NORELLE ELIMINATED FROM UPN'S "AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL"

Norelle, a 20-year-old sales associate from Newport Beach, Calif., has been eliminated from the third cycle of UPN's dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool of girls competing for the grand prize from five to four.

After moving from their cramped hotel quarters into a more spacious living arrangement, the girls were introduced to Yoko Takahashi and given a lesson on the ancient and delicate art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. While Yaya and Amanda displayed great interest and respect for the tea ceremony tradition, Norelle struggled. When it came time for the challenge, the girls had to demonstrate what they had learned about the ceremony and were judged on their ability to adapt to a different culture and customs. Though all of the girls made mistakes during the tea ceremony, Norelle gave a clumsy performance and received the harshest criticism.

That night, the girls received a surprise visit from Tyra, who gave them advice about the importance of sisterhood and the ability to get along with other women. After Tyra left, an argument erupted between Eva and Ann about comments each had made about Norelle behind her back, leaving Norelle hurt and confused about who she could trust.

When the girls arrived at their photo shoot the next day, they were surprised to learn that Tyra would be giving them an in-person lesson in posing for the camera. The photo shoot was for a T-Mobile cell phone ad, and the girls dressed in traditional Japanese kimonos with sexy lingerie underneath and dramatic hair and makeup. Norelle had the most difficulty with the shoot and was criticized for her lack of intensity and creativity.

The next day, the girls faced the judges, including guest judge Japanese designer Kyoko Higa, for the 10th elimination in the competition. The girls were challenged to walk in a traditional kimono and exude high fashion while remaining respectful of the local customs and etiquette. Though all of the girls received mixed reviews for their walk and photos, the judges ultimately decided that Norelle didn't have the look or the confidence to become AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL.

This season, Tyra Banks once again leads the panel that will narrow the field of girls each week as they take them into a high-pressure, high-stakes series of competitions that will determine the series winner. The world's first supermodel Janice Dickinson, renowned photographer Nigel Barker and Nol� Marin, an acclaimed fashion editor and stylist, also serve as judges.

The third installment of UPN's hit dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL follows 14 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band"). Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race") serves as co-executive producer.

The winner of UPN's AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL will have the opportunity to be managed by Ford Models. She will also receive a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant Cover Girl. Finally, the winner will appear in a fashion spread in Elle magazine.

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL airs Wednesday (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on UPN. For more information about AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, log on to www.upn.com.