We were all rooting for them! Find out where the &34;ANTM&34; champs are now strutting their stuff. America's Next Top Model, then and now: Where the reality sh

We were all rooting for them! Find out where the "ANTM" champs are now strutting their stuff.

America's Next Top Model, then and now: Where the reality show winners are today

We were all rooting for them! Find out where the "ANTM" champs are now strutting their stuff.

By Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

EW's editorial guidelines

and James Mercadante

Published on August 19, 2025 08:45AM EDT

Leave a Comment

Eva Marcille on 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 3; Nicole Fox on 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 13; Krista White on 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 14. Credit:

Hyungwon Ryoo/CBS Photo Archive via Getty; Ryan Goble/The CW/Everett; Barbara Nitke/The CW/Everett

After 15 years and 24 cycles, *America's Next Top Model* hung up its final photo in 2018.

While the heart of the reality series was about finding beautiful contestants who could serve H2T (head to toe) and deliver the best shots week after week, many of the challenges designed to push them have — to put it lightly — not aged well. In recent years, clips of the show's most controversial moments have resurfaced, with host Tyra Banks acknowledging the show's *many* missteps. However, the model-turned-mogul has also defended her mission to "bring diversity to that television show at a time where it didn't exist."

"Did we get it right? *Hell no.* I said some dumb s---," she said at the 2025 *Essence* Black Women in Hollywood event. "But I refuse to have my legacy be about some stuff linked together on the Internet when there were 24 cycles of changing the world. And I am so excited that I, and so many of us, have opened that door for others to follow."

With Banks now set to revisit *ANTM's *history in a multi-episode Netflix documentary, fans will likely hear other first-hand accounts from those who lived through the highs (and lows) of the competition.

But if you can't wait until then, EW has 24 winners standing before you. See where they've ended up since they first fought to be on top.

Adrianne Curry (Cycle 1)

Adrianne Curry attends the 2003 TCA UPN Summer Party in L.A.; Adrianne Curry smiles while holding a pie in 2025.

Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage; Adrianne Curry/Instagram

Illinois-born Adrianne Curry became the country's first-ever Next Top Model when the show aired its Cycle 1 finale on July 15, 2003. The laid-back brunette, then 20, modeled Baby Phat in the final challenge and beat out fellow finalists Shannon Stewart and Elyse Sewell to take home the crown.

"My season of *Top Model*, I was the only winner that won no money. Zero dollars," Curry said during a June 2025 episode of *Just B With Bethenny Frankel*. "You know what's really funny is everyone wanted me to dog pile on Tyra Banks when 2020 was happening and everyone was getting pissed. And I was like, 'No, because if anyone has a right to be mad at her, it's me.' And I'm over it. I don't give a s--- anymore. What she taught me was the truth of entertainment."

"It's cutthroat," she continued. "You can't trust everybody, and everyone is lying to you. So she actually gave me a great lesson, and the show was just an avenue for her to propel herself into something else after she aged out at modeling. I see that now. And if I can let it go, everyone else can."

While Curry briefly pursued a modeling career after the show, she is perhaps best known for her TV work. The star, who was on the cover of *Playboy *and booked a few ad campaigns in the mid-2000s, signed on for the fourth season of *The Surreal Life*, where she met and started dating *Brady Bunch* alum Christopher Knight. The two would go on to star on their own VH1 reality spinoff, *My Fair Brady,* which followed the couple's engagement, wedding, and first year of marriage from 2005 to 2008. They finalized their divorce in 2012.

Curry continued her reality turn, appearing on PlayStation Network's *The Tester* in 2010 and 2012 and popping up on *Hello Ross!*, *Dr. Drew on Call*, and *L.A. Hair* throughout 2014. However, Curry has stepped out of the spotlight, married voice actor Matthew Rhode, and frequently posts updates about her life living in Montana on her Instagram.**

Yoanna House (Cycle 2)

Yoanna House on 'America's Next Top Model'; Yoanna House takes a mirror selfie in a bathrobe and towel head wrap.

