America's Next Top Model Contestants You Don't Hear Much From Now
"America's Next Top Model" was a must-watch television phenomenon. Premiering in 2003, a total of 311 contestants from all 50 States have since competed "to be on top." Remember the dramatic makeovers? Or the nail-biting dread that your favorite model could end up in the bottom two?
However, it's fair to say that despite the success of the series in the early 2000s, the show has not exactly aged well. As the contestants competed for a lucrative modeling contract and a chance for a CoverGirl cosmetics deal, they were subjected to outrageous tasks. Who could forget the infamous Blackface photoshoot in Cycle 13, for example, or when the Cycle 4 contestants were forced to pose with an actual crocodile? Or take Cycle 7, when in the first round of cuts, the models had to do a nude photoshoot on a rooftop or face early elimination. Meanwhile, the models themselves were often a source of hilarious one-liners and comedy gold. Cycle 6's Jade Cole's quip, "This is not 'America's Next Top Best Friend,'" and creator Tyra Banks' meme-worthy moment, "I was rooting for you! We were all rooting for you! How dare you!" are now cemented in pop culture.
Furthering its success, the "ANTM" brand has also been adapted for numerous countries around the world, with more than 40 versions of the series produced internationally. But after 24 cycles in the OG American series airing by 2018, did you ever wonder whatever happened to your favorite "Top Model" contestant?
Ann Ward (Cycle 15)
In 2010, Ann Ward won the hearts of fans with her adorable awkwardness and sweet Southern smile. In a "Top Model" first, Ward was the initial call-out for best photo for the first 5 weeks of the show. However, Ward's "Top Model" tenure initially caused controversy after the judges took notice of her naturally thin waist. Her frame was so small, runway trainer J. Alexander could wrap both his hands around her. Per ABC News, a trailer for Cycle 15 showed Tyra Banks in awe of Ward's slim stature, which led to negative chatter about Banks seemingly encouraging the stereotype of the "skinny model." She quickly released a statement to People "apologiz[ing] for any confusion, anger or disappointment [her comments] caused."
Ward made it to the final two alongside Chelsey Hersley. The pair filmed a CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion commercial and participated in a Roberto Cavalli fashion show. In the end, the judges were impressed with Ward's undeniable model potential, and she was announced the winner. However, these days, you're more likely to see Ward in an art studio than on the runway.
On Twitter (where she has over 23,000 followers), she describes herself as a "concept artist/character designer/animator." Ward also has a strong following on Instagram, where she connects with her 27,000 fans and shares her unique designs. According to her portfolio, the former model is now "a full time concept artist and motion designer at the AR and VR advertising agency, Groove Jones."
Annalaina Marks (Cycle 3)
Ann Markley had some odd moments in Cycle 3 due to her complex relationship with eventual season winner Eva Marcille. Markley got off to a rocky start and was given some serious side eye when the finalists first got to the house. She hysterically sobbed to Eva about Eva not fighting for them to share a room together. In a later episode, Ann and Eva infuriated fellow contestant Cassie by writing "clean your s**t" in her brownies. However, Markley gained fan support after braving her fear of flying to go to photoshoots in Jamaica and Japan. The model's beautiful visage didn't always translate to her photos and led to her becoming the eleventh girl eliminated, placing her fourth.
After the show, Ann changed her name to Annalaina Marks and reportedly signed to Elite Model Management. As of 2021, Ann is signed to Wilhelmina Models New York and talent agency Innovative Artists. Marks and Colin Branca married and had three kids, but she announced on her Instagram page in August that the pair had divorced. The working model and mom is also an entrepreneur. Marks set up the lifestyle website Full Feedings "to help parents make deliberate choices that will lead to consistent nighttime sleep for their child." She has started another venture called The Therapeutic Third to help "people connect and comfort through their grief."
Mercedes Yvette (Cycle 2)
In 2004, Mercedes Scelba-Shorte gained popularity in Cycle 2 of "America's Next Top Model." Despite being well-liked by fans, she was constantly criticized by the judges for having a look that was "too commercial." In episode 5, Scelba-Shorte gained sympathy and respect when she opened up about living with the autoimmune disease lupus. Scelba-Shorte eventually made it to her spot as one of the final two contestants, fought a close race with eventual winner Yoanna House, and was declared the runner-up.
After the show, Scelba-Shorte changed her professional name to Mercedes Yvette and is now a certified yoga instructor. She became the spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America and signed with Nous Model Management. She's appeared in a number of magazines, including Teen Vogue and Wedding Dresses, per her website. Yvette co-founded a jewelry line called the Gilded Fox, which officially stopped operating in 2019.
