02/09 Finale Recap: Million Dollar Diva

Silverstar · 02-10-2005, 03:37 PM

Episode 6:

Don’t be scared, my friends. It’s the finale of the six-week SI swimsuit model search and you’ll all finally be able to sleep without any worries. Once the lucky lady’s name is revealed, you all can go back to your regular day job without having to worry about Shannon’s inability to relax or Alicia’s diva attitude. Controversy is almost a sure thing since the producers let America vote for the winner by Internet or Text Messaging. Let’s embark on the supermodel train of lurve one last time, shall we?

The Making Of A Classic

The show starts with a recap of the five previous episodes. The highs and the lows of each model are showcased. After that memorable moment of television, it seems we are still in Bora Bora as we hear Joel repeat to Stacy that they are sending her home. Instantly, Alicia jumps in her arms and hugs her. Shannon does the same and in a matter of seconds, hugs are a plenty as even the judges (yes, that includes Joel) receive and give cuddly accolades.

We’re transported to New York City, where there’s a special SI meeting. Diane Smith is there along with Terry McDonell and Roy S. Johnson, respectively managing and assistant managing editors of Sports Illustrated. They are viewing the Bora Bora pictures and discuss. Roy presents Shannon as a virgin engaged to a doctor. What does that look like on a résumé? They also compare her to Lauren Hutton with the gap in her teeth. Alicia is a Las Vegas street kid and they say she definitely could be on the cover. While Shannon has a fresh style to her and his rather voluptuous, they find Alicia is more of a classic beauty.

The girls have time to go back to their hometowns to relax before the exciting finale. Viva Las Vegas with Alicia. We see her walking around in her old neighbourhood with her half-sister Jamie. Just in case you are new to this show, Alicia has repeatedly stated that she had a tough childhood. We all believe her, I’m sure, but this has been overplayed. Let the girl win with her great looks and modeling abilities, not with her past and struggles. I think the battle is already lost since this is a TV show and we need this kind of footage. Alicia also visits her step-dad Chris & sister Natalie; she has the pleasure to tell them that she’s flying to the city of angels for the finale! She was very emotional during her visit but it’s definitely understandable.

When we join Shannon is the Dallas area, she’s busy working out; 6 times a week is her usual routine. She also does 600 sit-ups! We finally meet Kyle the future doctor/husband and we learn that they are getting married on June 11th, 2005. All of your invitations are in the mail. Betti already refused to attend due to the lack of bridesmaids’ throughout the years sporting an afro. I’m also thinking of attending but I must find a date. Foreshadowing is going with Alicia, lucky her. Moving on, Shannon announces to her family that she’s in the final two and must go to Los Angeles. Her mom Barbie (I’m not making this up) and dad John are happy for their daughter. Shannon thinks she can be a role model for both abstinence and confidence.

What Rhymes With Lycra?
Welcome to L.A., ladies and gents. The girls have a photo shoot with the famous Lycra brand. The woman responsible for this shoot is Linda Kearns. Right off the bat, she says out loud that the girls are thinner than she thought. I bet you 10 virtual bucks that she’s been hanging out with Joel too much. According to her, Lycra is all about being sexy and stylish; she thinks Shannon is definitely what they are looking for. Brian Lovely is the photographer and he warns Alicia that he doesn’t want any diva behaviour. If I do say so myself, he almost looks scared of her. No male models are to be found so I’m sure everything will go smoothly. Shannon’s shoot is up first and the Lycra representative is pleased with her work. The editors then include a confessional from Shannon saying that she is 100% sure the client liked what she did. Confidence: the attitude of doom in this show. Beware!
Alicia has problems with the sunlight in her pictures and Linda interrupts the photo shoot, saying that it’s not what they want. Seconds later, they get back to it and everyone is happy and impressed. Alicia can do no wrong yet again.

When The Going Gets Tough, Blame The Editing.

It’s now time for the reunion part of the show. I don’t know why, but this looks very cheap; the stage is small and everyone is squeezed in together. Roshumba serves as the host tonight and the eliminated ladies are all present. Shannon has brought about 30 members of her family and good friends. One of them has a sign saying: S.I.zzling Shannon. Some people are too clever for their own good. Alicia also invited her family and her real mom and dad are there. We can definitely see where Ali got her beautiful hair from, as her mom is sporting the same great locks.

