"Godfather Of Soul" James Brown got it right as eleven contestants start out to prove "this is a man's, man's, man's world...but it wouldn't be nothin', NOTHIN' without a woman." On the show's series premiere, eleven sports-loving manly men and their significant others arrive in Los Angeles craving $250,000 in prize money and a shot at the title of "All American Male." These guys get the surprise of a lifetime upon finding out they will have to trade beards for blush and Harleys for high heels to win the money and to prove they're up to the true nature of the challenge. They have to prove that they're man enough to be a lady.

After meeting each other, the couples are separated and all of the men are sent to soundproof booths. While the men sweat it out in silence, their significant others learn the shocking secret that their husbands and boyfriends will have to think, compete and dress like a lady. The most convincing and committed of the guys wins the booty and, hopefully, a better understanding of their women. One by one, the eleven contenders are asked if they're up to the obstacles of living as a man and trying to win the contest as a lady. Who will rise to the challenge and who will lose the battle with his worst nightmare? The eleven kiss their wives goodbye for the next few weeks and welcome, instead, "The Beauty Shop."

Speaking of nightmares, it's transformation time! All of the competitors fearfully await their turns with the manicurist, aesthetician (you didn't think all that hair was gonna stay there, did you?), makeup artist, and wig and clothing stylist in preparation for their "First Impression" round with the judges. Yes, even after the pulling, tugging, waxing and plucking all eleven men endure, by episode's end, only seven will move on and four will go home with tender feet and a little more sensitivity toward their feminine side. Before that, though, many of the guys second guess their ability to see the competition through, while others create strategies on how they can shine. Away from the beauty rituals, the men's sweethearts speculate on how their honeys will make it as ladies.

Coifed and "fabulous," the eleven make their walk--for some their final march in heels--to meet the judges and to introduce their female alter-egos. Dan ("Gisele") gets greeted with such compliments like "great legs and body," while Ryan ("Sunshine") loses an earring in his shining moment. Cree ("Carmen") raises an eyebrow when he confesses he modeled his female name after the pop culture bombshell, Carmen Electra, "Because I felt electric after seeing my great [assets]." Donnell ("Raven Nightshade") reminds himself of "a Williams sister," but Rick ("Chiquita") sees his feminine self in the mirror and proclaims, "I think I used to date her!"

It seems that Patrick ("Lilly") and Albert are neck-and-neck as the judges declare them "elegant and classic" and "really beautiful," respectively. They also say that Sam ("Samantha") "has arrived," while Nathan ("Amber") isn't convinced that men should even enter competitions like this. Michael ("Scarlett") does the Dixie proud as he is told by judges, "Some girls on Oscar night don't look this good." David ("Wynona") takes one look at his reflection and offers, "That is one ugly woman." Do the judges agree?

In their final tally, the judges choose Cree, Donnell, Albert, Ryan, David, Michael and Dan on the basis of style, poise, first impression and the potential to continue moving forward in the competition. While the four eliminated men head off into the sunset, the remaining guys-turned-gals enter their limo for a trip to their new home--the pastel palace nicknamed the "Dollhouse." Once there, the men are told to enjoy life as men indoors, but warned that they risk elimination if they're anything but lady-like outside.

With the first grueling round of challenges behind them, the seven competitors take a moment to toast the guys who've already been sent home for taking the eliminations like men, and for having endured the pain of becoming a woman. Before turning down for the night, the men de-bra and unwind.

Who will work it on the runway as a model? Who will get uncivilized on the street? Which group will handle the homemaking? Find out in the next episode of He's A Lady.