Why America's Next Top Models Never Become Supermodels

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.