We finally get to hear from the dropped princesses. When Sabrina is asked if she regrets the way she handled her Supermodel Pass, she simply answers that it all played out the way it should and at least she got a diamond necklace out of it. You go, girl! We then are reunited with Krisi. Roshumba asks her jokingly about her tushy implants; I’m quite surprised when she states that she did not say that. Without a second to spare, they play the clip from the first episode when Krisi said that she would like some butt implants. Busted! Roshumba has a bone to pick with Betti on what other topic that her hair. She says that Betti was wrong when she stated there were no women with an afro in SI. Roshumba says that she was featured 5 years in the magazine with her afro. Without even learning from Krisi’s previous experience, she states that she was misinterpreted. What’s going on here? I can’t wait for someone to blame the editing. They finally ask Stacy if she had any regret about the shoot in Bora Bora and she just says that she was very nervous about going topless and her plan of going last backfired.

They each get a final talk with the judges. They tell Shannon that she finally learned to relax in Bora Bora and they are proud of her. Joel says that she was sensational even if they were hard on her a lot of the time. We even learn that the mystery vote last episode came from Jule who decided to choose Shannon over Stacy! As for Alicia, she took fantastic pictures in the last shoot and they are glad that she did not have her diva attitude.

The Models Speak Nothing But The Truth!
Roshumba asks each of the eliminated girls who should win the competition. It looked a little something like this:

Jenna: Shannon
Betti: Myself
Stella: Shannon
Nancy: Shannon
Marcela: Shannon
Adaora: Shannon
Shantel: Shannon
Stacy: Alicia
Sabrina: Shannon
Krisi: Alicia
Foreshadowing: Not Shannon
Silver: Nancy

Well, this is it! The moment you’ve all been waiting for. Joel has the honour to reveal the winner. He walks up very closely to them and we are all waiting for the answer. After the undisclosed number of votes all across America, a picture appears on the television screen and the winner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search is Alicia Hall!

She immediately starts crying and literally looks like she’s going to pass out. Joel asks for a bottle of water because she’s really not faking her state of shock. The last five minutes of the show were excellent television! Why couldn’t they have done that for the entire series’ length? I think Alicia will do great in her modeling career but I disliked the way they portrayed her as a diva in more than half the show and suddenly used the pity editing right before voting started. Congrats to both of the finalists and good luck working with Joel Wilkenfeld in your future.

If I Was A Rich Girl

Thank you all for reading this recap. Covering this show was my first experience as a wannabe writer and I enjoyed it a lot.

The SI Swimsuit Issue is out in stores on February 15th.

Silverstar, out! Josh the bartender, wherever you are, call me!

All comments are welcomed. Foreshadowing will take a well-deserved vacation. silverstar@fansofrealitytv.com

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CCL · 02-10-2005, 05:28 PM

I missed the finale so I was especially looking forward to your recap. Great, as always, Silverstar. You hit your first writing job out of the ballpark; hope to see you around recapping other shows I watch.

VeronicaBelle27 · 02-10-2005, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverstar

Foreshadowing is going with Alicia, lucky her.

When The Going Gets Tough, Blame The Editing.

Foreshadowing: Not Shannon

Silver: Nancy Me too!

If I Was A Rich Girl

Thank you all for reading this recap. Covering this show was my first experience as a wannabe writer and I enjoyed it a lot.

Silverstar, out! Josh the bartender, wherever you are, call me! Me too!

Foreshadowing will take a well-deserved vacation. [/i]

Great Job Silverstar!!! I wonder if we could hire Josh for an "acting gig" at my place... The cast of characters will be Silverstar, Vica, various and sundry other Josh-lovers and Josh himself. Foreshadowing will be our host. Starburst candies and champagne will abound. Kind of like the Bachelor, but more interesting!

Anyway, I will miss your recaps! I really can't believe this is your first foray, you were so great!!!!!

Kip · 02-10-2005, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Roy presents Shannon as a virgin engaged to a doctor. What does that look like on a résumé?

It’s now time for the reunion part of the show. I don’t know why, but this looks very cheap; the stage is small and everyone is squeezed in together.

Super recap, Silverstar. Never would have guessed it was your first.

I thought the stage was small too. Were there any audience members other than family members -- what was with that?

Clipse · 02-10-2005, 08:23 PM

Quote:

I’m also thinking of attending but I must find a date.

Great job Silver! I cannot wait to read your next "journey"

William13 · 02-10-2005, 08:55 PM

Thanks for another great recap. I had the show on, but I can't say that I was paying it any attention. I find watching your avatar dance more entertaining than the show. Maybe it would have been better if the models had been as good as models as you are at writing. But then there would still have been that little ray of sunshine, Joel. I had no idea this was your first time out. I hope it's not your last and that you will be recapping something else soon.

**hepcat** · 02-10-2005, 09:12 PM

Silverstar, you really lived up to your internet screenname and did a stellar job on the whole season! Congratulations on finishing your first show!