John P. Filo/CBS Photo Archive/Getty; Yoanna House/Instagram

Yoanna House was the next top model after Adrianne Curry, winning the second cycle of *ANTM* in 2004. Known for her classic beauty and serious drive, the then-23-year-old Floridian beat out Mercedes Scelba-Shorte and Shandi Sullivan in the final days of the competition to win a modeling contract.

House is still actively modeling. The reality alum walked in Michael Costello's Fall/Winter 2015 fashion show at New York Fashion Week and appeared on HSN as a brand ambassador in 2015. She also hosted the N's reality series *Queen Bees* in 2008 and reunited with her former *ANTM *judge on *The Tyra Banks Show* multiple times throughout the 2000s.

In an October 2020 interview with Oliver Twixt, House talked about her experience on *ANTM *and with Tyra Banks. "I still keep in touch with [Banks]. I really admire her as a businesswoman," she said. "I felt when she was with us, yes, she was genuine. And I have been around a lot of people in this industry who are not genuine, and Tyra really behind the scenes is like a homegirl....I do think she was genuine with us, I do."

In 2008, House welcomed a son, Alastair.

Eva Marcille (Cycle 3)

Eva Marcille on 'America's Next Top Model'; Eva Marcille attends BET's Black + Iconic Soirée in Washington, D.C., on May 24, 2025.

Hyungwon Ryoo/CBS Photo Archive via Getty; Shannon Finney/Getty

One of the more memorable *ANTM* contestants, Eva Marcille (née Eva Marcille Pigford) won the third cycle in 2004. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, the then-20-year-old Angeleno was considered short for industry standards, but that didn't stop her from edging out frontrunners Yaya DaCosta and Amanda Swafford at the finale in Japan — or from taking bold risks, like posing with a tarantula crawling across her face.

"I have no clue how this picture did not just have tears everywhere. I was terrified. I was mortified. I don't know how I got a good picture at all. It taught me a lot about life, like that Whitney Houston song, I didn't realize the strength in me. You don't realize it until you go through something scary enough and come out because you stood firm," she told EW in May 2023. "But...don't take pictures with tarantulas. Those s---s aren't nice. Those little hairs you see? They stick to you as it moves. It's scratching, and it's horrible."

Marcille was a busy model throughout the 2000s, appearing in magazines, ad campaigns, and runway shows. She kept up with her reality TV roots, placing fifth on the VH1 horror competition show *Scared Famous,* and becoming a main cast member on *The Real Housewives of Atlanta *for two seasons.

However, she eventually turned her main attention to acting, nabbing starring roles as Tyra Hamilton on *The Young and the Restless* and Marilyn "Madam" DeVille on BET+'s *All the Queen's Men*, as well as big-screen credits for *24 Hour Love *(2013) and *Sister Code *(2015). She returned to reality TV in seasons 2 and 5 of Peacock's *The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip*, and later starred on the network's *Eat, Slay, Love*.

From 2017 to 2023, Marcille was married to lawyer Michael Sterling, with whom she shares three sons. She also has a daughter from her previous relationship with singer Kevin McCall.

Naima Mora (Cycle 4)

Naima Mora on 'America's Next Top Model'; Naima Mora attends the 'Diarra From Detroit' premiere during the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.

Jim De Yonker/CBS Photo Archive/Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Born in Detroit, Naima Mora won *ANTM*'s fourth cycle in 2005 when she was 21 years old. A leader throughout the competition, Mora impressed on a water-covered final runway and beat out Kahlen Rondot and Keenyah Hill. But after her *ANTM* win, Mora feels her individuality quickly clashed with the fashion industry's narrow beauty standards.

