Vietnam's Next Top Model (season 2)
Vietnam's Next Top Model, Cycle 2 is the second season of "Vietnam's Next Top Model" to be produced again by Vietnam Television and Multimedia JSC. The show is set to air on VTV3, at every Sunday primetime (8:00 pm UTC+7) from September 25, 2011 to January 8, 2012. There are 14 episodes. For the first time in VNTM, the creator of "Top Model" franchise, Tyra Banks appeared as a special guest judge in the final show on January 8, 2012. The winner was 20-year-old Hoàng Thị Thùy from Thanh  Hóa. She served as mentor of The Face Vietnam in 2017. Furthermore, she became the 1st Runner-Up from Miss Universe Vietnam 2017. In addition, she competed on Miss Universe 2019, where she placed top 20. Kikki Lê, Nguyễn Thị Hoàng Oanh and Nguyễn Thùy Dương competed in the All-Stars cycle along with the others All-Stars. Dương finished Co-Runner Up with Chà Mi in this season. To be able to audition for the contest, future contestants must be taller than 5' 6" (168 cm) - a higher standard than the first cycle's, aged between 18 and 25 . To qualify, they also have to be Vietnamese citizen currently in Vietnam who have not had modelling experience nor been under management by agencies. Overview. Casting process. For syndication, VNTM will be broadcast on Sundays primetime as opposed to the previous schedule of Thursdays. In late July 2011, Multimedia began announcements of changes in judging panel. The whole new judges will be revealed through every 8-hour cryptic hints from 18:15 pm Monday August 1 via the official page on Facebook; the longer it takes audience to decode these puzzles, the less the chance to earn gifts is, the clearer  the judges are revealed. According to reports from the page, there are 3 regular judges (frontmen) and some recurring ones as well. First two unveiled are designer Đỗ Mạnh Cường and make-up artist Nam Trung via their famous quotes. Then by hint no.22 (a picture) Đỗ Mạnh Cường is not officially a main judge. The host position at which Hà Anh got was kept secret. Hopefuls for replacing Hà Anh are Hồ Ngọc Hà, Ngô Thanh Vân, Xuân Lan, etc. As an ultimate consequence, Xuân Lan takes the host role over Hà Anh, leads the panel with Nam Trung  and Phạm Hoài Nam. Đỗ Mạnh Cường was also introduced the fourth judge due to a number opening. Development, production and marketing. Right at the end of the first-season finale, it was confirmed that the show has been renewed for a second season. Future contestants can apply for the second cycle with requirement as mentioned above. Production was stated to start from March 2011. All the application forms must be sent by June 2011. XoneFM, owned by VOV, joins hands to promote the program's audition dates and launch during many of its programs. Auditions. Open auditions will be  held in the following cities: After audition process for 2011 ended, new process for 2012 kicks off. Applicants have approximately a year to apply forms. Besides auditioning as usual, contestants were recruited from two new methods. The first one is "Online Photo Model" contest. The winners after several rounds of gaining votes would be through to the semifinals. As of the beginning of casting process, six girls have been picked. "Hunting Model" was the other event in which selected audience prominently on behalf of producers had the right to invite featured candidates in ordinary life for auditioning. Prizes. The winner  this year will receive: Contestants. "(ages stated are at start of filming)" For Vietnamese names, the "family name" stand(s) first, the "given name" stands last and the "middle name" is between them and right next to the given name. According to Vietnamese custom, these people should be called by "given name" only or "middle name" + "given name" when "given names" are the same. For example: Phan Ngọc Phương Nghi should be called simply Nghi or formally Phương Nghi. However, Lê Thị Thúy should be called Lê Thúy because "Thị" is not considered a formal middle name. Episode summaries. Pre -show: Online Photo Model. Many girls can be a semi-finalist by joining Online Photo Model contests, which are also included to Top Model. Candidates upload the five best shots and get votes via SMS or online voting. As a result, six girls have been advanced through semifinal stage. Casting episodes. Casting process began with a huge surprise as expected. The whole new judging panel was introduced, namely former model and fashion icon Xuân Lan, noted fashion photographer Phạm Hoài Nam, fashion designer Đỗ Mạnh Cường and celebrity make-up artist Nam Trung joined as well. Southern area: after first  cut from hundreds of girls, 81 are through to the next casting day. In the second day, 44 survived and then 10 girls were advanced to semi-final round. Quý Dung, who was last year semifinalist, didn't make it this year. Northern area: 79 girls were through the first round. 