Saleisha Wins ANTM
Saleisha Stowers, a receptionist from Los Angeles, was crowned the winner of the ninth cycle of The CW’s hit reality series “America’s Next Top Model.”
The three remaining models participated in a CoverGirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers commercial and print ad. Cycle eight winner, Jaslene, surprised the girls for moral support and coaching during this important stage of the competition before the girls headed back for the penultimate elimination. While the judging panel had critiques for each of the girls’ performances, they were impressed by how Saleisha portrayed herself. “Saleisha, I feel, is CoverGirl when it comes to who she is, what she stands for and how she portrays herself,” Tyra said. The judges decided that while Jenah took amazing photos, her strong personality made her unapproachable and ultimately led to her elimination from the competition.
The next day, Saleisha and Chantal met with Seventeen magazine editor-in-chief Ann Shoket for their cover photo shoot. Emotions ran high as both finalists realized their dreams were within their grasp.
The following day, Saleisha and Chantal faced off on in a Royal Fashion Show located outside of the Forbidden City. The girls passed through 500 extras and entertainers on stilts representing the past as they portrayed fashion of the future. “This is my destiny. I’m going to go out there and do it,” Saleisha exclaimed before hitting the runway. While both girls impressed the judges, Saleisha presented herself as the more seasoned runway model.
During the final judging panel, the judges considered the runway challenge, as well as each girl’s performance throughout the competition. While the judges agreed that both Saleisha and Chantal were strong contenders, Saleisha’s growth and perseverance gave her the edge. “When I was younger… I had low self-esteem and I just wasn’t happy with my life. I have grown into a strong young woman and I’m so happy with myself right now and the place that I am at,” Saleisha said after Tyra announced that she had become “America’s Next Top Model.”
In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year’s prize package for the winner of The CW’s “America’s Next Top Model” will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.
The ninth cycle of the hit reality series “America’s Next Top Model” on The CW follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok (“Making the Band”) and Daniel Soiseth (“Hell’s Kitchen”).
“America’s Next Top Model” airs Wednesdays, (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on The CW. For more information about “America’s Next Top Model” log on to www.cwtv.com.
