Two Locals in Cycle 20 of "America's Next Top Model"

Have you started watching Cycle 20 of "America's Next Top Model" yet? Here is a reason to tune in; not one, but two contestants are from our area!

The first contestant, Chlea, is from Bear, Delaware. She is 20 years old and she works as a credit analyst. She says her favorite food is pepperoni pizza.

The second contestant to look out for is Cory, a Philadelphia native. He is 22 years old and works as a wedding singer. He says he is a sushi addict.

Last week, Cory stopped by the CW Philly studios to speak with news anchors Ukee Washington and Erika von Tiehl. When asked about being picked to be compete on the show, Cory told them "it was a dream come true."

He admits the competition was "very, very difficult." He says he often wonders how the judges compared the male and female contestants because "it's two different worlds."

Cory insisted that the Ukee and Erika learn one thing about modeling, how to smize. "Smizing" is smiling with your eyes, an expression that creator and host, Tyra Banks, has mastered. Cory instructed Ukee and Erika, "Focus all of your energy up into your eyes and burn a hole into the camera." Not bad for their first try!

Cory reveals he is "so nervous to see how it's all going to turn out," but he can rest assured he has fans here in Philadelphia!

You can watch new episodes of "America's Next Top Model" Fridays at 9 p.m. right here on the CW Philly!

-Kristina M. Dougherty, CWPhilly