwhile, her exotic competitor was lacking the obvious model qualities the blonde possessed.

As expected, it was personality that won the judges over in the end. LOSER: Lauren Brie.

(You can review last week’s episode here.)
(You can read next week’s episode here.)