In the two-hour season premiere, hopefuls from all around the country are narrowed down to thirteen contestants, but before the judges make their decisions about who goes or who stays, the models must participate in a photoshoot - nude. Later, the final thirteen participate in their first challenge, and one model is eliminated.

During an intense acting challenge, one model chastises the group while another reveals something traumatic in her past. Later, the models freak out when Tyra delivers news of their overseas trip and things heat up when the models shoot a sultry commercial in a foreign language with a male model. During the shoot, one model is devastated by her male counterpart.

In Barcelona, the models' nerves are wearing thin. After a Flamenco photo shoot challenge, one girl breaks down in tears when her dancing is criticized. In unlikely pairs, the models float in a pool of icy water as Tyra directs their photo shoot, but one girl must bow out of the shoot early as hypothermia begins to set in.

Janice Dickinson shocks the models at a red-carpet challenge; at a photo shoot, the women pose as celebrity couples. Later, another model is eliminated from the competition.

A contortionist teaches the models how to strike extreme poses, which they later use in a circus-themed photo shoot. Back at the house, gossip leaves one woman in tears.

As the finale quickly approaches, this episode looks back at the contestants' journeys throughout the season, including Monique's kitchen meltdown, Jaeda's best Tyra Banks impersonation, and more never-before-seen footage.

The last three models standing must be on point for the most important commercial and photo shoot yet. The two models that shine at the shoot will remain and compete in a pivotal runway show for the judges. The final two glide down a cavernous catwalk in couture bridal gowns like true top models. But it's not all beauty, for at one point during the show a mishap occurs between the competitors, causing one last catfight to erupt.

The final thirteen participate in their first challenge, and one model is eliminated.

Past participants join three of this season's models in a fashion show, a model gets sick and enters the hospital, and the girls are put to the test on a runway suspended over water.

The models hit the foreign streets with their portfolios to meet local designers, but one model has a breakdown when she gets lost in the city. Later, at the photo shoot with Nigel Barker, the girls face off against an angry bull while striking dramatic poses, and one model makes a comment to Nigel that she later regrets.

Pro Athlete/Model Gabrielle Reece teaches the girls the art of action modeling, the models get even more physical for a competition where the winner has to act fast to claim her prize, and then the girls fly during a daring photo shoot at a skydiving training facility.

The models are given makeovers, but one contestant is not pleased with her new look. Also, Queen Latifah guest stars and judges a makeup challenge. Finally, the models participate in a photo shoot, and one is eliminated.

Tyra shows up for an unexpected photo shoot but the ladies struggle to get in touch with their sexy side.