22 made it through the third round cut from 44. Unexpectedly, more than 10 girls are chosen. Episode 3. Over 20 girls have their first meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, where they should try their best to qualify because at the end of the week only 15 girls  survive and officially move to Top Model house. The girls departed late for Thúy's arriving late related to a car accident. The first challenge of this cycle was to learn how to walk properly as a top model herself, and the coach was no other than the head judge Xuan Lan. During rehearsal, Lê Thị Thúy sprained her ankle but it did not prevent her from going on runway challenge. Later, she won the reward challenge for her attempt regardless of perfect walk. For the photo shoot, the girls wearing outfits designed by Kelly Bui once again performed their  catwalk. Nguyễn Tuyết surprisingly impressed all the judges and she was first called out in this week. Episode 4. The judges selected 15 girls moved to their official house. First conflict was stirred up in the house regarding 5 beds for 15 girls. The challenge of this week was to do catwalk on a busy street's pedestrian crossing. Lê Thúy's pain let her down and she was transferred to hospital. Later, expectantly, Nguyễn Thùy Dương was announced as a winner of the challenge. For the week's photo shoot, the girls were told to portray their beauty and  pride by using the image of the white rose. Hoàng Oanh and Thị Thùy both excelled while the others did not impress the judge. Lê Thị Phương and Lưu Khánh Linh were in the bottom two, and Khánh Linh was sent home even though she was one of the judge's favorites during the casting. Episode 5. The girls received a mail from Xuan Lan saying that a top model is required to have a strong health. Therefore, with the help of California Fitness and Yoga Center's, the girls learnt some Yoga techniques which will be useful later for  their modeling career. For this week's challenge, the girls were divided into pairs and competed with the others to see who is capable of sensing music most. Kim Tuyền outshined the other girls and was declared the winner. Return home the atmosphere got uncomfortable. Lê Phương heard Thùy Dương told not to allow a set of roommates Kim Tuyền, Nguyễn Tuyết, Phương Anh and Hoàng Thùy to enjoy dinner with the rest of the house for their laziness. Kim Tuyền struck out and decided not to put herself on the dining room with them until conflicts was solved. After  that, the girls went on a very serious conversation. Lê Thúy showed her very disappointment at Lê Phương's talkativeness while Thùy Dương shouted out loud against Phương Anh and Hoàng Thùy. Thùy Trang stood up and brought out solutions in order to get every single person to compromise. For their photo shoot, the girls pose in group in Discothèque theme. They had to embody different characteristics below: During evaluation, Phương Anh and Thùy Trang was praised, as the judges was impressed with their chemistry in group shot. On the other hand, Kikki was criticized for awkward mouth while Thùy  Dương was harshly mentioned her unprofessional attitude towards make-up artist. That made both land to the bottom two. However, Kikki Le was eliminated for her lack of facial flexibility. Episode 6. During this episode, the girls traveled to Mano Mano salon for their makeovers. While most of them liked their new looks, Hoàng Oanh got a bit emotional about her new short hair. After the makeover, the girls were immediately sent to the studio and challenged to take a photoshoot with mice and hamsters. Phương Anh burst into tears while doing her shoot; however, she managed to overcome her  fear very well. Therefore, Phương Anh was selected to be the winner of this week's challenge because of her bravery. On the occasion of Halloween, this week's elimination shoot was all about the mysterious and spooky theme. Most of the girls were terrified when they knew that they had to take their photoshoot with five tarantulas. Some managed to do really well, but the others just let their fear take over their confidences. At panel, Trà My, Dương Dung, and Lê Thuý's photos showed the judges their tremendous improvements. Kim