Strike a Pose: The Top 2 and the Bottom 2

Challenge 7, sponsored by En Vogue , asked the Top 6 to strike a hand pose with Madonna-inspired nail art. This week’s guest judge was NTNA Season 4 alum, Deanna Stelmaschuk of En Vogue.

In alphabetical order, the Top 2 are:

Ashton: Your freehand fishnet and houndstooth were hits with the judges. Your underside artwork was also immaculate. Again, please consider making your own embellishments. The single plain nail was a missed opportunity, as the other nails are so incredibly well done.

Kelsey: Your work this week excited the judges with its risk-taking and boundary pushing – just like Madonna herself. We applaud you for making your own embellishments and leather-like accessories. Make sure to keep your nail centered in the screen for improved viewing of your video.

The following artists can breathe again. They are in the middle of this week’s pack and are safe. Congratulations to:

Carly: Your point of view is always refreshing for the judges, which is why they wanted to see more 3-D technique from you. They appreciate the risk you took this week, but the final photo is not flattering. Your portrait work, however, was stunning!

Nixxi: You blew the judges away with your use of on-theme color and the amazing Madonna portrait. We also loved watching you handmake the jewelry pieces. Pay attention to the proportion of the nails, as the shapes looked too thick and bulky. With more refinement your work will steal the show!

Unfortunately, there always has to be a bottom group. The bottom 2, in alphabetical order, are:

Ashley: Your use of color and overall design was fun and fierce. It’s your video that needs fine-tuning. It can be frantic at times and the angle can be off. Please improve on this if you want to stay in NTNA.

Emily: The judges agree that the two-tone V is strong and crisp. They also feel that you’ve improved your video this week — it’s bright and clean. The art, however, is very safe and literal. We know you are capable of more, and being in the Top 6, we need to see it.