Episode list

After 32 aspiring models arrive in Pasadena, Calif., to face host Tyra Banks, art director of photo shoots Jay Manuel and runway expert J. Alexander, the field quickly narrows to 13 finalists, however, the finalists are given little time to settle into their posh new mansion in Los Angeles before Jay Manuel reveals in a jaw-dropping announcement that they will be bald for their first photo shoot, on the sixth-cycle. Meanwhile, Janice Dickinson makes a surprise appearance, adding even more pressure for the 13 finalists as she leads them into a grueling press conference in front of TV personality and radio host Todd Newton ("E! News"); TV personality and actress Rolanda Watts ("My Wife and Kids"); "Access Hollywood" special correspondent and son of actor Will Smith, Trey Smith; news reporter Tina Frazier; and fashion industry expert Trish Moreno.

At a Beverly Hills salon, Tyra, Jay Manuel, J. Alexander and salon owners Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi transform the models with unbelievable makeovers; and the participants are challenged to show off their personal style by celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and Cycle 4 Winner Naima Mora, who give the girls the opportunity to win a $5,000 shopping spree at Los Angeles boutique, Nanette Lepore, and then head off to a photo shoot where they pose with ice sculptures. Personal stylist Rachel Zoe also serves as a guest judge. Later, one competitor decides it's time to let her inner-diva out by laying down some house rules for everyone to follow, only to have another model take her to task.

When designer Jared Gold is brought in for the aspiring models' "Runway Challenge," Clint Catalyst is featured as one of his panel of "style experts" to choose which of the girls performed best on the catwalk (while rocking a bedazzled Madagascar Hissing Cockroach as a fashion accessory).

Actor/model Vaughn Lowery stirs up controversy when he kisses contestant, Nnenna, who already had a boyfriend.

After getting a lesson in improvisation at the legendary comedy workshop The Groundlings, the models are challenged to successfully deliver a mostly-improvised CoverGirl commercial, and one lucky girl, whose improv skills are superior, wins a guest starring role on "Veronica Mars." Nick Cannon ("Men In Black II") makes a guest appearance. Later, some of the models appear in a public service announcement about HIV prevention in support of KNOW HIV/AIDS, a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Viacom, in partnership with the Kaiser Family Foundation.

One model surprises everyone including herself when she loses her temper with one of her competitors, and J. Alexander gives an impromptu lesson on advanced runway techniques, which leads to a meeting with movement experts Richard and Ron Harris, who teach the girls how to swirl and twirl on the runway. Fashion Designer Lloyd Klein, Jewelry Designer Sol Rafael, Photographer Trevor O'Shana, Movement Experts Richard and Ron Harris and Tommy The Clown make special guest appearances; and Special Events Consultant Roy Campbell serves as guest judge. Later, the models are challenged to sashay down the runway of a church fashion show, and at a downtown Los Angeles photo shoot, the girls must model a line of shoes while "krumping" (a form of dancing) with famous dancer Tommy The Clown.

After getting a lesson about the ugly side of modeling, the participants are tested on their ability to handle harsh criticisms, and one model must face a difficult surgical procedure, while two lucky models receive special visitors from home. Supermodel Janice Dickinson and AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL cycle 3 winner Eva Pigford make special guest appearances. Photographer Pascal Demeester serves as guest judge. Later, the models visit with supermodel Janice Dickinson and AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL cycle three winner Eva Pigford on the set of a photo shoot for designer MarcEcko and ElleGirl magazine, and then are directed by Tyra for a black and white photo where they must be Tearful, yet beautiful.

The models are coached on how to handle challenging interview questions from public relations expert Rachel McCallister, then put to the test by tough interviewer and Vanity Fair contributor George Wang; and they all receive surprise news that they will travel overseas to a major fashion destination. Public relations expert, Co-President of MPRM Rachel McCallister and Vanity Fair contributor George Wang make special guest appearances. Photographer Jaturong Hirankarn serves as guest judge. After arriving to their new location, the models visit a spa where the losers of an earlier challenge have to pamper the winners; and at an unusual photo shoot, the models are put into a harness and wired to hang upside down over a floating market to pose as freshly caught mermaids.

Loaded with never-before-seen footage from the first nine weeks of UPN's hit dramality series, this special episode includes Gina's habit of biting others, Joanie imitating Furonda and Danielle playing a prank on Jade. This episode also features the girls' reactions to Nnenna's kiss with a male model, the participants having dinner with Janice Dickinson and Jay Manuel surprising the girls with a visit to the model house.

In their overseas location of Thailand, one of the models is suddenly rushed to the emergency room and the competitors participate in a challenge that requires them to perform an intricate Thai dance moves. Artistic director Patravadi Mejudhon, photographer Pongsak Tangtiwaja, Professor of Dance Sirithon Srichalakom, and Thai classical dancer Petra Sriwaranon make guest appearances; and Elle Thailand editor Siri Udomritthiruj serves as a guest judge. Later the models are transported via elephant to the middle of the jungle where they must pose on top of an elephant, and one model is irritated when another copies her poses.

It's down to the final four models who meet Thai designer Pichita Rucksajit. They are tasked with traveling by "tuk tuk", a Thai taxi, to meet and impress local designers. Next the girls fly on to Phuket where Tyra gives them a lesson about the regions culture and local history which includes the 2004 Tsunami. Later the girls hit the beach for a photo shoot modeling Op bikinis to appear in a June/July 2006 spread in ElleGirl magazine and Amp'd Mobile with Nigel Barker behind the lens.

It's down to Joanie, Jade and Danielle. While Joanie and Jade do well in the shooting of the CoverGirl commercial, Danielle continues to struggle with her Southern accent. In the end, a runway challenge through an ancient city will reveal this year's America's Next Top Model.