HOUSTON – Hundreds of Houston beauties waited in line at Memorial City Mall on August 23 for their chance to impress the judges of America’s Next Top Model. 

11 News

Danielle and Jacradesha are hoping the judges of America's Next Top Model like what they see.

“I’ve always wanted to be a model, but I was too scared to try it,” said Marla.

Marla was one of the many women who showed up at the mall early on Saturday morning.  Like many of the girls, the 19-year-old had never modeled before, but the dream of appearing in commercials and magazines was always there.

“It’s time to step up and give it a try.  Might as well make it a big step and do it for TV,” said Marla.

11 News

Shontage, 20, is a fan of the show and came from North Carolina to try out.

Sam Byrd of Memorial City Mall said they were expecting close to a thousand girls to show up for the America’s Next Top Model audition on Saturday. But he said they could get up to 2000 women because Houston is such a large city.

The event drew in potential models between the ages of 18-27 from all over the Houston area and even a few girls from out-of-state. 

Shontage, 20, drove to Houston from Charlotte, North Carolina hoping for her chance at fame.

“I came here to audition,” said Shontage.  “Of course, I’m hoping that I’ll win.”

11 News

Chasity tried out for America's Next Top Model in Dallas, but didn't make the cut. She came to Houston to try again.

She’s not the only one came to Houston in hopes of catching the judges’ eye.  Chasity, an 18-year-old from Dallas, is also determined to get on the show.

“I tried out in Dallas in July, but I didn’t make it to the second round,” said Chasity.  “But I’m back.  I learned some tips from my last audition, so now I’ll have a better chance.”

Chasity said one of the tips the judges told her was to dress casual for the audition.

“I knew that last time, but I didn’t listen.  This time I dressed casual,” said Chasity.

She also said the setup in Houston is a lot better than it was in Dallas.  The auditions in July took place at a hotel and there were so many girls, they had to wait outside on the sidewalk. 

“There’s still the same amount of girls here, but it’s better waiting inside a mall,” said Chasity.

Many of the girls waiting for their big break were fans of the show. New potential models, like Brittany, said they watched the reality show every week just so that they would know what to do and what to expect if they ever got their chance to strut their stuff.

"I've always wanted to model, but I waited until I was 18 just so I could get my start on America's Next Top Model," said Brittany. "I've been watching the show every week and taking notes."

When asking the fans who their favorite model from the show was, it was a toss up.

"I love Eva Pigford. She was just so unique," said one fan.

While Eva seemed to get the most votes, Danielle Evans from the show's sixth season came in a close second.

"I love Danielle. But she goes by Dani now because she's a Diva," said Jacradesha, a potential model from Houston.

America’s Next Top Models is created, hosted and executive produced by Tyra Banks.  The show is looking for women of all shapes and sizes.  The only requirements are that the girls be at least 5’7”, an American citizen living in the United States, and between the ages of 18-27.