America’s Next Top Model 3, the Finale: Amanda, Eva or MY Yaya?

Tyra thinks that the girls did a great job and she has the judges applaud them. She says that they are all short, but they did it. She says the pictures proved her statement from last week wrong, and they are all now models. The girls head out as the judges begin to deliberate.

Noriko says that Amanda’s hair and eyes are beautiful, and Nole’ agrees. Nigel says that she needs to look great in person as well. Janice says that she nailed the photo. Nigel thinks that Eva is a bit of a tom-boy, and Nole’ says that everyone wants to know her and she is very universal. Janice says she still doesn’t see chic in her.

Nole’ loves Yaya’s bone structure, and Nigel thinks she is stunning. However, Tyra says that can be her downfall, since she can be arrogant. Janice says that she does a great job, but Nigel thinks that the photo can’t say everything. The judges start to debate, and Tyra says she is shaking.

The girls walk back into the room, with Tyra telling them that she has only two photos. These two finalists will be in the fashion show and from that, the judges will find the next Top Model. The first name called is MY Yaya, and I’m on the floor! She is told that she walked in with great stature, but a little too much, but they honed in on it, and now she is a model. Yaya can’t believe it, but I can!

Eva and Amanda step up. Tyra tells them that she has only one photo and will only call one name, the girl not called will have to go home. She also says that they are a very interesting duo since what the one has, the other lacks. Amanda has edgy fierce high-fashion amazing pictures. Eva has the approachable and relatable look. They are both incomplete packages. There is one that the judges think can pull it all together though, and that would be Eva.

Eva immediately begins to cry, while Amanda gives them both a big hug, and heads out. Janice yells “love ya” to Amanda as she walks out. Amanda tells the camera she was surprised she was eliminated and wanted to win so she could buy a house. She says she wants to inspire people with disabilities to work though them, and to find joy. Amanda heads out into the night. I have a feeling it won’t be the last we’ve seen of her. At least, I hope not!

Eva can’t believe that either she or Yaya will be the winner. She never thought that she would be one of the last two, and she’s even happier that two black girls are left. Yaya says that they have never felt comfortable with one another, but since they are the last two, they are letting their guards down. Eva even says that Yaya has her defenses up at times, but she’s really a sweet person, but she has never gotten to see that until now. Yaya just feels great that the winner this season will be a black woman that is positive, has flaws and people can relate to. Yaya also thinks it’s refreshing to see Eva for who she is, and not the tough girl that she tries to portray herself as.

Eva wakes up and it’s time for a one-on-one with Tyra. Tyra welcomes her and Eva says that she never would have imagined she would be there. It’s an extra to her that she is happy that the winner will be black. Tyra says that it just happened to be that the two best girls this season are both black, it has nothing to do with race. Eva says that she never really got along with Yaya, but they are going through the same thing, so they can relate. Tyra says that she can see Eva is troubled, but is making an effort to be a better person. Eva says she’s always struggling, but now she wants to be that person that others admire.

Yaya comes in next. She’s so excited and never thought she would be called first at the last elimination ceremony, if she would be called at all. She knows that people look at her as “Afro-centric” and that’s fine, but she doesn’t want it to be a label, she is just proud of whom she is. Tyra says that she wears a weave, but she’s still Afro and beautiful. She tells Yaya to hold on to who she is, but to relate to others as well. With that, Yaya gets a hug and off Miss Tyra goes.

We see the girls get in a van and head to the fashion show. Eva says she knows she will kill the thing because she loves the runway. Jay is there to welcome them, and Yaya says she has butterflies. She knows she hasn’t won yet, but it’s still exciting.

The fashion show is a real fashion show for Noriko, and has nothing to do with the girls. It’s a square runway too, so the girls will be doing something new for the first time. Jay says that they have to have a very somber, slow walk. Jay Alexander is there too, and he demonstrates to all the models in the show. Seeing the other models makes Yaya feel good and lets her know that she can do it. The girls get their hair and makeup done and we see the four judges sit in the front row, along with Ms. J., who is wearing a kimono.