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

Kari, a student from Brookings, S.D., became the third girl eliminated from the sixth cycle of UPN's hit series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 11 girls to 10.

J. Alexander met the girls for their first runway lesson and critiqued each on their poise and strut down the catwalk. Though many girls were unsure of their skills on the runway, Kari seemed especially nervous to hear J.'s criticism of her effort. Once the initial assessments were given, the stakes were raised as each had to use the skills they had learned to sashay down the runway in an evening gown. Kari repeatedly stumbled causing her to lose focus and intensity. "She doesn't really know how to give you the attitude that is really needed," J. said after the lesson.

Back at the girls' Hollywood mansion, Kari's confidence continued to crumble as the reality of the difficult competition, paired with a case of homesickness, began to set in.

The next day, the girls were greeted by J. Alexander and legendary fashion designer Jared Gold for a challenge that would test their ability to handle outrageous twists within the fashion industry. Wearing Gold's beautiful spring collection, the girls had to walk the runway while donning a live Madagascar hissing cockroach. Gold seemed impressed by Jade's confident approach to the shocking challenge, but felt that Kari's walk was too slow and her enthusiasm on the runway fell flat.

Jay Manuel then met the girls for their weekly photo shoot where each had to depict a modern day fairytale character falling in mid-air. Kari, who portrayed Goldilocks, continued to have difficulty changing her look and expression throughout the shoot.

During the week's elimination ceremony, the judges once again challenged the girls to walk the runway, this time in incredibly high heeled shoes that tested their focus and balance. As she faced the judges for her critique, Kari's emotions continued to rise as she felt her performance didn't reflect her best effort. In the end, the judges agreed that although her previous photos had been fierce, Kari's effort on the runway just didn't measure up. "A girl like you that is not necessarily super tall or has a model proportion has to be almost perfect and you nearly fell off this runway," Tyra said just before eliminating Kari from the competition.

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 CoverGirl. The winner will additionally appear in a fashion spread in Elle magazine and on the cover of ELLEgirl Magazine.

The fifth installment of UPN's hit dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL follows 13 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") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").

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