35 models begin the series 10th cycle while being taught posing and walking the runway at Top Model Prep in L.A. The number of contestants are sliced to 20 after an interview with Tyra and then trimmed to 14 finalist who will head to New York City to compete.

The models make the move into the New York apartment and will be critiqued by Paula Porizkova at a visit to a modeling agency. Later, the models will partcicpate in a fashion show at Times Square and then pose for a photo shoot as a homeless person. The show will end with the first model eliminated.

Elle McPherson lends lingerie she has designed for a photo shoot as the ladies get a makeover and model her creations. Meanwhile, friction is created in the house by Fatima and Allison.

The models pose with racks of raw beef as the visit a meat packing district. Also, one contestants feelings are hurt when Cycle 8 winner Jaslene Gonzales gives her a harsh criticism.

Tips on posing for commercial, catalog and couture shoots are given to the ladies by supermodel Vendela, to prepare them for a posing competition on the New York City streets.

A pose challenge is performed after Tyra gives the models a lesson in how to express yourself on a runway. the winner will receive a photo shoot with photographer/judge Nigel Barker. Also, three women get upset as one model's alarm clock keeps ringing during the night.

The ladies are sent out to modeling auditions in two separate groups. The photo shoot will be held in Broadway as the models are photographed through a plastic sheet while laying face down in water.

This episode features unaired footage from the season so far, including wrestling matches between the models and a group of New York City firemen taking to the catwalk.

Paulina gives tips on how models should conduct themselves during interviews and public events, and then get a chance to try out the newly learned skills while at a cocktail party where they mingle with the notables within the fashion world. One contestant misplaces her travel documents which may make her miss out on attending the group outing in a secret location with the other models.

The models are challenged to film an ad in Italian while visiting Rome.

The girls are training hard for the newest challenge in which the winner will receive a shopping spree in Rome, and Tyra directs a photo shoot inside a castle in Rome.

The remaining four models are challenged to a photo shoot in which they use Paulina Porizkova as the model. Then they are asked to impersonate movie icons in their own photo shoot, directed by Nigel Barker.

The remaining three models are challenged to make a cosmetics commercial and pose for a print ad. One model will be asked to leave following this, leaving the final two to compete in a runway challenge, where a winner will be selected.