“I Lost My Hair to Continue to Be Called Commercial!” – An Interview With America’s Next Top Model 11’s Samantha

I never thought Samantha was going to make it to the final two. She totally deserved the final three, but when it came down to her and Analeigh, I thought Sam was toast. She surprised me, though, and did an awesome job in the runway show! Looking back and remembering how strong her portfolio was, she totally deserved her place in the finals. As usual, I had a chance to chat with Sam, so read on to see what she had to say about her time on the show.

RealityNewsOnline: Hey, Sam! Thanks for taking time out of your day to talk with me today. Had you watched previous seasons of the show, and what factored into your decision to apply?

Samantha: It’s funny because I’m the type that normally watches the Cartoon Network or the Discovery Channel, but I did watch prior cycles. I think the reason I decided to apply was because I was inspired from girls in previous cycles. I would watch the show and think, “I can do that!” My aunt, who loved the show, urged me to apply, so I went on the website and filled out an application. I remember the night before I went to the audition, my cousin came over and we laid tape on the floor to practice walking! I waited six hours in line with a bunch of crazy people, but it was all worth it.

RNO: Let’s start from the beginning – do you think it was fair for Isis to compete this season with the rest of the girls?

Samantha: Of course it was fair for Isis to compete! Isis is amazing, and even though she is transgendered, she is strong and inspirational. I commend her for putting herself out there like that to fulfill a dream. She didn’t care about what anyone thought about her, and I admire that. I think it’s great on Tyra’s part, too, to allow Isis to compete – it says a lot about her as a person.

RNO: What did you think of this cycle, watching it on TV? Do you think we got to see the true personalities of each of the girls, or was the editing a bit choppy?

Samantha: Well, when it’s done for TV you know it’s going to be done differently. I think this season was a lot different than cycles prior because in all honesty, we all got along. Everyone in the house was focused on themselves and winning the competition. Sure, with 14 girls in the house you are going to get some kind of drama, but we were never really over the top, and nobody was really mean to anyone else.

RNO: Do you think that no-name designer was a little out of line when it came to scolding you at panel? After all, I mean, this competition is actually about you, and he was trying to make that panel about him!

Samantha: He was definitely a little harsh, yes. You have to realize that I have had no experience prior to being on the show, and that was my first runway show. So it didn’t help that I was in this crazy pair of shoes, and then on top of it all I’m blindfolded! Hello, high fashion! I do understand where he was coming from because it is his show and I never wanted to disrespect him, but I did apologize.

RNO: Time after time, the judges said that you look commercial when they see you in person. Were you given any kind of advice on how to change that, or were you expected to just do it on your own?

Samantha: When I first started, and I had my lovely long hair, I was told that I was commercial looking, so when they cut it, I assumed it was so that I could look editorial. However, even then they were saying that I’m too commercial looking. I was like, “Are you kidding me? I lost my hair to continue to be called commercial!” Both of the Jays did give me advice, though, and what you don’t get to see on TV is how much Mr. Jay really does sit down with the girls, tell them what they are doing right and wrong, and how to improve. He really was a great mentor.

RNO: After seeing your commercial and listening to what the judges had to say, did you think you were going to make it to the final two or did you think Analeigh had it at that point?

Samantha: Analeigh is so pretty, so I knew it was going to be tough. We both knew when we saw McKey’s commercial and how much the judges loved her photo that she was going to be in the finals. She had nothing to do but improve because of her last commercial. I had a little to gain, and Analeigh, since she did so well the first time, had everything to lose. So I had no clue which one of us was going to go at that point, I just knew it wasn’t going to be McKey.

RNO: What would you say was your biggest strength in the competition? What about your biggest weakness?

Samantha: I’d say my biggest strength was my athleticism. Anyone at my high school, if you asked them what kind of girl I was, would tell you I’m an athlete first – they would never say I was a model! I had no experience going in, but my competitive nature really helped me to learn and do well. McKey, Analeigh, Elina, and most of the other girls this season have done modeling before, so it came a little easier to them, so definitely not having the experience in the past was probably my weakness since I think without it, I made dumb little mistakes that I wouldn’t have otherwise.

RNO: Was it really necessary to have a gigantic hill on the runway for the final fashion show? Do you think that was intentionally placed there for someone to mess up – I swear they wanted someone to fall this season!

Samantha: That thing was vertical – it was crazy! The second I saw that thing on the runway I could only think what Mr. Jay had in store for us, but I still have no clue what he was thinking. I think you are right – they definitely wanted someone to mess up. I’m just happy we didn’t have to go down that thing, or it would have been a mess!

RNO: What are your plans from this point? Do you intend on moving and continuing to pursue the modeling career at this point, or are you going back to school?

Samantha: There is so much that I want to do. I would love to get into some kind of acting since that’s one thing I’ve always loved, but I definitely want to try modeling as well. This is really just the beginning for me – I’m going to try and get signed, and then take it from there.

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

Samantha: From the start, I have always been so appreciative to everyone for the support they have shown me. I had a blast on the show, and I’m so thankful to everyone for their support along the way.

RNO: Thanks, Samantha!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent America’s Next Top Model 11 articles on RealityNewsOnline:

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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