[Chapter 745: The Momentum]
Through instant filming of the contestants and continuous snippets of interviews, by the halfway point of the first episode, viewers had a general idea of who the girls were.
Cindy Crawford made a timely appearance with two other guest hosts to kick off the contestants' first competition, announcing that by the end of the round, one of the thirteen girls would be eliminated.
Amidst anxious murmurs and gasps on screen, viewers at home were left in shock, wondering if it was too cruel to start the elimination process in just the first episode.
Unbeknownst to them, many had already been captivated by the show.
The scene shifted, and when the camera landed on the Armory located on Lexington Avenue, the contestants erupted in cheers of surprise, and viewers couldn't help but widen their eyes.
The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was at the height of its fame, and the Armory had become a fashion landmark in people's minds because it hosted the first-ever Victoria's Secret Show. Young people who had attended the show in New York often made a pilgrimage to the Armory to pay homage.
"Hello everyone, girls, I bet you know where this place is," Cindy Crawford greeted them enthusiastically, getting the crowd fired up.
Amidst the swooning cheers, Cindy continued, "Well, your first test is about to take place right here. The fashion you will be using for this competition has been handmade by top designers from the LTD Group. Each of you can choose one outfit from twenty options available. There will be professional designers backstage to help you with your styling. Afterward, you'll experience your very first fashion show in your lives. So, let's get started! Remember, everyone has only half an hour to prepare. OK, GO! GO! GO!"
With Cindy giving the command, all the girls couldn't wait to rush backstage. The camera followed swiftly into a hall displaying twenty exquisite garments on plastic mannequins. These outfits were the latest from the upcoming fall collection by Brighton Apparel under the LTD banner. Unsurprisingly, compared to the finished products sold in stores, these handcrafted designs were significantly more refined and luxurious.
After the camera panned over the gorgeous outfits, it returned to focus on the contestants.
In the footage, some girls were overwhelmed by choices, pacing indecisively between outfits; others quickly made a selection and dashed toward the makeup room. There were even two girls who had chosen the same outfit, refusing to back down, leading to a heated argument...
All this was captured authentically on camera, and even as the girls squabbled, no one stepped in to intervene. Eventually, both girls realized that if the argument continued, they would both be eliminated, and they reached a compromise.
This authentic conflict satisfied viewers' craving for drama, prompting them to start discussing which girls they favored or disliked.
The ensuing makeup scenes were quickly edited, and following a television commercial break, the screen faded to black. With a series of clicks, the bright lights in the theater of the Armory illuminated in succession, a familiar scene materialized before everyone. Although the layout was significantly different, many remembered that just last year, on that very runway, forty meticulously selected Victoria's Secret Angels had put on a spectacular show watched by millions.
However, when recalling those thirteen seemingly average girls, many began to question whether they had what it takes to walk down that runway.
Curiosity heightened, viewers' eyes remained glued to the screen.
...
The camera caught Cindy Crawford walking through the backstage entrance, slowly approaching the runway, a nostalgic smile on her face. "Wow, this really brings back memories. But today, this stage will belong to our girls. No more chit-chat, let's get started."
After saying that, Cindy and a few other guest judges took their seats. A photographer set up a professional camera at the end of the runway.
Music began playing, and the lights flickered.
At the runway's entrance, when the first girl appeared on camera, almost all viewers were taken aback.
Stunning -- that was an absolute, one-hundred-eighty-degree transformation.
Some even struggled to remember which girl she was from earlier.
The glamorous handmade outfits, the top-notch designer's creations, in combination with the lights and music, created a beautiful, dreamlike atmosphere.
In reality, professional fashion insiders knew that even supermodels looked like ordinary people most of the time, not instantly breathtaking at first glance. The magic on stage came down to many factors -- skill, clothing, makeup, lighting, and music all played significant roles in that allure.
The contestants' walks, though clearly inexperienced in the eyes of regular viewers, paled in comparison to those of supermodels. However, thanks to that series of professional touches, along with the production team's skillful editing, the effect was nothing short of transformative.
Initially doubtful about the potential of these girls to become models, by the time the two-minute runway showcase ended, viewers' uncertainties vanished. Some girls who once thought they could never become models began to envision themselves on that stage, imagining what it would be like.
As the fashion show wrapped up, while many viewers were still digesting the experience, the harsh elimination round began.
As Cindy's stack of photos shrank, many viewers felt a tight grip of anxiety, hoping their favorite contestants would be spared while wishing for the elimination of those they disliked.
The results came in -- some were relieved, others disappointed, and some shouted unfairness. But nothing could be changed; many found themselves silently anticipating the next episode.
...
At ABC headquarters, although Anne Sweeney had told Cindy she could go home and await results, she remained in Anne's office. Fashion Week had ended, and this year's Victoria's Secret Show was in the early stages of preparation and fittings. Cindy and Linda weren't too busy, and Linda had swung by to join.
The three women anxiously sipped coffee and chatted, glancing occasionally at the television in the office. Unlike ABC, Lifetime didn't receive Nielsen's real-time ratings reports and had to wait until the program had aired to gather preliminary statistics, with detailed data following the next morning.
Half an hour after the first episode concluded, the office door was knocked on, and Anne rose to greet the visitor.
Cindy sensed the results were imminent, taking a deep breath and feeling her heart rate escalate. She glanced at Linda, who leisurely sipped coffee while flipping through a magazine.
