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.

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One of the smart things about the fashion indusry is that it never has an open mind towards reality TV winners without prior modeling experience and knowledge. Till Jaslene Gonzales, the winner of each cycle knew about fashion but didn't have a portfolio prior to auditioning for the show. ANTM is something supported by any designer or agency because the content after the first one became more focused on the entertainment factor than accurately portraying the fashion industry. To top it off, none of the girls (excluding Adrianne Curry) passed for a model. It's partly due to Tyra constantly choosing too many awkward-looking girls instead of girls who fit the body standard. Watching videos, attending fashion shows, reading books and magazines are part of what helps one to get signed to an agency. Agents do not hyave time for girls who want to play "model" or think they want to model but don't know much about the profession. The sad thing about the show is Tyra, the judges (excluding Janic

Posted on 02/05/2009 at 12:02:10 AM

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

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