She is the co-host of a virtual talk show with fellow "America's Next Top Model" alum April Wilkner called "Throwback Thursday Time." The series features past contestants from the show who dish on their experiences. Mercedes Yvette has landed small roles in a number of TV shows, including "One on One" and "The Bold and the Beautiful." On Instagram, she has close to 30,000 followers and describes herself as a "healthcare activist, actress/host," and "brand rep in home decor" for Luxe Design Living.
Yoanna House-Lineberry (Cycle 2)
Yoanna House made it her mission to become a fashion model after graduating from the University of North Florida. But she soon faced difficulty going into the industry because she didn't meet the conventional modeling body type at the time. House eventually lost 50 pounds by adopting an exercise plan that suited her (via E!). She auditioned for Cycle 2 of "Top Model" and often argued with fellow contestant Camille McDonald. In an interview with Oliver Twixt, House said McDonald "can be a challenging personality" and said "she was an ill-mannered woman." But House's strong will and edgy photos helped her beat out Mercedes Scelba-Shorte to become the series winner. Per E!, prizes for this cycle included an IMG Models contract, a fashion spread for Jane magazine, and a Sephora catalogue cover.
House's schedule picked up after her win, and per CBS News, she enjoyed all the excitement and the fast pace. She walked in New York Fashion Week in 2015 and secured an HSN hosting job (via E!). She is still modeling and describes herself on Instagram as a "T.V. host," "fashion model," and "producer." House has over 160,000 followers on the social networking site. In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates. The 41-year-old says her "proudest achievement" is being mom to son Alastair, born in August 2008 with attorney husband Gregory Lineberry, the man she's called her "best friend" (via E!).
Amanda Swafford (Cycle 3)
Amanda Lynn Swafford was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when she was 14. "It's a degenerative disease. Before you go completely blind, you lose your night vision, so I'm completely night-blind," she told Metro in 2009. Swafford explained that her condition didn't limit her modeling abilities. She added, "I've wanted to model since I was three. I always enjoyed posing for the camera. When I realized people would pay you to take your picture, I decided I wanted to model." Her strong will and extraordinary photos landed her a place in the top three and a trip to Tokyo. She eventually became second runner-up behind Yaya DaCosta and eventual winner Eva Marcille.
These days, Swafford works as a part-time stylist and still occasionally models. Since the show, Swafford has worked for Levi's in an ad campaign with other visually impaired models. She has appeared on magazine covers, including Bliss for Bride. In 2014, Amanda Swafford made headlines when she started a GoFundMe for help with medical expenses after chipping her tooth on a chicken bone (via TMZ). Swafford's son, Elijah "Eli" O'Connell, is making a name for himself in the modeling world. Clearly taking after his mom, he is signed to Cycle 6 contestant Mollie Sue Steenis' modeling agency, Gondi Group.
Jade Cole (Cycle 6)
Jade Cole of Cycle 6 called herself a "biracial butterfly" and an "undiscovered supermodel" (via Bustle). She even created a production company called Biracial Butterfly Productions! Cole's undeniable confidence and eagerness to win "ANTM" at all costs came across as arrogant and self-centered to some viewers, thus making her public enemy number one with fans and competitors alike. Jade Cole seemed to thrive on the blatant insecurities of fellow model Gina Choe. Cole couldn't understand why Choe, a Korean American, lacked confidence in her skin. She teased a terrified Choe after an outlandish challenge saw the models take to the runway while holding a live cockroach.
Despite rubbing the judges the wrong way with her know-it all personality and fake crying, Cole made it to the final three and went to Thailand. After struggling with the Covergirl commercial, she became second runner-up and was eliminated, telling the cameras, "My confidence was definitely mistaken for arrogance." Today, according to Cole's private Instagram page, she is (and forever shall be) the "Original Undiscovered Supermodel." The model signed to Elite Model Management and several other agencies: Diva Models Singapore, Dream Models Hong Kong, Warning Models Los Angeles, and VMH Models Vancouver. Jade Cole has also worked with the Casa de Amparo organization because she "was touched by their vision of ending child abuse and decided to become a volunteer" (via The Coast News).
Alisha White (Cycle 18)
In 2012, Alisha White competed on the 18th cycle, dubbed "America's Next Top Model: British Invasion." White was previously a runner-up on "Britain's Next Top Model" in 2010. Although she secured some wins by receiving the best photo twice, for her Hello Kitty and music video photoshoots, White found the process difficult. In the U.S. vs. U.K. icons photoshoot, White did not perform well, so she sobbed on set. A subsequent shoot in Macau, China, was not a success, either. After ending up in the bottom two once more with fellow model Eboni Davis, White was saved by the judges. Immediately following this advancement, she tearfully told Tyra Banks, "I can't stay." She needed to "walk away to get [her] spirit back" and did not want to stay in the competition and take other contestants' spots. White recalled in an interview with Digital Spy, "I wasn't feeling like myself," noting that she did not see herself in her pictures, and she was "not happy."