"You seem awfully calm, don't you?" Cindy remarked with a frown.
"Hey, it's not my show. Why should I be nervous?" Linda replied, not looking up.
"Then why are you here today?"
Linda shrugged, with a cheeky expression. "I just wanted to see what you look like when you're anxious."
Cindy felt a spark of irritation flare within her and waved her hand. "You better watch out; I might just choke you out!"
"Don't scare me; I'm a bit of a coward," Linda pretended to shrink back, but the act was blatant, drawing Cindy closer to pinch her hard on the waist.
Linda quickly dodged and yelped, "Ah, you wicked woman! You seriously pinched me!"
"Hmph. You think I'm joking?"
Linda lifted her leather jacket, peeking at her waist as she checked for any bruising. Thankfully, Cindy hadn't gone hard enough; the spot was only a little red and not bruised. Rubbing it lightly, Linda pouted, "I'm totally telling Eric, just wait. I'll say you're showing signs of child abuse."
"Ha! Don't think your baby voice will let you play Lolita and pull that. And abusing kids? Don't even look at how old you are."
"I'm definitely not a Lolita..." Linda huffed, trailing off suggestively.
Cindy understood the implication behind Linda's words. She was about to respond when Anne Sweeney entered the office, prompting Cindy to stand up, surveying Anne's expression. A relaxed look on Anne's face allowed Cindy to loosen up as well.
At least, from Anne's demeanor, the ratings seemed promising.
Feeling good, Anne shook the forms in her hand and smiled, "Guess the ratings?"
"Seven hundred thousand?" Linda blurted.
"I'll smack you," Cindy shot Linda a glare before turning back to Anne. "Come on, Anne, I'm dying here."
Anne smiled and handed the results to Cindy. "From the preliminary statistics, the ratings look like they'll break records. The highest viewership hits 2.75 million, with an average of 2.3 million and an average rating of 1.3, far surpassing last year's peak."
Cindy glanced over the figures and began to relax.
The average viewership of 2.3 million exceeded the expected benchmark of 1.5 million by a whopping 800,000, and it was more than three times Lifetime's average ratings during the same period last year. Though it couldn't compete with the big four networks, Lifetime boasted a base of just over 30 million viewers. This meant the show was essentially captivating one-fifteenth of its audience base. If that proportion were scaled to a public network with national coverage, it would equate to around 18 million viewers.
Linda leaned over to check out the figures Cindy held. "While it's impressive, I think this is likely due to all that pre-show promotion. The real ratings will show in later episodes."
Cindy paused, the thrill of excitement calming somewhat after Linda's comment.
Though the production cost was $20 million, when factoring in all the promotional resources invested over this period, it was nearing about additional $10 million. That was an extraordinary sum by television standards, comparable to film promotional budgets.
Spending $10 million for a premiere with a high view count of 2.9 million was fully expected.
The true performance of America's Next Top Model would rely on the upcoming ratings trends.
Anne, however, remained optimistic. Even if the ratings dipped, having a foundation of 2.3 million ensured that maintaining an average of 1.5 million through a full season was entirely feasible. As long as the reception wasn't overwhelmingly negative, production could easily continue.
With hopes for a miracle in her heart, Anne was simultaneously grounded in her realistic approach, acknowledging that many things had to unfold step by step.
...
Ultimately, as an unassuming basic cable channel, the first season of America's Next Top Model did not generate extensive media buzz compared to more popular broadcast networks unveiling their blockbuster dramas.
"Yet another reality show satiating voyeuristic curiosity. While the storyline feels somewhat scattered, it manages to keep viewers emotionally engaged. Though the audience is smaller, it's worth watching."
"This reality show mimics the Survivor format but focuses on the much-discussed modeling industry for youth. Cindy Crawford still shines brightly, and the contestants' transitions from average to stunning are quite striking."
"I loved the transformation of the average girls, yet I'm frustrated by the arbitrary elimination process. I just can't grasp why that contestant named Lena was eliminated; perhaps just to catch viewers' attention."
"..."
Among the lukewarm media feedback, the Firefly Group and Hearst Corporation began marketing America's Next Top Model's record-breaking ratings for Lifetime during the following week. After all, viewers knew little of the inner workings of Lifetime, often subconsciously believing that a program breaking viewership records had to be exceptional quality.
...
Even without buzz from the media, the show sparked a hot-topic frenzy among young girls, unintentionally rising in popularity.
Whether they were daydreaming high school girls, college girls, or young women already in the workforce or starting families, after America's Next Top Model aired, the topic came up more frequently when hanging out with their best friends.
"Did you see America's Next Top Model last night?"
"..."
"That girl Connie is such a brat; I really hope Cindy eliminates her. Annie's legs are so long, and her figure is the best. I think she could very well be the winner."
"..."
"It seems like the judges' elimination standards are a bit erratic. It feels like the eliminations are entirely based on personal biases, which seems unfair."
"No, no! I think they eliminate based on whether the contestants can bring in ratings."
"Wow, if that's the case, Annie must be in trouble; she seems so quiet."
"Who knows? If Annie gets eliminated, I'm done watching."
"..."
"The outfits sponsored by LTD are gorgeous."
"I saw some in Elle; a few were from their upcoming fall collection."
"I want to buy one when it comes out; I love that light yellow one."
"..."
Similar conversations rapidly spread among young women over the following week, creating an undeniable buzz.
*****
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