"I Always Gave It Everything I Had"– An Interview with America's Next Top Model 8's Dionne

I always make it pretty clear that I was a fan of Dionne. From her funny remarks to her down to business attitude, Dionne really was one of the more real girls this season, not to mention that she had me cracking up half the time she was talking to the camera. I had a chance to catch up with Dionne and chat about her time on the show. As usual, she was very candid, friendly, and came off extremely likeable. Read on to see what she had to say about the whole experience.

Reality News Online: Hey Dionne! First, thank you so much for talking with me today. How frustrating was it for you to come so far in the competition and just miss out on making the final three?

Dionne: It was so frustrating at the time, but you know what? I’m over it now! I was shocked that I made it to the final four, to be honest. I mean, sure, I would have liked to have gone further, but it just wasn’t in the plans for me, and that’s fine. I’m speechless every time I even think about how I made it as far as I did, and I’m really proud of myself.

RNO: Do you think that, had you made it into the final three, you had a chance at winning, since the challenge dealt with doing another commercial and a runway show, and less with photos?

Dionne: I do think I would have had a better chance, especially since I think I do better at things like runway and commercials, but hey – I made the final 13 girls this season, and that’s enough for me. I didn’t make it to the final three, so it’s tough for me to say for sure though. However, yeah, I’ll say I would have won!

RNO: Had you watched previous seasons of the show and what factored into your decision to apply?

Dionne: I did watch the show before and I have always been a big fan. As far as what factored into my decision to actually apply – well, I had always wanted to model, but really had no clue how to even get into the business. So when I heard that the show would be doing an open casting call in my town, I decided to just go! Lo and behold, I made it to the final 13!

RNO: Tyra mentioned that at first the girls were ganging up on Renee, then it was Natasha. Did you see it playing out that way as well?

Dionne: First, I just want to say that nobody ever ganged up on Renee. She started things herself, and she’ll tell you that as well. I don’t think that anyone ever ganged up on Natasha either. There was always a language barrier with her, and sometimes it was very hard to understand her. I can’t say that we ever agreed on everything the same way, and as for what was said in the club, that wasn’t anything that really directed towards Natasha, and if it was, I was just agreeing at the time.

RNO: It was clear that the judges really did like Natasha, though. Did you, Renee, and Jaslene pick her as the one with the least amount of potential for that reason?

Dionne: No, I didn’t pick her for that reason. The reason that I said Natasha had the least amount of potential was because I was looking at things after the show, who would get booked. I honestly didn’t see Natasha really making it in the “real world” after the show, mainly because of the language barrier.

RNO: Did you at least ever find out if her husband and child really do exist?

Dionne: Ha! I know for a fact that she really does have a daughter, and she’s beautiful! As for her husband, I still have yet to even see a picture of him. So to answer your question, I still have no clue if he exists or not!

RNO: You sure did bring entertainment this season, especially with your sound bites. Have you been laughing at the way you were edited?

Dionne: Oh, please! They had me laughing too! Seriously though, those interviews were crazy in Australia when I kept saying: “That’s cool, that’s cool!” over and over. I know that’s what you’re talking about! I actually did use the lingo, but it was never shown. I guess I could be embarrassed by the way I was edited, with all my sound bites, but I’m just laughing at it like everyone else. It’s funny!

RNO: You said several times that you were trying to win, but you could have tried harder. Do you feel that you had a lack of commitment when it came to winning the competition?

Dionne: The only time that I said I really should have tried harder was during that dance challenge. I was so cold and was wearing sandals in very cold, rainy weather. I think that everyone had their times when they were just feeling defeated and felt like it was time to throw in the towel. That was my time. Other than that, I always gave it everything I had.

RNO: Do you regret saying that Jaslene had the most potential instead of yourself? It seemed like you were blindsided by the question since you went first, and really didn’t have a chance to think about it and say yourself.

Dionne: Oh, of course I regret it! I would have said myself if I knew I was allowed to. The question was posed to me: “Of the girls behind you…” I answer the question I was asked, and that’s why I said Jaslene. I totally regret it, but I guess the whole thing was a lack of common sense on my part.

RNO: The whole “scowling” thing in your photos – did you feel like Jay and the judges were giving you tips on how to fix that, or were you basically just told to “smile with your eyes?”

Dionne: That’s it! All I was told was: “Smile with your eyes!” Sometimes we were given a lot more criticism than we were helpful hints. Tyra did show me a few times how I should be posing, but honestly, when it came to the shoots, I was never given direction on how to pose or what to try. Jay basically had me try and figure that out for myself, and when I did it incorrectly, I was told that I was scowling.

RNO: What did you mom and sister think of the other girls when they had the chance to visit, and were you truly shocked that Renee chose you to share that prize?

Dionne: I was totally shocked when Renee picked me to share the prize of that challenge. I was the one who had just told her that it was going to be hard for me to forgive her for all the things she said and did, so I never expected it. My mom and sister loved the other girls though. My mom really connected with Jaslene and my sister was really cool with Whitney.

RNO: So what is next for you Dionne? Is there anywhere we can expect to see you in the near future, and what are your plans when the show is over?

Dionne:I’m thinking of moving to New York City once the show is done airing and basically just going to try my hand at modeling. I figure I’ll give it a go, cross my fingers and just hope for the best, so wish me luck!

RNO:Is there anything else in the future for you? What are your other plans besides modeling?

Dionne:I do want to continue going to school, which I’m doing right now. I’m going for chemistry, but honestly, I really do want to give modeling a real try. It has always been a dream of mine, so I’m pretty dedicated to trying.

RNO: I have to admit the half hearted hug, or lack of a hug at all, that you gave Natasha after being eliminated was priceless. You were having no part of it!

Dionne: Ha! I was seriously so out of it at that point. I couldn’t see straight, and I was so angry that I was eliminated that I felt like I was on fire. When it all happened, I just couldn’t believe it – I was shocked that they were sending me home, and when I saw the “hug” on TV, it was even funnier!

RNO: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans or to fans of the show?

Dionne: What’s up! Ha, no for real – thank you to everyone that has shown me support while I was on the show. It really does mean a lot, and thanks to all the viewers that have made this one of the most watched seasons of America’s Next Top Model to date! I’m so proud to say that I’m part of Cycle 8.

RNO: Dionne, thanks so much! It has been a pleasure.

Phil Kural is an office manager at a dental office, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in journalism. You can send feedback to him at pkural@gmail.com.

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