White spoke to Oliver Twixt in 2020 about how disappointed she was in Banks, whom she formerly idolized. White told Twixt that Banks casually walked past her as she sat crying in elimination after deciding to quit. "A simple 'Are you okay, Alisha?' would have been enough for me. I didn't even get that," the model said. She shared how she developed PTSD as a direct result of appearing on the season; White also confirmed a long-held internet rumor that she was apparently set up to win before deciding to leave the show.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
Adrianne Curry (Cycle 1)
Adrianne Marie Curry was the first-ever winner of "America's Next Top Model," which premiered in 2003. Curry was promised a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models and a contract with Revlon. But according to Curry, the Revlon deal never materialized. In 2017, the model published a blog article titled: "The truth about Top Model" (now archived). She revealed that when she met with Revlon, the cosmetics giant told her that "they never planned on using the winner" for advertisements. Curry was very vocal about the lack of support after winning Cycle 1. Her criticism led to her being scrubbed from the "ANTM" opening credits in Cycles 7, 8 and 9. Curry went on to model for several magazines, including People, Maxim, and Playboy.
After meeting on reality show "The Surreal Life," Curry began a relationship with former "Brady Brunch" star Christopher Knight. Their relationship and eventual 2006 marriage was documented in VH1's "My Fair Brady." The couple divorced in 2013, and in 2018, Curry married voice actor Matthew Rhode. Curry left Hollywood for Montana and retired from modeling. She continues her lifestyle blog and sells Avon makeup.
After removing a 2020 post about her time on "America's Next Top Model," Curry wrote on Instagram, "I've been happily living a pretty low profile life outside of being an online Avon Lady and I quite enjoy it. I didn't know such old news would cause such a stir in the press...AGAIN. ... 'Relevancy' is important for those still in the game. I tapped out a few years ago. Game over. I win."
CariDee English (Cycle 7)
In 2016, CariDee English was declared the winner of Cycle 7 of "America's Next Top Model." English beat out Eugena Washington and Melrose Bickerstaff to clinch the title. The natural blonde gained popularity with fans for her outspoken nature and stunning photographs, and for raising awareness about psoriasis. However, English's candor almost lost her the competition. The Fashion Week model was criticized for making a flippant remark to fashion photographer and "ANTM" judge Nigel Barker. During the bullfighting photo shoot in Barcelona, she said to Barker: "Did you just remove that from your a** from the last panel?" referring to a large stick the noted fashion photog was holding.
English secured a $100,000 CoverGirl Cosmetics deal, an Elite Models contract, and a six-page fashion editorial and cover for Seventeen (via Insider). She has taken part in many campaigns, including work for JC Penney and Bisou Bisou. English also has acting experience and is a photographer and drummer who has performed with Celebrity DJ Lindsay Luv as well as New York-based DJ and producer Zeke Thomas.
White has told Health about another important pursuit: lobbying Congress for increased funding for psoriasis research. "At 17, I joined a modeling agency, hiding my psoriasis behind layers and layers of makeup all over my body. ... After winning 'Top Model,' I became a spokesperson for the National Psoriasis Foundation to advocate for the 7.5 million Americans living with the disease," she shared.
Renee Alway (Cycle 8)
In 2007, Renee Alway competed in Cycle 8 of "Top Model." Alway was often criticized for her mature look, but she was able to obtain two first call-outs and win two challenges. Alway made it to the final three and went to Australia with fellow competitors Natasha Galkina and Jaslene Gonzalez. In the finale, Alway's CoverGirl cosmetics campaign garnered positive comments from the judges. However, she was eliminated for not looking as youthful as Galkina and Gonzalez.
In 2008, Alway joined four other "ANTM" stars for a spin-off called "Modelville" as part of "The Tyra Banks Show." The models competed for a $50,000 contract with beauty brand Carol's Daughter. After placing as the runner-up, Alway stormed off the set in tears. She admitted to the audience that she only had $11 in her bank account. The founder of Carol's Daughter, Lisa Price, promised they would work with her in the future.
But in 2013, TMZ reported that Alway was arrested for drug possession, committing a felony when she was on bail, suspicion of burglary, theft, fraud, and forged bills. The mom-of-three was given a 12-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to four counts of burglary, one count of firearm possession while a felon, one count of vehicle theft, "and a misdemeanor count of identity theft" (via ABC News). Though she was released early in 2018 for good behavior, Alway was arrested for domestic violence in September 2019.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.