Mike84 · 02-10-2005, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kip

Super recap, Silverstar. Never would have guessed it was your first.

I thought the stage was small too. Were there any audience members other than family members -- what was with that?

My guess is it was because the show wasn't live. Since it was taped, they had to keep the audience small to reduce the risk of the result slipping out before the show aired. Just a guess.

Let me add my praise to Silverstar

for the entertaining recaps. Cynicism is a Good Thing.

Pandimonia · 02-11-2005, 02:21 AM

great recaps. i am glad that Alicia won

MICHEY · 02-11-2005, 11:53 AM

Terrific Recap! I missed the last episode and this was great. I'm glad Alicia won, she was my vote.

02-10-2005, 03:37 PM	#1
Silverstar FORT Fogey Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,776	02/09 Finale Recap: Million Dollar Diva Episode 6: Don’t be scared, my friends. It’s the finale of the six-week SI swimsuit model search and you’ll all finally be able to sleep without any worries. Once the lucky lady’s name is revealed, you all can go back to your regular day job without having to worry about Shannon’s inability to relax or Alicia’s diva attitude. Controversy is almost a sure thing since the producers let America vote for the winner by Internet or Text Messaging. Let’s embark on the supermodel train of lurve one last time, shall we? The Making Of A Classic The show starts with a recap of the five previous episodes. The highs and the lows of each model are showcased. After that memorable moment of television, it seems we are still in Bora Bora as we hear Joel repeat to Stacy that they are sending her home. Instantly, Alicia jumps in her arms and hugs her. Shannon does the same and in a matter of seconds, hugs are a plenty as even the judges (yes, that includes Joel) receive and give cuddly accolades. We’re transported to New York City, where there’s a special SI meeting. Diane Smith is there along with Terry McDonell and Roy S. Johnson, respectively managing and assistant managing editors of Sports Illustrated. They are viewing the Bora Bora pictures and discuss. Roy presents Shannon as a virgin engaged to a doctor. What does that look like on a résumé? They also compare her to Lauren Hutton with the gap in her teeth. Alicia is a Las Vegas street kid and they say she definitely could be on the cover. While Shannon has a fresh style to her and his rather voluptuous, they find Alicia is more of a classic beauty. The girls have time to go back to their hometowns to relax before the exciting finale. Viva Las Vegas with Alicia. We see her walking around in her old neighbourhood with her half-sister Jamie. Just in case you are new to this show, Alicia has repeatedly stated that she had a tough childhood. We all believe her, I’m sure, but this has been overplayed. Let the girl win with her great looks and modeling abilities, not with her past and struggles. I think the battle is already lost since this is a TV show and we need this kind of footage. Alicia also visits her step-dad Chris & sister Natalie; she has the pleasure to tell them that she’s flying to the city of angels for the finale! She was very emotional during her visit but it’s definitely understandable. When we join Shannon is the Dallas area, she’s busy working out; 6 times a week is her usual routine. She also does 600 sit-ups! We finally meet Kyle the future doctor/husband and we learn that they are getting married on June 11th, 2005. All of your invitations are in the mail. Betti already refused to attend due to the lack of bridesmaids’ throughout the years sporting an afro. I’m also thinking of attending but I must find a date. Foreshadowing is going with Alicia, lucky her. Moving on, Shannon announces to her family that she’s in the final two and must go to Los Angeles. Her mom Barbie (I’m not making this up) and dad John are happy for their daughter. Shannon thinks she can be a role model for both abstinence and confidence. What Rhymes With Lycra? Welcome to L.A., ladies and gents. The girls have a photo shoot with the famous Lycra brand. The woman responsible for this shoot is Linda Kearns. Right off the bat, she says out loud that the girls are thinner than she thought. I bet you 10 virtual bucks that she’s been hanging out with Joel too much. According to her, Lycra is all about being sexy and stylish; she thinks Shannon is definitely what they are looking for. Brian Lovely is the photographer and he warns Alicia that he doesn’t want any diva behaviour. If I do say so myself, he almost looks scared of her. No male models are to be found so I’m sure everything will go smoothly. Shannon’s shoot is up first and the Lycra representative is pleased with her work. The editors then include a confessional from Shannon saying that she is 100% sure the client liked what she did. Confidence: the attitude of doom in this show. Beware! Alicia has problems with the sunlight in her pictures and Linda interrupts the photo shoot, saying that it’s not what they want. Seconds later, they get back to it and everyone is happy and impressed. Alicia can do no wrong yet again. When The Going Gets Tough, Blame The Editing. It’s now time for the reunion part of the show. I don’t know why, but this looks very cheap; the stage is small and everyone is squeezed in together. Roshumba serves as the host tonight and the eliminated ladies are all present. Shannon has brought about 30 members of her family and good friends. One of them has a sign saying: S.I.zzling Shannon. Some people are too clever for their own good. Alicia also invited her family and her real mom and dad are there. We can definitely see where Ali got her beautiful hair from, as her mom is sporting the same great locks. We finally get to hear from the dropped princesses. When Sabrina is asked if she regrets the way she handled her Supermodel Pass, she simply answers that it all played out the way it should and at least she got a diamond necklace out of it. You go, girl! We then are reunited with Krisi. Roshumba asks her jokingly about her tushy implants; I’m quite surprised when she states that she did not say that. Without a second to spare, they play the clip from the first episode when Krisi said that she would like some butt implants. Busted! Roshumba has a bone to pick with Betti on what other topic that her hair. She says that Betti was wrong when she stated there were no women with an afro in SI. Roshumba says that she was featured 5 years in the magazine with her afro. Without even learning from Krisi’s previous experience, she states that she was misinterpreted. What’s going on here? I can’t wait for someone to blame the editing. They finally ask Stacy if she had any regret about the shoot in Bora Bora and she just says that she was very nervous about going topless and her plan of going last backfired. They each get a final talk with the judges. They tell Shannon that she finally learned to relax in Bora Bora and they are proud of her. Joel says that she was sensational even if they were hard on her a lot of the time. We even learn that the mystery vote last episode came from Jule who decided to choose Shannon over Stacy! As for Alicia, she took fantastic pictures in the last shoot and they are glad that she did not have her diva attitude. The Models Speak Nothing But The Truth! Roshumba asks each of the eliminated girls who should win the competition. It looked a little something like this: Jenna: Shannon Betti: Myself Stella: Shannon Nancy: Shannon Marcela: Shannon Adaora: Shannon Shantel: Shannon Stacy: Alicia Sabrina: Shannon Krisi: Alicia Foreshadowing: Not Shannon Silver: Nancy Well, this is it! The moment you’ve all been waiting for. Joel has the honour to reveal the winner. He walks up very closely to them and we are all waiting for the answer. After the undisclosed number of votes all across America, a picture appears on the television screen and the winner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search is Alicia Hall! She immediately starts crying and literally looks like she’s going to pass out. Joel asks for a bottle of water because she’s really not faking her state of shock. The last five minutes of the show were excellent television! Why couldn’t they have done that for the entire series’ length? I think Alicia will do great in her modeling career but I disliked the way they portrayed her as a diva in more than half the show and suddenly used the pity editing right before voting started. Congrats to both of the finalists and good luck working with Joel Wilkenfeld in your future. If I Was A Rich Girl Thank you all for reading this recap. Covering this show was my first experience as a wannabe writer and I enjoyed it a lot. The SI Swimsuit Issue is out in stores on February 15th. Silverstar, out! Josh the bartender, wherever you are, call me! All comments are welcomed. Foreshadowing will take a well-deserved vacation. silverstar@fansofrealitytv.com

