"The Competition Really Does Take A Toll On You!" – An Interview with America's Next Top Model 11's Lauren Brie

I’m not lying when I say I was expecting to talk with Lauren Brie and for her to not only have zero personality, but I was expecting her to be somewhat of a bitch. Just being honest, since we really didn’t get to see much of her on the show, personality wise. So I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got to talk to her how down to earth she was. Not only that, but she was personable, and didn’t give me the one word answers I expected! Read on to see what she had to say about the competition this season.

RealityNewsOnline: Hey Lauren Brie, thank for taking time out of your schedule to talk with me today. Did you watch previous seasons of the show and what factored into your decision to apply?

Lauren Brie: I had watched a little bit of the show before applying – mostly marathons on MTV. I wanted to see if I could get back in the industry, and wanted to see if I still had what was considered a fresh face.

When I was 14 years old, I was signed with ELITE Model Management. It was tough though, going up to NYC from Virginia all the time, so when I got further in high school, I had left the agency and pursued sports. It just wasn’t the right timing, so this time I was hoping it would be, since I knew I was finishing up with school.

RNO: At your elimination, you told the judges you thought you were being eliminated because of your personality. How did you plan on standing out from the rest of the girls?

Lauren Brie: I look at things like this – we were all put into the house because we have a personality. They saw something in us that helped us get chosen. Once we got in the house, that’s where I think I was different than the other girls. I was looking at things more from a business angle, and most of them were there to have fun.

I saw it as a competition and an opportunity, and they didn’t. I’m an internal person. I need to think about things when I hear them, and then process it. I was always nervous when it was time for critiques, so it’s hard to stand out sometimes.

RNO: When I talked to Clark last week, she had mentioned that you really aren’t given much of a chance to show the judges your personality. Would you say that is a fair assessment?

Lauren Brie: That is definitely a fair assessment. The only time you get to see the panel is when you are ready to be eliminated, and there isn’t really much you can do at that point. Beside the onetime Tyra came by the house to help us with our photo shoot, we didn’t see her at all except for panel.

RNO: Looking back, do you regret you comment on Analeigh not really being competition, seeing that she is really growing on the judges?

Lauren Brie: Not so much. I think Analeigh is a beautiful girl, but I don’t find her modelesque at all. She’s just not the model type. I don’t really regret my comment because that’s my personal opinion, so I’m going to stick by it.

RNO: At the beginning of the competition, it seemed like you were one of the girls to beat, but then began to slip in the rankings. Where would you say it began to turn around for you?

Lauren Brie: I don’t really think I was slipping in the rankings at all! I know that I had a stronger portfolio than most of the other girls that are still there, but they can’t be blamed for my elimination. It’s a personal decision that the judges need to make, but I know in my heart that I had stronger photos than the other girls, even in the last photo shoot I was in!

RNO: Are you surprised that Marjorie has been able to do so well in the competition, despite having no confidence in herself whatsoever?

Lauren Brie: Confidence and personality are two totally different things in the competition. Just because you aren’t showing confidence, doesn’t mean that the judges won’t like the personality that you do show. The judges really like Marjorie as a person, and that has really served her well.

RNO: What would you say was the hardest or unexpected twist about being on a reality TV show?

Lauren Brie: I wouldn’t say there was anything unexpected. I went into this whole thing with no expectations except to learn. What I didn’t realize is how long the days are. You are up early and go to bed very late. The days were extremely long. The competition really does take a toll on you.

RNO: Standing with Sheena in front of the judges, did you feel like it was going to be you eliminated at that point, based on what the judges had said earlier?

Lauren Brie: Yeah, I pretty much knew it was me going home when the judges were deliberating. It was nerve wracking because the week before, they sent Clark home for a lack of personality, so I had a good feeling the second they questioned my personality as well that it was probably going to be me eliminated. I saw it coming though, so that helped with the shock.

RNO: Sometimes it seems like Jay says one thing at the photo shoots, and then the judges contradict him and say something else at panel. How would you compare the experience at photo shoots with Jay at panel to the way things transcend into panel? Do you think they coincide?

Lauren Brie: It’s funny because at the shoot, Jay really does say some different things, and he gives great advice. He could tell you that you did well, and then it’s a crummy photo in front of the judges. I think my main problem is that I was never sure between what is wanted and what is given at the photo shoots.

RNO: Again, when I talked to Clark last week, she had some harsh words about Isis and a transgendered person being in the competition this year. What is you stance on Isis being in the competition, and do you think it was fair?

Lauren Brie: I think it was totally fair for Isis to be in the competition. I’m not one to judges, and Isis is so nice. She IS a woman, and just has different circumstances than myself or the other girls do. It wouldn’t be fair for me to say that she shouldn’t be allowed to pursue her dreams just as much as I would like to go after mine.

RNO: What kind of advice would you give to girls that are thinking about applying for future seasons of the show? What can they do in order to stick out in front of the judges?

Lauren Brie: Just know if it’s the right time for you, and be sure it’s something that you want to pursue. Also, just realize that it CAN be you, but you have to try for it to happen. Show your personality and be loud – stand out!

RNO: Are you specifically rooting for anyone now that you have been eliminated?

Lauren Brie: Not really. I mean, I guess Elina because she has a face that is so beautiful and unique. She’s a cool girl too, but I wanted to win!

RNO: What is your plan from here? Do you still intend on pursuing a career in modeling?

Lauren Brie: I’m a senior in college now and I’ll have my degree in business management when I’m finished. I just want to graduate at this point, then the plan is to move to NYC and really jump into the modeling industry. I know it’s hard to model and have another full time job, so modeling is going to be my only focus for the next few years at least.

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

Lauren Brie: Just thank you all so much for everything. Thanks to those that have been watching the show, and especially thanks to those that were rooting for me to win!

RNO: Thanks, Lauren Brie!

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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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