Tuyền, on the other hand, was criticized  for her lack of emotion and adaptability. Kim Tuyền and Thanh Thủy landed in the bottom two, both for their unsatisfied photos. The judges decided that Thanh Thủy had more potential, so Kim Tuyền was sent home. Episode 7. In this week's episode, the girls went to a small theater where they learnt how to move their bodies and be flexible as much as they can. Thùy Trang and Hoàng Oanh, both were collapsed during the practice due to their lack of exercise. This week's challenge for the girls was to dress up as high fashion mannequins and  then, pose inside a crowded mall as well as on a busy street. Most of the girls were distracted by the people passing by; only Thùy Dương was praised for her ability to highly concentrate on doing the challenge, so she was announced the winner. For the evaluation photos, the girls had to pose underwater and all but Lê Thúy got criticized right on the set for not being confident and focusing. At panel, while Nguyễn Tuyết and Lê Phương's photos amazed the judges, Phương Nghi, Lê Thúy, and Dương Dung's poor performances extremely disappointed them. Lê Thúy  and Dương Dung land in the bottom two, but Lê Thúy is given another chance and Dương Dung is eliminated for appearing to lack improvement. Episode 8. The girls were once again told the importance of strut. Xuân Lan gave the girls another balance-keeping challenge. Nguyễn Tuyết was deemed the winner with the shortest time performing challenge. For this week's photo shoot, the girls covered under fabrics had to strike as many creative poses as they can. The versatility of face expression and body stretch were, hence, mainly considered during evaluation. Lê Phương and Lê Thúy wowed the  judges with their tremendously beautiful photos. Lê Thúy's photos were a lot more energized compared to her last week's photo; therefore, she was the first call-out. On the other hand, Thanh Thủy and Phương Nghi were being criticized again for not making any progress; Hoàng Oanh's worse performance was also mentioned. As a result, after one week unaired, double elimination occurred. Hoàng Oanh landed in bottom three with Thanh Thủy and Phương Nghi as well for the judges felt that her photo did not meet their expectations. In the end, Phương Nghi and Hoàng Oanh were  eliminated even though Hoàng Oanh had many strong photos in previous episodes. After the broadcast, Hoàng Oanh felt the elimination of this week quite unreasonable. She said that even though her photo this week was not strong, her performances throughout the competition were much better than Thủy's. She even tweeted on Facebook saying that the show has taken many things from her. That made judge Đỗ Mạnh Cường lose his temptation and rebutted her on his own Facebook page that she would be forbidden to appear in any shows of his or any shows that he has been related  with. Episode 9. Judge Nam Trung came to the house to teach the girls the basic of the make-up process. The girls were then moved to another location where this week's challenge took place. They were divided into three groups which had three different themes: Each girl had different role in the group: a stylist, a make-up artist and a model. Later, judge Nam Trung announced the group with African dolls theme the challenge winner for being well cooperative. This week's elimination photoshoot involved the girls portraying a very hot issue of the society right now , which is domestic violence. In the first set, the girls were proudly adored by their lovers; in the next set, they were shown being harshly abused by them. Unlike other 8 girls who have not had the experiences of marriage, Lê Phương easily outshines them. Hoàng Thùy, Phương Anh, and Thùy Dương struggled most. Phương Anh and Thùy Dương found themselves in the bottom two, Phương Anh because she was criticized for her over-concentration and Thùy Dương for her inability to transfer herself into her characters. In the end, it was Thùy Dương who was eliminated. Episode 10. The  girls were brought to a grand theater where they met a nationwide actor Thành Lộc who challenged them to act according to a given situation. While the other girls struggled with their performances due to lack of experience, Trà My, Phương Anh and Thùy Trang impressed Thành Lộc most. In the end, Trà My was chosen as the challenge winner. The reward for the challenge was a fine dinner with one famous celebrity in the showbiz (Ngô Thanh Vân, the dinner was not shown during the broadcast), and she chose Thùy Trang to join her in her