I know a lot of people were upset to see C.J. go this week. And let me
tell you, it wasn't easy deliberating with Cheryl and Nole. As the
show goes on, the contestants get fewer and fewer, and we really have
a tough time sending them home. But there is a formula to it, which
helps, because its up to numbers, and pass/fail challenges. Last week,
for example, CJ was the captain of the losing team in the "Beauty in
Motion" photo shoot challenge, so he automatically had to go to the
Hall of Beauty. If the red team lost, then Joel, their team captain,
would have been sent to the Hall of Beauty and then be up for elimination.
This week, we had the "Timeless Beauty" photo challenge, and so many
different things went into that. As judges, we actually got to see all
the footage of them interacting with their senior partners all day.
Everything from lunchtime, to wardrobe selection, to directing their
photo shoots, and choosing a slogan. These were all factors for their
"inner beauty" score. Once we had the final photos, we looked at a lot
of things as well; creativity, the connection with their partner, the
slogan choice, the wardrobe, etc. We do this for EVERY challenge so we
can have an even playing field... it really is 50/50. We look at the
combination of inner and outer beauty to find our "True Beauty".
I was sad to see CJ go this week. He was one of my favorites because
he spoke so eloquently on what makes someone Beautiful. He said it's
not defined by race, religion, or proportions... and he's right. At
the end of the episode, CJ said that he was sad to go, but felt good
about everything. He said he was a "work in progress" and I think that
was very humble of him to say. To me, CJ has all the ingredients and
tools to be spectacular. He will be an amazing author, poet, and
motivational speaker one day. I had a long chat with him after he was
eliminated, and he had me in tears. He's right, he's a work in
progress.... but so are ALL of us. We should never get to a point
where we stop learning, thinking, loving, feeling, or inspiring.
We all have so much to learn and teach. The 10 Beautiful People who were
on this show had the rare opportunity to see themselves from a 3rd
person perspective, and that is a powerful thing. They had an
opportunity to see things that others may never get to see. What they
do with that gift is up to them... and there is no doubt in my mind
that CJ will do something Beautiful with his.
Have a Beautiful Day,
Love, Vanessa
