I'd sooner ask why she insists on trying to push plus sizes on an industry that doesn't want them.

^^^But you also have to factor in that just because there only 7% blacks in the American population doesn't mean that it's the same rate in the modeling industry. Theoretically, it could be something like 28% of model hopefuls are black. And Tyra has always been prejudice lol, but hey.. can't stop the woman who is in control of the drowning reality show that is top model.

^^i agree solitaire specially for this perticular cycle because they have only 7 girls out of the million USA grils that want to be models.And she chooses Seymone?She is not even High Fashion.No sense to Tyra's head

LOVE! Am I the only one excited for this cycle? After c17, Tyra knows she has to redeem herself so im hoping c18 will be just like the old c3-c11 days

WTF Does it Matter How Many "Black" Girls are in this Cycle.!

I really wish they had done the picture with the models wearing more natural lip makeup. The lip tattoos makes everyone look like they have a case of duckface.

so maybe more blacks than whites auditioned? or even if its rigged who cares? in what the world should be by now, we shudnt care about skin color.

I think aero847 's original question is fair enough, although it is easy to answer. The answer would have to do with the show's demographics/Tyra's intended target audience. In addition, Tyra's self-proclaimed vision has to do with challenging the status quo definition of beauty, and providing 'attainable fantasy' for such an audience.

In terms of this picture, I agree that compared to Tyra they look tiny. To be honest I'm not really impressed with their looks.

it's funny they say tyra looks tiny, but that's because she's ahead of them in the pic. look at the foot placements. and yeah, some should be taller, or just as tall as her. alisha for instance, because she's a good 6' or so.

What's the deal with there is so many black godesses there? Is there a problem with too many black girls hmm? racist much.

where are the ASIANS?!! jesus tyra, "expanding the definition of beauty"? my ass.

given the show's track record, ANTM is due for a black girl to win, no? 2-1-2-1-2-1-...

oh, and of course Tyra will always be the tallest.

AZMARIE, ANALIESSE, CATHERINE and JASMIA are my favorites.

Black, white, asian, I do not care. WHY can they not put in extraordinary girls, not just ordinary girls?! Alisha White is pretty much my one hopeful, although I kinda hope they cut off miss long leg's hair again.

^ These are the makeovers. She isn't getting short hair anymore, just the long extensions

Whom ever made the comment about the high percentage of black girls is a ignorant a**hole for real!...Tyra can do the the f**k she wants it's her show for 1 and 2 if the host was white there would be no complaining about how many girls were white. Furthermore, the lack of diversity in the modeling industry if greatly needed!...I do agree there needs to be more Asians & Latinas, but a lot of them are short which makes it harder to cast them...but when they find them it's great. Watch what you all

I hate to say it guys, true it's a reality show first, but if you take this even slightly as a modeling competition it is supposed to be a contest to find someone who could work in the big leagues (well at least thats the theory in Australia) and if we are to be honest, it shouldn't be about forcing diversity onto the fashion indusrty, black, asian and what have you are certainly under represented, but it's not good enough to take on minorities for its own sake, they should be amazing.

@Solitaire : Well, it's not like this cast has a big modelling potential either.

oh that horrible lipstick

This is a giant eyesore. I'm more focused on the hideous lipstick than anything else. Did they really have to go so literal with this whole British Invasion concept? Its like they think their main audience is composed mainly of pre-schoolers. Terrible overall styling and setting aside, Azmarie stands out. Sophie would too if her styling didn't overpower and age her so much. Ashley is really the odd one out here.