‘America’s Next Top Model’ finalist has Hawaii roots
Courtesy photo
I’ve never been a fan of the television show America’s Next Top Model, but it looks like I’ll be tuning in when new episodes are broadcast next month.
According to multiple sources online, former Hawaii resident Sheena Sakai has been selected as one of 14 finalists this season. She’ll make her first appearance on Sept. 3, when a two-hour casting special kicks things off on the CW network (channel 93 on Oceanic digital cable).
Wait a minute… the CW is on a digital channel?
I’ve got analog cable at home. Lose money!
Getting back to Sheena (the ANTM folks use first names only) – this lovely lady has been a homie for about four years now, ever since promoter Rick Rock hired her to go-go dance during his former Friday night party at Pipeline Cafe (that’s me and Sheena backstage at the club in the picture below).
She also has a great singing voice, which led her to start recording music. Sheena eventually moved to the mainland in 2006 to pursue her dreams of stardom.
Before she left, however, she was featured on a track from local rapper Krystilez’s latest album, “The O,” and changed her stage name to Sheena Satana.
You can check out my video of her performing “Never Gonna Be” at this link.
Although she returned to Oahu briefly in 2007 to host the monthly Downtowne party at E&O Trading Co., much of her time has been spent in New York, where she’s been working hard to get her singing and modeling careers off the ground.
So, it’s good to see her shining brightly on national TV. I’m very happy that she’s made it this far.
Good luck, Sheena!