02-10-2005, 09:12 PM	#7
hepcat Gleek Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: not sleeping Posts: 25,917	Silverstar, you really lived up to your internet screenname and did a stellar job on the whole season! Congratulations on finishing your first show! __________________ Charles Nelson Reilly figured out cold fusion, but he never, ever told a soul.

02-11-2005, 11:53 AM	#10
MICHEY Miss Jackson Fan Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Diego Posts: 803	Terrific Recap! I missed the last episode and this was great. I'm glad Alicia won, she was my vote. __________________ "We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are." ~Anais Nin "Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye." ~H. Jackson Brown Jr

02-10-2005, 05:28 PM	#2
CCL Jam Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ottery St. Catchpole Posts: 6,663	I missed the finale so I was especially looking forward to your recap. Great, as always, Silverstar. You hit your first writing job out of the ballpark; hope to see you around recapping other shows I watch.

02-10-2005, 08:55 PM	#6
William13 When I'm 64 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: In Seclusion Posts: 1,064	Thanks for another great recap. I had the show on, but I can't say that I was paying it any attention. I find watching your avatar dance more entertaining than the show. Maybe it would have been better if the models had been as good as models as you are at writing. But then there would still have been that little ray of sunshine, Joel. I had no idea this was your first time out. I hope it's not your last and that you will be recapping something else soon.

02-11-2005, 02:21 AM	#9
Pandimonia FORT Fan Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: British Columbia, Canada Age: 29 Posts: 172	great recaps. i am glad that Alicia won