Jay says that to get the super-sci-fi walk they'll need for the runway, he brought in "Miss Thing" J. Alexander, who I hope goes back to enjoyable small doses in Season 6. Jay says that the girls will need to do a very fast walk with wide strides. They go into hair and makeup backstage as the "crowd" for this totally authentic fashion show fills in. Nik and Nicole are a little nervous, and are both trying to focus. Nicole says that she's originally from a small town in North Dakota, and that the different world that she's been exposed to on this show is the world where she truly fits in. In another room, Eva and Naima get made up. Naima actually looks pretty. Pigford, not so much. Naima asks if the girls are nervous, and then tells them that they can transform that energy into something powerful on the runway. And hey, that's actually somewhat good advice. Eva tells them that this is their last chance, and that they should give it their all and not walk away regretting anything. Her nostrils flare, so we know she means it.

Before the girls walk on the runway, they go to meet with Tyra one last time. Nik says that she's never been so excited and so terrified at the same time, and I would actually feel the same way if I were locked in a tiny room with Tyra, especially if she's read the recaps. Tyra gives Nik one final chance to say anything she wants before she takes the runway. A teary Nik says that she's never felt so blessed and so proud of herself, and that although there were some people in her life who thought she'd do well, they never really believed in her. Nik says that, for the first time, her father is really proud of her. She thanks Tyra for that. Dude, this is so messed up. I just want to take a moment to thank my parents for actually loving me and being proud of my accomplishments, great and small, throughout my life. Except that they don't actually read these recaps and I KNOW IT'S ONLY ONLINE BUT WHY ISN'T ANYTHING I DO EVER GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU? Excuse me for a minute while I call my therapist. Nik says she can feel in her heart that she's America's Next Top Model. Tyra says Nik should remember that she's there because of her (Nik, not Tyra). Nik thanks Tyra, and they hug.

In her one-on-one with Nicole, Tyra notes that, at the auditions Nicole said that she was always second best to her sister. Nicole says that now she feels like she has something of her own that she's good at and can be proud of, and that feels good. She starts to break down a little as she tells Tyra that she wants it so bad, and that modeling is her passion. Tyra gives her a hug, and it is finally time for the runway show.