“I Left Thinking, Kelle, You’re an OK Girl!”: An Interview with America’s Next Top Model 3’s Kelle

RNO: Why do you think Nicole and Norelle are getting such a little amount of camera time? Is it because they are never involved in the drama, or are they just not that interesting?

Kelle: It’s definitely because they were not involved with all the drama. Norelle is so sweet, and loopy in a cute way. Nicole was just like whatever – very punk rock and out there. She didn’t get involved in the drama at all. That’s probably why you aren’t seeing much of them, but they were both very essential to the group.

RNO: Do you regret saying on national TV that you think you have a snout?

Kelle: Ugh, not really. What I do regret saying is the whole monkey thing. I know it’s my one imperfection, and I should have used another word when talking about it – I was babbling and the word monkey came out. I love being black, and would have it no other way, but just wish I didn’t use that word!

RNO: I asked Jennipher last week if she thought the judges were out to get her, but the same question seems to apply to you. Do you feel the judges were unjustly harsh to you at times?

Kelle: I felt beat up at times, but I really can’t be upset about it. I’m not sure if you want to call it brutal honesty or tough love, but it’s what I signed up for, so I can’t really complain about it. I had to make the best of it, and I did. Now, I’ve realized that there is nothing anyone can say to me that will make me feel bad about myself, since I’ve already heard it all on national TV.

RNO: Even though you lasted until the sixth cut, there were several times that it looked like you might possibly be the one going home. Did you know you were safe each prior week, or did you think you were going home before being the sixth cut?

Kelle: God, I thought I was going home every week, and actually packed my bags early each week thinking that I was the one going. Some of the girls would tell me to unpack, but I was certain it was me each week. By the time I finally did leave, I was okay with going home. I couldn’t take anymore, but I knew as each week went by, I was getting better, which was a positive.

RNO: Do you still think you have a chance to make it in the modeling industry, or are you just going to stick to your gallery right now?

Kelle: I’m just going to stick with my gallery and take Janice’s advice and do it for the rest of my life, haha! However, if modeling offers came along, I’d be more than happy to take them! Getting kicked off the show gave me more confidence than I thought I would ever have, and I feel stronger because of the whole thing.

RNO: What’s the most important thing you learned about yourself from the whole experience?

Kelle: That would be how strong I am. I’ve realized that I’m much more mature now about certain things, and I like myself so much more, and I’m okay with everything that was said. I left the show thinking, “Kelle, you’re an OK girl!” They didn’t break me, and I’m still smiling.

RNO: Is there anything you would like to add or say to fans of the show? Maybe something we didn’t get to see?

Kelle: Well, if there is one thing I can say, I’d love to tell people to check out my gallery at www.oswaldcleveland.com. I’ve put so much of my time into the gallery, and I’m so proud of it! Thanks to everyone for their support and keep watching!

RNO:Thanks, Kelle!

Phil Kural is a recent graduate from Temple University, with a degree in journalism. You can reach him at pkural@gmail.com with any feedback that you may have.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on the site! And take a look at the rest of the site. You can find all of our recent articles on this show at our America’s Next Top Model page and take a look at our sections on The Apprentice and Last Comic Standing. You can even buy reality show stuff at our Reality TV Store!

For more news about America’s Next Top Model, be sure to check out SirLinksALot!