"At the time, fashion was very strict on maintaining weight for models," she said in a now-deleted TikTok video in October 2023. "After the show, I gained a lot of weight, and Ford Models was very upset about it. It put a lot of pressure on me, and it was very challenging. Now, I loved my mohawk, I loved it, and it is one of the ways that I have influenced pop culture, just being myself, so, Ford Models didn't really like it. They didn't like my haircut, they didn't like that I gained weight, they put a lot of pressure on me to grow out my hair and be very, very thin, like, a size 0."

"I didn't fit the industry standard and what the status quo of what a model and what beautiful looked like at the time, so I shaved my head again without asking my booker about it, and, that same day, they dropped me," she continued. "Working with Ford Models was actually very challenging for me to express myself in the most authentic way. So, did I get the contract? Yes. Did it work out for my benefit? No. Did Tyra [Banks] know that this was going to happen? No, she didn't anticipate any of this."**

Mora now describes herself as a "musician, vocalist, author, model, teacher, and public speaker." The star penned *Model Behavior*, a motivational guide that was released as an e-book in 2012 and in paperback one year later, and launched several online workshops for aspiring models. She also co-wrote a play, *The Amazing Adventures of a Woman in Need*, in which she starred in a special Off-Broadway performance in 2021.

Mora still regularly walks in fashion shows and shoots ad campaigns, while also running her own production company. She's in a relationship with David Ott.

The best reality TV hosts of the 2000s, ranked

25 best reality stars of the 2000s

Nicole Linkletter (Cycle 5)

Nicole Linkletter arrives to 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 5 finale event in L.A. on Dec. 7, 2005; Nicole Linkletter poses with her son for a poolside photo in 2025.

Mark Mainz/Getty; Nicole Linkletter/Instagram

A famously polarizing contestant, Nicole Linkletter won the show's fifth cycle at the age of 20. Taking home the title in 2005, the North Dakota-born model beat Nik Pace and frenemy Bre Scullark.

Shying away from *ANTM* after her win, Linkletter made no further appearances on the show, but grew a successful modeling career. She had ad campaigns for Forever 21, various runway gigs, editorial spreads, and a contract with L.A. Models to her name.

In 2013, Linkletter married Adam Nathanson, with whom she shares two children.

Danielle "Dani" Evans (Cycle 6)

Danielle Evans attends the CW Television Network Upfront in NYC on May 18, 2006.

Evan Agostini/Getty; Michael Loccisano/Getty

An Arkansas-born model with the accent to match, Danielle Evans won the sixth cycle of *ANTM* in 2006. Then 21 years old, Evans made a name for herself with her strong photos and fun personality. She beat out Joanie Dodds and Jade Cole to win the finale in Thailand.

Now under Elite Model Management, Evans has continued to model, booking ad campaigns for New York & Company and Talbots, and walking runways for Nicholas K and Pyer Moss. She expanded her career by publishing 2013's *The Skinny on Getting In: An Inside Peek Into the Fashion World for the Aspiring Model* and launching her unisex hat-wear brand, Monrowe, in 2018.

In 2020, a resurfaced *ANTM* clip sparked controversy, showing Tyra Banks pressuring Evans to close the gap in her teeth. Banks later apologized, and Evans addressed the scene in an Instagram video.

"In that moment, the 19-, 20-year-old Danielle stood there realizing that it was my one-way ticket out on this side or keeping my gap on this side and going back to Little Rock, Arkansas. What you think I'm gonna choose, fam?" she said. "I was not going to allow something that was physical on my face to stop me from getting out to make a better life for myself.... It wasn't about copping out. It was about understanding what holds weight and value in my life, and teeth was not one of them."

CariDee English (Cycle 7)

Caridee English attends the third anniversary of Marquee in NYC on Dec. 14, 2006; CariDee English smizes for a selfie with airpods in 2023.

Chance Yeh/Patrick McMullan via Getty; CariDee English/Instagram

The title of Top Model went to CariDee English in 2006's seventh cycle. Born in Fargo, N.D., the 5-foot-11-inch beauty performed well throughout the competition; however, she found herself in hot water after making a questionable joke to judge Nigel Barker. She still managed to come out on top, beating Melrose Bickerstaff and Eugena Washington to win it in the end.

