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

Jenah Doucette Comes in a Distant Third on America's Next Top Model

 
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Tyra is the best so it doesn't matter what anyone else says because she has a fair judgement and i love ere.............x No-one should disrepect Tyra as if it wasn't 4 ere none of these models would have been what they are todaii....x Every model should be thanking Tyra every daii for making them what they are todaii, because i would love to be a model but i haven't had the oppertunity like the girls which have been on the show....x If i met Tyra i would be so happy and would be thankingm mii lucky stars ..........x I love Tyra ... Love her "top model" shows ...........Love her Tyra Banks show ..........Love all the models that she has made....x

Posted on 02/23/2008 at 1:02:26 AM

Agreed. What a sham perpertrated on the viewing public and the other contestants. Those lengthy ties to Tyra, national tv ads for Wendy's and possibly more make a mockery of contest regulations and guidelines. I feel especially bad for runner-up Chantal.

Posted on 01/07/2008 at 9:01:04 AM

Thanks Ayanna...the odd thing is that everyone who claimed this call for content predicted that Saleisha would be the winner. I guess we all saw the same qualities in her that made her the Top Model.

Posted on 12/28/2007 at 4:12:25 PM

I am literally addicted to this show. Thanks for posting this article!! And....you were right!!!

Posted on 12/28/2007 at 4:12:57 PM

jenah was the best model out of the three she should have won

Posted on 12/20/2007 at 1:12:58 PM

This show was a sham. Saleisha had the least amount of "model talent" of the top three. Tyra sold us all out for the sake giving an old buddy an distinct and yet unfair advantage over many other far more talented girls. Not to mention this "winner" violated Tyra's own rules about being a "working model" prior to participation on the show. Disappointed, disgusted, and disillusioned...

Posted on 12/13/2007 at 2:12:24 AM

All names were checked and cross-checked before publication of this piece. I stand by the names as is.

Posted on 12/13/2007 at 1:12:04 AM

Is this all true??????? D:

Posted on 12/12/2007 at 9:12:35 PM

Jenah Doucette is a real name though- TVRage.com

Posted on 12/12/2007 at 8:12:06 PM

Those aren't the real names. Chantal's confirmed her real first name is Heather, but she went as her middle name "Chantal" (not Chantaline) for the show. Cooper and Abeknowe are fake last names as well.

Posted on 12/12/2007 at 8:12:33 PM

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