Why America's Next Top Models Never Become Supermodels

By Ayanna G., published Mar 19, 2007
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If you're anything like me, you're a huge fan of some today's hottest reality television programs. I will admit that I am an avid America's Next Top Model (ANTM) viewer. The ultra-posh "cribs", the fabulous wardrobes, and the occasional celebrity appearances are enough to keep me glued to the TV set. Additionally, I enjoy the entire process involved in transforming "ordinary" women into glamorous catwalking mannequins. But with each passing Cycle of ANTM, I have noticed that the next Top Models appear to be missing from many of the fashion publications I tend to read, which leads me to wonder whether any top model ever becomes a supermodel...

THE EXAMPLES

Cycle 1: Adrienne Curry has been extremely forthcoming about her displeasure regarding the modeling career that was "promised" to her by ANTM executives. As a matter of fact, Curry claims that she was promised payment for some Revlon work, but has yet to receive a dime. Whether these claims are true is a moot point. Curry and her good looks have yet to be seen on anywhere other than in Reality TV Land fluff. Her most promising feat? Marrying into the Brady Bunch---literally.

Cycle 2: Cycle 2 presented a stronger set of candidates than the first one. The winner in this cycle, Yoanna House, won over many fans with her Audrey Hepburn-esque good looks, and classy appeal. Yet, for all her fashion savvy, she ended up trading the runways for fledgling PR work, and mid-rate fashion reality shows.

Cycle 3: Eva Pigford was the first African-American model on the show to be named the Next Top Model. Her stunning golden skin and spunky appeal was enough to win over the judges. But her win has only granted her bridal magazine covers and multiple appearances on B-List CW (network) sitcoms, and hip-hop videos.

Cycle 4: This cycle saw a new kind of beauty in the audacious, mohawked, yet fresh-faced Naima Mora. Her face has been planted in many CoverGirl commercials (She won a contract with ANTM). Naima has actually done quite a bit of runway modeling. But her most popular stints are for companies like Walmart, ELLEgirl, and the Miss Teen USA pageant.

Why America's Next Top Models Never Become Supermodels

The cast of ANTM Season 7

Credit: ANTM

Copyright: ANTM

Takeaways
  • Some speculate that the show's format is a deterrent for designers looking for models.
  • Many of the models come onto the show to further careers in things OTHER than modeling.
  • Each Cycle winner has only acquired a small amount of couture runway work.
Comments
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They ae all beautiful woman...uniquely in their own ways, i think they need to express themselves fully. They have nothing to hide from themselves or anybody.

Posted on 08/02/2007 at 4:08:00 PM

 
you can't even call them top models

Posted on 07/28/2007 at 8:07:00 AM

 
hey, i like the show, but i totally agree=]

Posted on 05/11/2007 at 3:05:00 PM

 
yOU KNOW i ALWAYS WONDERED WHY Caridee, Eva or any other models never became such big supermodels. i never knew that Tyra didn;t have much control over what happened 2 the winners.

Posted on 05/02/2007 at 7:05:00 PM

 
YOU ARE SO AWESOME

Posted on 05/02/2007 at 7:05:00 PM

 
Omg, wtf? I actually agree a lot with you. The most of the winners has never really been anyway noteable. I, who live in denmark, has mostly seen some of the others, like sara, cycle 6, doing a covergirl commercial in tv. So, I must say, winning isn't all, a lot of girls have proved that! (But I really hope Caridee makes an effort, since she won, cuz I really want her to be succesful, she was my fave...)

Posted on 04/23/2007 at 7:04:00 AM

 
Very well-written! Read like a magazine article!

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 1:03:00 PM

 
Talent search contests dont ever seem to really work look at idol where is Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Taylor Hicks? Its just capitolist TV cashing in on people feeling a part of a show and making as much money off the person while they can.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 1:03:00 PM

 
Great article...I was wondering what happened to the girls after they won!?

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 11:03:00 AM

 
Very interesting.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 9:03:00 AM

 
They are all hookers.. THAT is how they will make their money. Super model, or not.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 7:03:00 AM

 
Very well done article, It is tragic these girls are being used in my opinion and pathetic to see these skeletal girls doing demeaning things to try to be a super model? Doesn't work and it is humiliating, I only watched at flipping through channels, it was too painful to see.

Posted on 03/21/2007 at 6:03:00 AM

 
Have you noticed a pattern with ANTM model winners? Cycle 1 - Caucasian winner; Cycle 2 - Caucasian winner; Cycle 3 - African-American winner; Cycle 4 - African American winner; Cycle 5 - Caucasian winner; Cycle 6 - African American winner; Cycle 7 - Caucasian winner I think you are correct in that execs want to keep the score even among races.

Posted on 03/20/2007 at 1:03:00 PM

 
Great article. While they haven't gotten the "big" gigs, they have done some things. We should remember that getting "supermodel" status requires lots of years and hard work. It's not going to come overnight. At least they now have a better shot, due to the exposure of the show. I don't think any of them expected that it would happen overnight, even after they won. Even if they had gotten nothing from it, other than to be on the show, I am sure that is an experience they will remember for a lifetime. People should remember the titke is America's "Next" Top Model, not America's Top Model. There is a difference. Your article was very informative and thought provoking. Thanks. :)

Posted on 03/20/2007 at 10:03:00 AM

 
Thanks for all the great comments! (I say that every time, right?) At any rate, Leslie--I completely see where you're coming from with your opinion. In actuality, I believe that the reality show format does these models in as far as "supermodel" status is concerned. Additionally, I think that some of the models' goals are nowhere related to "supermodelism." Thus, their careers are ultimately limited. I am glad that the article appeals to so many. Thanks for the read!!

Posted on 03/20/2007 at 7:03:00 AM

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