English continues to model and has appeared in ads for NightLift lingerie and Ray-Ban. She has also expanded her television résumé, with a 2009 gig as the host of Lifetime's *Pretty Wicked*, and cameos on *One Tree Hill*, *Gossip Girl*, and *Betrayed*.

Jaslene Gonzalez (Cycle 8)

Jaslene Gonzalez attends the CW Network Upfront in YC on May 17, 2007; Jaslene Gonzalez poses for a selfie in 2023.

Evan Agostini/Getty; Jaslene Gonzalez/Instagram

Jaslene Gonzalez was 21 years old when she won the eighth cycle of *America's Next Top Model* in 2007. The Puerto Rico-born model found success after trying out for the previous cycle. She beat Natasha Galkina — now better known as Natalie Gal — and Renee Alway to book the prize of a *Seventeen* spread and a modeling contract.

An active runway and print model years later, Gonzalez spends time mentoring the next generation of models through her "empowerment course," On Set With Jaslene, while also running her jewelry line, Starlite by J. She's also made TV appearances on *The Tyra Banks Show*, Oxygen's *Running Russell Simmons*, and NBC's *Chicago Fire*.

Saleisha "Sal" Stowers (Cycle 9)

Saleisha 'Sal' Stowers arrives at the EW and Vavoom annual upfront party in NYC on May 13, 2008; Saleisha 'Sal' Stowers attends the 2025 BET Awards in L.A.

Stephen Lovekin/Getty; Aaron J. Thornton/Getty

*ANTM* found its ninth winner in Saleisha Stowers (who now goes by Sal) in 2007. The then-21-year-old star won out against Chantal Jones and Jenah Doucette, taking home the title at the finale in China. Though Stowers had a few modeling gigs before competing on the show, she denies that any "favoritism" played a factor in her winning her season.

"I genuinely worked for it. I was put through the entire audition process, as every other girl was. Did I do things prior to it? Yes. Did I have modeling campaigns? No. I was growing and learning, as all of the girls were," Stowers told EW in May 2023. "It was never Tyra calling me to be like, 'We want you to be on this show!' I don't know if the fans will ever recognize that."

Stowers parlayed her *Top Model* win into a successful acting career. Though she spent the years immediately following the show modeling for magazines and walking occasional runways, she booked a 2012 gig on TV Land's *The Exes*, expanding her résumé from there with guest appearances on *New Girl*, *Switched at Birth*, and *The Fosters*; a starring role as Cassandra Foster on *All My Children*; and regular series roles as Lani on *Days of Our Lives* and Penelope on *Sistas*.

Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10)

Whitney Thompson attends the Rock N Roll Never Looked So Beautiful party in NYC in 2008; Whitney Thompson smiles for a photo in 2024.

Jim Spellman/WireImage; Whitney Thompson/Instagram

Whitney Thompson became the first plus-size winner of *ANTM* when she took home the Cycle 10 title. The Floridian, who was 20 at the time, beat out Anya Kop and Fatima Siad in the final challenges before winning in May 2008.

Like many of her fellow contestants, Thompson modeled for ad campaigns immediately after *ANTM* but slowed her schedule over the years. The former reality star's focus is now on Pink Pelican, her "world-famous" ice cream parlor in Panama City, Fla.

In 2014, Thompson married artist Ian Forrester, with whom she has two sons.

McKey Sullivan (Cycle 11)

McKey Sullivan attends the CW Network Reality launch party in NYC on Feb. 23, 2010; McKey Sullivan poses for a portrait backstage during the UFC Fight Night in Utica, NY, on June 1, 2018.

Larry Busacca/WireImage; Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty

Illinois-born McKey Sullivan was just 19 years old when she won the reality show's 11th cycle. She beat out Samantha Potter and Lio Tipton, the latter of whom is one of the most famous stars to come out of the show.

