America’s Next Top Model: Where Are They Now?

If I had a dollar for every time someone sent me an email saying, “Whatever happened to Toccara?” or, “Do you know if Cassandra ever went back to beauty pageants?” I’d probably have a few hundred dollars in my pocket right now! It really did get me thinking though. Most of the girls from America’s Next Top Model have told me that they are going to pursue modeling after the show. I have been interviewing the girls since Cycle 2, and there aren’t many that I can think of who haven’t said this!

Does it happen though? Do the girls really go out there and make it in the business? Well, I actually got a hold of 15 girls from Cycles past, and asked them a few questions about what they have been up to, where they can be seen these days and how the show has set them up to really become a model. Some have thrived in the industry, while others decided that it wasn’t for them and went down a different path. So enjoy these mini-interviews and getting caught up with some of the girls from previous Cycles!

Cycle 1

Although I did make a valiant effort, I wasn’t able to get in contact with any of the girls from Cycle 1. It’s my understanding that Elyse is still modeling for the most part. If you are in the NYC area, let me know – I have received several emails that they have seen her on billboards across town.

Shannon, that Cycle’s runner up, also has been pretty busy. She actually appeared on the show during Cycle 8 and it has been brought to my attention that she has been appearing in several catalogs and men’s magazines. I contacted her about letting the readers know where she has been and what she has been up to, but she expressed no interest.

Katie, who was eliminated second on Cycle 1, is now a case holder on Deal or No Deal. I’m not quite sure if that’s something to be proud of or not. At least she has a job!

Cycle 1 winner, Adrianne, is now married to Christopher Knight (Peter Brady). She has posed in Playboy, been on The Surreal Life, and now hosts an internet radio talk show. I still find it funny that she isn’t even mentioned in the opening credits of the show anymore. She had a pretty bad “break” from the show, and I know she’s been talking poop, but they act like she never even existed!

Cycle 2

Unlike Cycle 1 girls, I actually had some success with catching up with a few of the girls from Cycle 2! Next to the girls who I got to talk with, you’ll see their picture, just to jog your memory. I mean, not everyone can remember each and every girl who has appeared on the show – like me! I did my best to keep a standard format with the girls I was able to talk with, so enjoy!

April came in fourth during Cycle 2. If you remember, Tyra said that she was probably one of the best girls ever when it came to posing. She appeared this season on the show and taught the girls how to work on their interviewing skills. Here’s what she had to say:

RealityNewsOnline: Since appearing on the show, what have you been doing in the modeling industry?

April:Well, I have been traveling a lot - which I adore. I feel like I am leading sort of this vagabond life where I can't sit still in one city for more than a few months at time. I have been working overseas in Hong Kong most recently, doing runway for Vivienne Westwood, HK Fashion Week, Emporio Armani, and Valentino. I also shot a spread for Marie Claire and COVER Magazine there. Back in New York now, I just shot a MACY'S lingerie print ad, and continue to work steadily here modeling. In addition to my ongoing work for CBS digital media hosting.

RNO:I know that you have also done some TV appearances as well -- could you fill people in on that as well, especially how you got involved with the CW's Talk Model segment?

April:Talk Model was an incredible gig for me! My co-host, Egypt, and I just had this sisterly click about us both on-camera and off, and every week we had a ton of fun shooting live. That show kept me involved with the CW, and I did multiple appearances including hosting the Red Carpet Finale Party for Cycle 6, and appearing in later cycles of ANTM. I just shot another hosting segment with CBS for the Sportsline "Cadillac Countdown to the Superbowl", called MIAMI VIBE with April Wilkner. I have also participated in the E!THS, VH1 Goes Inside, and other follow up shows on TV. Most recently, I returned to ANTM for this Cycle as a guest. I was brought back in as an expert TV correspondent and I got to play teacher this time around! We ran a rather hysterical challenge. Good times.

RNO:The skills that you learned on the show -- do you find yourself using them in the "real world" or is it a lot different?

April:Ummm, yes and no. I certainly learned a lot of the basics from the show about modeling, but really my education began post-show when I moved back to NY and began working. The casting process is something you cannot truly understand until you have done it a few million times, and as for modeling, I STILL learn more and more every single time I shoot under different conditions, with different photographers in different countries.

RNO:Are you still in contact with anyone from the show, contestants or judges?

April:Well, I just shot that appearance for Cycle 8 alongside Tyra in December. Nigel and I just shot my second editorial for HK-based COVER magazine this March. And as for the girls? I really mainly keep in contact with Mercedes. We gained a true friendship from that experience that goes beyond the modeling industry. And, I have definitely made acquaintances with many of the newer girls while attending various ANTM events, and fashion week.

