Fourteen aspiring models 5 feet 7 inches -- which is well below industry standards -- arrive to compete to be America's Next Top Model. As they move into the Los Angeles mansion, the models learn they will be receiving makeovers the next day, and later participate in their first photo shoot. Chanel Iman guest judges.
The winner is selected by the judges as the 12th season concludes. The three remaining ladies are reduced to two after the trio shoot a cosmetics commercial. The two remaining contestants walk and crawl down the final runway to determine the top model.
Tyra directs a jungle-themed photo shoot that requires the final four models to resemble exotic birds. At panel, one contestant is eliminated.
The five remaining ladies race to impress five different designers at various modeling appointments while learning to navigate São Paulo, Brazil. Later, Nigel Barker directs a beach-themed photo shoot. At panel, the group is reduced to the final four.
The six remaining models arrive in São Paulo, Brazil, and participate in a scavenger hunt around the city, which tests their navigation skills. At the photo shoot, the ladies pose as cultural icons.
Ciara surprises the models at their apartment and they join her on stage for a photo shoot. At panel, Tyra reveals the overseas location.
McKey the winner from Cycle 11 shows up to give support to the contestants and the singer Clay Aiken will appear as a guest judge. This is a two-hour episode with an hour of unseen footage of fights, tears, and laughter from the contestants.
A photo challenge requires the models to strike the right facial expression to be placed on famous images of Tyra; the house is divided over one contestant's surprising admission at panel.
Cycle 3 contestant Toccara Jones hosts a slumber party for the ladies and offers tips on the modeling industry. Later, the contestants take part in a posing challenge and visit Ellis Island for a photo shoot inspired by images of immigrants from the early 1900s. At panel, one model is eliminated from the competition.
The models are taught runway etiquette by Miss J and two former contestants before taking part in a Jill Stuart fashion show. The photo shoot takes place aboard a sightseeing tour bus. At panel, one person is eliminated.