Sullivan has yet to achieve the same level of fame that second runner-up Tipton is seeing. She had a busy few years in the late-2000s, walking in runway shows during New York Fashion Week and booking sporadic ad campaigns.

In 2013, Sullivan married MMA fighter Sam Alvey, with whom she has six children.

Teyona Anderson (Cycle 12)

Teyona Anderson attends the CW Network Upfront in NYC on May 21, 2009.

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

In 2009, 20-year-old Teyona Anderson barely edged out fellow finalists Allison Harvard and Aminat Ayinde to win the 12th cycle. The New Jerseyan was on top throughout much of the competition, finally taking the crown at the finale in Brazil.

Now known professionally as Teyona Asia Anderson or Asia Anderson, the model saw success in Cape Town, walking runways at the city's Fashion Week and gaining representation in South Africa.

Anderson welcomed her son, Nash, in 2017.

Nicole Fox (Cycle 13)

Nicole Fox on 'America's Next Top Model'; Nicole Fox poses for a selfie in 2022.

Ryan Goble/The CW/Everett Collection; Nicole Fox/X

Competing in the special cycle for models of shorter stature, 5-foot-7-inch Nicole Fox won the title of Top Model in 2009's 13th iteration. Just 18 years old at the time, the Coloradan edged out Laura Kirkpatrick and Erin Wagner to take the title.

Fox continued to model after the show, landing ad campaigns with Forever 21 and Steve Madden, among others, and picking up representation from Paragon Model Management. The redheaded beauty also pursued an acting career, lining up credits that include a five-episode turn on *The Bold and the Beautiful*, a starring performance in *Ashley *(2013),* *and bit parts in *Tag* (2015) and *Circus Kane *(2017).

Fox is now an artist living in Maryland with her husband, Jacob Abuhamada, and their son, Idris.

Krista White (Cycle 14)

Krista White on 'America's Next Top Model'; Krista White takes a selfie in 2020.

Barbara Nitke/The CW/Courtesy Everett; Krista White/Instagram

Krista White, 24, took home the title of Top Model in 2010. Beating out Raina Hein, Alexandra Underwood, and Angelea Preston, the Arkansas-born model found her footing toward the end of the competition, winning the final few challenges.

"The show told me 'no' 12 times before they told me 'yes,'" she told PEOPLE in 2010. "I'm used to having the doors slammed in my face, but I'm gonna keep knocking on your door until you tell me 'yes.' And look how it worked out for me!"

While she has been less active as of late, White booked modeling gigs after the show, walking in BET's *Rip the Runway* in 2011 and appearing in presentations as part of Fall/Winter 2011 New York Fashion Week. Her other work includes appearances for *DLXVRSN *magazine, where she served as fashion director.

Ann Ward (Cycle 15)

Ann Ward on 'America's Next Top Model'.

Ivano Grasso/The CW/Everett

In 2010, 19-year-old Ann Ward was named the winner of *America's Next Top Model*'s 15th cycle. The Texan beat out Chelsey Hersley and Jane Randall at the finale in Italy.

Ward now works as an artist, filling her Instagram and X accounts with her sketches and illustrations. She's withdrawn from modeling to solely focus on her passion for graphic design, creating concepts for anime, comic books, mobile apps, and more.

Brittani Kline (Cycle 16)

Brittani Kline attends the CW Network's Upfront at Jazz in NYC on May 19, 2011; Brittani Kline smiles for a photo in 2025.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Brittani Kline/Instagram

Brittani Kline, who was 19 at the time, won big in 2011, taking home the title of Top Model during the show's 16th cycle. Born in Pennsylvania, she topped runners-up Molly O'Connell and Hannah Jones.

In 2013, Kline modeled under Roman Management and Premiere Models. She regularly appeared in ad campaigns and magazines while pursuing her bachelor's degree at Lock Haven University. Since graduating in 2015 and becoming a mother to son Rowan in 2017, Kline no longer models.

In 2022, she earned a master's degree from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State.