RNO:Is there any kind of advice you would give to girls who want to apply for the show, or hoping to start a modeling career?

April:I think those are two very different types of girls: To the former I would say: STAND OUT. BE GENUINE. HAVE A STORY. And, to the latter: Do your research. Don't let others determine your worth. Run your career like a well-oiled business. To both? HAVE A TON OF FUN because a career in fashion can sometimes take itself too seriously, so return the laughter to it if you can.

RNO:In reality, do you think being on the show hurt or helped your chances of starting a career in modeling? Do you think it set you up better as just being known as a TV personality?

April:Helped me for sure! In all aspects of my career because remember, I was just an account executive who had never stepped in front of a camera prior to ANTM. I had never even applied mascara to my lashes! Not to mention walked in heels on a runway! The show opened my eyes to the world of modeling, showed me that I could in fact be a model, and that I enjoyed it! Most importantly, it gave me the connections to begin working as a model. And, also thankfully employed me in my first hosting gig! And, inspired me to begin studying acting with Atlantic Theater.

RNO:Is there anywhere in the near future people can expect to see you?

April: In COVER magazine April/May issue (in Asia) Macy's In Store lingerie ads and, as always, on www.aprilwilkner.com where I update my portfolio and demo reel as often as possible.

RNO:Thanks, April! It was great catching up with you!

Jenascia was around for a few weeks during Cycle 2, but was sent home when the judges felt her height just wouldn’t cut it in the modeling industry. She has, and probably always will be, one of my favorite girls to be on the show, since she cracked me up! I had a chance to talk with Jenascia as well!

RealityNewsOnline:What have you been up to since appearing on the show?

Jenascia: The show aired about three years ago, so that's a really big question. I've been living in the Seattle area with my boyfriend Kevin who I met a couple weeks before the show aired. I've been working and trying to blend back in. I'm currently pregnant with my first child (Update: Since this interview, Jenascia gave birth to a healthy baby boy! Congratulations!). I'm still trying to find my passion as far as careers go. I've had ups and downs, but I'm the happiest I've ever been right now.

RNO:Are you still modeling, or did you find it to hard to get into the industry?

Jenascia: I haven't been pursuing modeling but if an opportunity comes along, I usually go for it. It probably wouldn't be impossible for me to get involved in the industry somehow, but it would take a lot more effort than I ultimately want to put in.

RNO:Do you think the show even set you up to go out and really enter the modeling world?

Jenascia: I generated some interest from the show, but nothing that I felt was legitimate. I got a couple calls about becoming a singer (um... yeah), I did a couple local calendars which helped with rent, not my portfolio LOL, hosted a few events and auditioned via video for a few acting gigs which might have turned into something if I had proper representation. The show put my face out there, but I don't know if it helped me, personally, with the modeling world.

RNO:Are you still in contact with anyone from the show, contestants or judges?

Jenascia: I still talk to Mercedes. We'll probably always be friends. I wasn't as close with the other girls. I talk to Sara from time to time and I say what's up to Shandi and Catie via MySpace.

RNO:Is there any kind of advice you would give to girls who want to apply for the show, or hoping to start a modeling career?

Jenascia: ANTM will make you famous before it makes you a model. There is obviously no guarantee that you will be successful after the show even if you win. With that said, you'll have to consider that the entire nation and possibly the world will recognize you and have high expectations of you, which can become stressful and often times disenchanting if you don't make it in the real world. Then what? My advice is to really think hard about what you're getting into and make an informed decision. If you do decide to go into modeling or try out for the show, make sure you have a back up plan. Ask yourself, "If this doesn't work out, what else do I want to do?"

RNO:Thanks, Jenascia – and congrats again on the baby!

I was also lucky enough to catch up with everyone’s favorite hot tub vixen, Shandi! You might remember Shandi as the girl who came in third, worked at Walgreen’s and went from geek to chic as the competition progressed. Shandi has been keeping busy as well!

RealityNewsOnline: Since appearing on the show, what have you been doing in the modeling industry, as well as the entertainment industry?

Shandi:Right after the show I was signed with Trump Model Management and was with them for a year. After that, I kept modeling but as an independent and only worked every now and then. I've also been dj’ing a few nights a week.

RNO:The skills that you learned on the show – do you find yourself using them in the "real world" or is it a lot different?

Shandi:I wouldn't necessarily say that I learned any skills from the show. The only thing I really took away as far as that would go would be the fact that it helped me with my confidence.