America’s Next Top Model 10, the Finale: Crowning the Winner

Anya is called first and you can see her take a huge breath in relief. The final photo goes to Whiney and I grin. Good job girls. Fatima goes out gracefully and tells us that she wants to be a role model for young women and refugees.

Back at the apartment, it’s quiet with only the two girls remaining. There’s finally no drama. Anya tells us that Whitney looked so beautiful when she broke down in tears at panel and showed her vulnerability. Whitney feels as if she is a strong woman who has a thick skin from being teased by the skinny girls all through the years. She’s used to backhanded compliments like, “You’re so pretty for a heavy girl.” She wants to win this to show that a full-sized girl can win this competition.

After they each shoot their Seventeen magazine cover, they’re off for the big competition – the final runway. I can only imagine that they are nervous as they’ll be prancing down the runway alongside working models (and Salisha) in Versace gowns and in Rome. Once again, Anya tells us that she’s nervous. Whitney is also nervous and gets to thinking that she’s been in the bottom numerous times while Anya has never had that experience. Her makeup guy tells her that there is something to be said that she is the first “juicy booty” to make it that far already.

The show goes on and it’s full of lights and glitter. Anya looks ethereal with her hair and makeup. She also looks stiff in her first walk, though she is stunning in her chocolate brown dress. Whitney really struts her stuff and I worry that it might be too much and too distracting.

The second pass, Whitney comes out in a bright pink, flowing dress and once again powers through it. She looks fabulous and confident. Her feet get tangled in her dress, but she keeps moving. Anya does well, but she is limited by her narrow dress. She just doesn’t have the enthusiasm or confidence that Whitney does, but Whitney is a little over-the-top. Which will win this one? I think my girl has a chance!

Back at the final panel, the girls show up in their Versace dresses, Anya in the brown one and Whitney in the bright pink. After the usual monologue about the winner’s prizes and panel introductions, they dive into the show.

Ms. J says that Anya didn’t bring it as strong as she could have and should have. She looked like a wind-up toy. Tyra says that the light and camera love her face. Nigel didn’t like Whitney’s first dress, but she saved herself with the second one. Ms. J thinks she was powerful. Tyra was reminded of herself with her larger-than-life walk, but said that this is what put her on the map.

The panel also goes back through many of the photos through the cycle. The judging is close where each girl gets positive and negative comments. After looking back through them all, both girls are consistently good and both can do well. Once again, Whitney is easily directed and Anya has the most natural talent. Which one will take the crown?

After more deliberation from the judges, they decide that both girls represent something that they haven’t seen on America’s Next Top Model before – Whitney the plus-sized girl and Anya the high-fashion girl. Finally they come to an agreement.

The girls are standing in front of the judges and both look terrified. Whitney almost seems as if she knows she is going home as number two. She seems dejected. Tyra draws out, “America’s next top model is…” then reveals a picture of Whitney! I scream and jump off the couch. Whitney seems thrilled, surprised, and is downright giddy. She has that huge smile the size of Texas. I think she’ll be a great role model in a world where girls can be way too skinny.

I’m amazed and even a little dumbfounded that the show was able to push a full-figured girl through. Good for them and I’m thrilled that they took the chance on her. She is beautiful and has a big personality. I think she’ll do well and look forward to seeing her in the future. Thanks for sticking with me all season, folks! We’ll see you next season.

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

Kari’s favorite photos are taken spontaneously in photo booths. Which were your favorite girls for the week? Please send any comments, questions, and thoughts about America’s Next Top Model to her at flystorms2@yahoo.com.

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 Dancing with the Stars and Survivor. 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: America’s Next Top Model!