reward. Later, the  girls met the presenters of XoneFM and they were tasked to be a host of the radio show. Lê Phương was disappointed at herself for over-acting. Phương Anh won the second challenge for her very professional performance. For the elimination challenge, the girls were put to the test when they had to shoot a commercial for Samsung Galaxy Young. During the commercial, not many girls wowed the director beside Hoàng Thùy, Thùy Trang but they all still managed to finish their shoots. After wrapping the commercial up, judge Phạm Hoài Nam surprised the girls by naming the four girls  who were chosen to walk in judge Đỗ Mạnh Cường's fashion show, including: Trà My, Phương Anh, Hoàng Thùy, and Nguyễn Tuyết. At judging panel, the judges commented that Lê Phương's commercial was under average, and that she let herself into a character way too much. Thanh Thủy's commercial again disappointed the judges. Phương Anh, Lê Phương and Thanh Thủy landed in the bottom three due to next week unaired. Lê Phương and Thanh Thủy were eliminated for not being standing out like the others: Thanh Thủy for her inability to live up to her full modeling  potential, and Lê Phương because the judges felt that even though she had a good personality, she tends not to make a progress. It was also the first time in Vietnam's Next Top Model that all four judges burst into tears when they had to see the contestants leaving. This episode could be considered as the most emotional one in this cycle. Episode 11. Arriving home after a busy working day, the remaining 6 girls were cheered up when they received LaLa's mail telling them to pack their belongings and be ready to head to Tây Nguyên where  all of this week's episode's activities took place. The girls were challenged with a fitness competition consisting of 3 tasks. The first task is the limbo which is designed to test their flexibility; the second one is the long-jump which is designed to test their agility and balance. The final task is the hurdle which is used to test their speed and agility too. Lê Thuý, with a background as a volleyball player, easily finished all three rounds in the fastest time; she was announced the winner of the first main challenge. On the following day, the  girls were taught how to walk on stilts by the natives here in Tây Nguyên. This exercise was told later that it will help the girls walk easily on any high heels. Since this was the first time doing it for all of the girls, they all struggled to balance and stand still. However, after practicing for a while, Phương Anh finally got it first which really upset Thùy Trang who was born and raised here. Phương Anh also won the title for the fastest stilts-walker. This week's elimination photoshoot was to do a high-fashion pose with  elephants. While Trà My surprisingly excelled the shoot with many creative poses, Nguyễn Tuyết and Phương Anh could not step out of their comfort zones. Phương Anh struggled finding her perfect spot while Nguyễn Tuyết could not overcome her fear. At panel, Trà My was praised for her couture picture and her significant image-change from a teen girl to a very attractive woman; hence, she was the first call out of this week. Lê Thuý got the second best photo, but she was criticized by the head judge Xuân Lan for giving bad attitude during the shoot and other  activities. Landing in the bottom two were Nguyễn Tuyết and Phương Anh, Nguyễn Tuyết because the judges felt that she started to lose her model look and also easily got distracted, and Phương Anh for the judges felt she got weaker week after week as this is her third consecutive time being in the bottom two. However, Phương Anh again got another chance which means Nguyễn Tuyết was eliminated. Episode 12. While the girls were about to go to their go-sees, Tuyết Lan, the runner up of cycle 1 came by the house and surprised them. Besides being here  to support the girls, Tuyết Lan also showed the girls how to stand out during the castings. Specifically, the most important thing a professional model always carries with her is her fashion portfolio where she has all of her best photos there. The girls had to drive by themselves on a motorcycle to their castings, except for Hoàng Thùy who does not know to drive one. Phương Anh and Trà My who come from the northern area had difficulty finding their way around town. The casting places include DMC's which belongs to the head judge Đỗ Mạnh Cường, Valenciani 's, and Kelly Bùi's fashion boutique located around Ho Chi Minh city. Most of the girls received positive