News

MOOSIC – America’s next top model may be from Northeastern Pennsylvania.

click image to enlarge

Mari-Lyn Normando, of Effort, poses during her ‘America’s Next Top Model’ audition at the Shoppes at Montage in Moosic on Thursday afternoon.

Shelby fisk / the times leader

Select images available for purchase in the
Times Leader Photo Store

That was what many were hoping for as they auditioned for the CW Television Network’s “America’s Next Top Model” show Thursday afternoon.

The CW’s local affiliate, WSWB-TV, organized a casting call for the national reality show hosted and produced by supermodel Tyra Banks from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Shoppes at Montage, Moosic. Women ages 18 through 27 and at least 5 foot 7 were invited to try out for the show’s upcoming season, Cycle 14.

Krystal Pope, 20, of Kingston, said this was her first time auditioning for the show.

“I came last year, but I wasn’t able to make it (for the audition). I had to go to work, so I actually had to leave,” she said. “Hopefully, I get to go into the (‘America’s Next Top Model’) house and we’ll see how that goes, get to travel somewhere else. If I could, that would be awesome.”

“I thought there was going to be a lot more people down here,” said Mari-Lyn Normando, 21, who came from Effort for her shot at national fame. “I thought it was going to be crazy … like on TV and stuff.”

She wasn’t complaining about the turnout, though.

“It’s really good for me – less competition,” Normando said.

Steve Phillips, creative services director at WSWB-TV, said that overall there was a good turnout for the casting call in the Scranton area.

He added that “America’s Next Top Model” is one of the network’s most successful shows.

Anyone not able to attend Thursday’s casting call, but who believes she has what it takes to be “America’s Next Top Model” can still apply for the show online. Applications and other eligibility requirements are available at www.cwtv.com/thecw/topmodel-cycle14-casting.