America's Next Top Model Cycle 9: Saleisha Cooper Will Walk Away with the Top Prize

After starting with a field of thirty-three lovely hopefuls, only three women remain in the competition to become "America's Next Top Model." During the Cycle 9 finale, Saleisha Cooper, the 21-year-old receptionist from Los Angeles, California will be the one who will walk down the runway with the top prize.

America's Next Top Model Cycle 9 Winner Saleisha Cooper Has Come a Long Way

During the weekly competitions and photo shoots, Saleisha Cooper kept her head in the game, even when she was dangling from a wire harness in Episode 10. Later in that same episode, director Jeffrey Chu said that she had a very good presence while filming her commercial for CoverGirl's Queen Collection. Tyra Banks confirmed Saleisha's status when she told her that inner beauty goes a long way. "From week to week, the judges are impressed with your spirit," Banks said.

When the girls went to "Go See" famous fashion designers in Episode 11, Saleisha came in second and, later on during the photo shoot, art director Jay Manuel summed up Saleisha's chances when he said "Every week, Saleisha gives me timid, but she's turned around, she's turned a new leaf." Banks, who served as guest photographer in Episode 12, confirmed Saleisha's high standing when she said "You put your nerves into your work."

America's Next Top Model Cycle 9 Runner-Up Chantaline Albeknowe

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Chantaline Albeknowe, who goes by the name Chantal on the show, is too easily swayed by praise and criticism. Jeffrey Chu liked the girl-next-door quality she has and thought she had great potential, but Jay Manuel said "She's forcing the pose. She's hearing the critique week after week and she's going (away) from something natural and beautiful."

At the end of Episode 11, Tyra Banks also cautioned Chantal that "Praise is a great thing, but celebrate on the inside." The judges tend to like her looks, but Chantal's pretty head is too easily swayed for her to be a top model at this point in her career.

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