Furonda Brasfield (Cycle 6)
Furonda Brasfield was a contestant on Cycle 6 of "Top Model" in 2006. The prizes were a contract with Ford Models, an Elle cover and fashion spread, and a CoverGirl cosmetics $100,000 contract (via Insider). Brasfield was successful in making it to the overseas trip to Thailand and placed fifth behind eventual winner Danielle Evans. After "Top Model," Brasfield reportedly signed with L.A. Models and included OP Swimwear in her clientele. Brasfield later left the industry and set her sights on a profession in law, so she trained to be an attorney.
The Arkansas native told ABA Journal, "There has been a shortage of advocates my whole life," which seems to be why she was determined to practice her profession in a rural locale. That, and the wide open spaces. "We have trees, we have grass, people have yards," she said of her Arkansas home.
Per HuffPost, Brasfield was the Executive Director of the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Arkansas' only organization focused mainly on that cause. She's championed many social justice issues, working toward economic equality, HIV/AIDS awareness, and criminal justice reform, to name a few. Brasfield earned "a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville," and she received "her Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's William H. Bowen Law School," per her website. In addition to her numerous civic duties, Brasfield is a member of the Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System Steering Committee and the NAACP.
Tiffany Richardson (Cycles 3 and 4)
"Be quiet, Tiffany! BE QUIET! What's wrong with you? STOP IT! I have never in my life yelled at a girl like this. When my mother yells like this it's because she loves me. I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you!" Who could forget the classic moment when Tyra Banks read Cycle 4's Tiffany Richardson for filth? Richardson originally auditioned for Cycle 3 but got into an epic bar fight that kept her from a spot in the house (via BuzzFeed). She came back for the following Cycle, with a new seemingly calm demeanor.
But Richardson's strong resolve started to chip away after a series of tough challenges. Her nonchalant attitude got her sent home in a double elimination with Rebecca Epley, ultimately leading to one of Tyra Banks' most memeable moments. Richardson revealed in her 2017 BuzzFeed interview that Banks' words were actually much worse than what was shown. She claims Banks told her: "You can go back to your house and sleep on your mattress on the floor with your baby!" After "ANTM," Richardson modeled for MQtease and Passion International Hair. Richardson reportedly mentors troubled teenagers at a group home in Miami.
Jeana Turner (Cycle 24)
Jeana Turner was a contestant on Cycle 24 of "America's Next Top Model." She won the hearts of fans by showing off her bald head and sharing her story with alopecia. In an emotional makeover episode, producers told Turner she'd have to remove her wig. Turner has suffered with hair loss since the age of 12 and tried to conceal it for most of her life by wearing wigs. After her wig was removed from her head, Turner had a pure moment of self-acceptance and empowerment. After surviving eliminations, she rejoined the competition and was runner-up.
Since leaving "ANTM," Turner has been very critical of the show. She acknowledged that she has breached her contract with "ANTM's" production company to discuss the series. The model explained everything in a video on YouTube exposing her experience at the hands of creator and host Tyra Banks.
The model shared how she was affected by the fact that Banks shamed her for doing Playboy photoshoots previously. She claims the retired supermodel told her she "sound[ed] like a f***ing prostitute." Turner said that judge Ashley Graham was the only one who stuck up for her; she then reminded her YouTube viewers that the show did not air any of this in the episode. Turner is still a working model, having posed for outlets including Imirage Magazine and Morphe. She is currently signed to Envy Models in New York and We Speak Models in Los Angeles and has 243,000 Instagram followers.
Joanie Dodds (Cycle 6)
Joanie Dodds was a contestant on Cycle 6 of "America's Next Top Model." The judges and fans fell for Dodds' sense of humor, and Tyra Banks lauded her stunning photos. It came at a cost, as in episode 8, when Banks sent the models to the dentist for a teeth whitening. Dodds — who had a snaggletooth — spent hours in agony in the dentist chair while they inserted a new set of veneers. During her time on the show, Dodds constantly clashed with fellow contestant Jade Cole, but she formed a bond with fellow model Sara Albert-Hallmark and eventual winner Danielle Evans. The model was runner-up.
After a successful modeling career posing for GQ and ELLEgirl while reportedly signed with Nu Talent and NOUS Models, Dodds left the catwalk for carpentry. The 39-year-old became one of two new carpenters on the reboot for TLC's "Trading Spaces" after picking up the skills from her dad growing up (via the Daily Mail). Now known as Joanie Sprague, she is currently the host of "The Little Bit Podcast" where she dishes on her passion for design and shares 'Top Model" secrets. On Instagram, Dodds describes herself as "Maker, Carpenter, DIY expert." It seems that she'll always have some love for modeling, since she's posted work on her IG, including this in part of a 2020 caption: "Modeling to me will always be a place to become something you're not, to be a muse, an actor, to lose yourself in the character. That's what it was all about for me."