comments except for Phương Anh who was not asked to try on outfits twice. On the next day, at different time, each girl received a call from Her World magazine asking her to do a photoshoot for the magazine. For this week's elimination photoshoot, the girls had to showcase their poses on a high wire. While Thùy Trang, Trà My, and Lê Thúy rocked the set, Phương Anh and especially Hoàng Thùy had to fight their fear of heights. At  panel, most of the girls received praise from the judges. Lê Thúy and Trà My impressed the judges with their outstanding photos. On the other hand, Phương Anh was criticized again for being too stiff, and she even confessed that she felt fading away from the judges. In the end, Phương Anh and Thùy Trang landed in the bottom two, but it was Phương Anh who was eliminated in her fourth consecutive appearance in the bottom two since the judges felt Thùy Trang has made more progress. Episode 13. BeU model management's director came by the house and surprised  the top 4 by telling them that they were going to Singapore. Landing on Singapore, the girls were amazed by the country's beauty. Yet, they came here not for a vacation but to experience the international working- environment in one of the biggest fashion industries of Asia. Therefore, immediately, the four remaining girls were put in a casting of Black Market, a fashion franchise in Singapore. Lê Thúy, Thùy Trang, and Hoàng Thùy with their limited English struggled to understand and communicate with the foreign producers; however, they all managed to do well. For the elimination photoshoot, the themes  of this week were to be sexy and appealing. In the first photoshoot, the girls posed with the male model; in the second one, the girls posed on a high bar desk while wearing long evening gowns. The last photoshoot was to do a close-up. And for the first time in VNNTM, the top 4 was walking in the international fashion show where they were seen by hundreds of people. At the last judging panel of this cycle, all of the girls received tremendous praises from the judges for being confident and professional. However, while Hoàng Thùy was still  criticized for being a bit stiff, Thùy Trang struggled to beautify her eye and facial expression, and Lê Thúy was so fragile that she hardened herself. Consequently, Xuân Lan handed Lê Thúy and Hoàng Thùy the final two photos, meaning Thùy Trang was eliminated even though she won the reward for having the best catwalk during the fashion show. Also, the host mentioned all the photographs of final four will appear in Her World Vietnam's January 2012 issue editorials like prize for their such efforts during the whole journey. After the elimination, the top 3 were flown to Bangkok  to shooting their Her World magazine cover. Controversies. New set of judges which were introduced on the first day of audition brings much happiness and excitement to audience. Some critics, however, have complained that this panel, which boasts loads of fashion industry expertise in Vietnam, but has no international experience is in contrast with axed panels. Beside, judges and finalists are harshly criticized. Public reports pointed out judges acted to cast member in a very unacceptable manner. If the judges worried about someone's potential or they don't feel quite comfortable with finalists' behaviours they are able to disqualify  them rather than shout at and trash them. And to cast member, for example, Lê Thúy's crying prior to overcoming troubles, the request from Xuân Lan for contestant Lê Phương to praise her attractiveness over landscape, Khánh Linh's eligibility for VNTM only by jumping to swimming pool during cold weather or times of hardly reasonable circumstances turn viewers confused. The question was spontaneously created why contestants make themselves inferior and endure being blamed. BUT overall as can be shown the girls have extremely strong desire to have lifetime-changing chance regarding fame and they will do whatever to  achieve it even they must pay for it. Like other NTM franchises, the results of unaired episodes have been leaked out. Representative of producers, Ms. Quỳnh Trang expresses daring to file lawsuit against Hoàng Oanh, Phương Nghi and another contestant (pointedly Thùy Dương) for spoiling and leaking info before the date on which they were officially evicted. Furthermore, Ms. Quỳnh Trang warned the other contestants and revealed the producers and the legal team are in progress of watching out. In addition, three girls are axed from live final runway show.