Lisa D'Amato (Cycle 17)

Lisa D'Amato arrives to 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 5 Finale Event in L.A. on Dec. 7, 2005; Lisa D'Amato poses for a selfie in 2025.

Frazer Harrison/Getty; Lisa D'Amato/Instagram

The outspoken Lisa D'Amato beat out other major alums to win the 17th cycle, also known as *America's Next Top Model: All Stars*. The then-30-year-old star, who first appeared in Cycle 5, was picked over fellow finalists Allison Harvard and Angelea Preston. Unfortunately, D'Amto stated on her private Instagram account that she experienced "insane amounts of trauma" while shooting it.**

D'Amato models from time to time, and she's also pursued a singing career with the release of multiple albums and one-off singles. However, D'Amato primarily focuses on her social media and being a mother to her two sons.

She appeared on *Shark Tank* in 2019 for her reusable bib company, Dare-U-Go!, which landed her a business deal with Barbara Corcoran. D'Amato is politically active online with her pole-itics page, in which she merges pole dancing with partisan rants about society and the government.

In 2012, D'Amato married entrepreneur Adam Friedman. They have since welcomed two children.**

Sophie Sumner (Cycle 18)

Sophie Sumner on 'America's Next Top Model'; Sophie Sumner attends the launch of the Clear Sky Collection in NYC on April 29, 2025.

CW/Walter Sassard/Landov; John Lamparski/Getty

The 18th cycle of *ANTM* brought in *America's Next Top Model: British Invasion* and with it came Oxford, England-born winner Sophie Sumner. The then-21-year-old beauty took home the title in 2012, edging out American Laura LaFrate and fellow Brit Annaliese Dayes.

Sumner, who appeared on the show after competing on *Britain's Next Top Model*, tried her hand at music in 2012 with the release of a single as she continued to model. The star went on to work as a contributing editor to* The Daily Front Row *and a style host for Amazon Live. She also acted in a few short films and the 2024 indie horror *Killington* (2024).

Laura James (Cycle 19)

Laura James attends the 'America's Next Top Model' 20th cycle gala in L.A. on Aug. 7, 2013; Laura James smiles for a selfie in 2023.

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Laura James/Instagram

In 2012, Laura James was named the winner of *America's Next Top Model: College Edition*, the reality show's 19th cycle. Then a student at Paul Smith's College, the New Yorker beat Kiara Belen and Leila Goldkuhl.

The reality star has transitioned to acting as well, booking movies gigs for *Axcellerator* (2020), *A California Christmas: City Lights* (2021), and *Silent Thunder* (2023); appearing in episodes of *The Young and the Restless*, *NCIS: Hawai'i*, and *The Rookie*;* *and recurring as Molly Hicks on *S.W.A.T.*

James married actor Jon-Michael Ecker in 2022. Together, they have two daughters.**

Jourdan Miller (Cycle 20)

Jourdan Miller attends attends the Art for Animals Fundraiser Art event in L.A. on June 5, 2015; Jourdan Miller poses for a photo in 2023.

Lilly Lawrence/WireImage; Jourdan Miller/Instagram

Cycle 20 of *ANTM* (also known as *America's Next Top Model: Guys & Girls*)* *crowned 19-year-old Jourdan Miller as its winner. The only woman in the final three, the Oregonian edged out Marvin Cortes and Cory Hindorff in 2013.

"When Tyra said my name…I could not even fathom the idea that my picture was the only picture lit up on the screen," she told EW in 2013. "I remember shaking like a leaf, and thinking that my knees were going to buckle underneath me any second."

Working with Vampped talent agency, Miller models regularly and started her own fashion and beauty blog, Love, Jourdan.

Keith Carlos (Cycle 21)

Keith Carlos attends the Nolcha Fashion Week in NYC on Sept. 8, 2014; Keith Carlos smiles for a photo in 2023.

Brian Ach/Getty; Keith Carlos/Instagram

Keith Carlos became the show's first male winner when he was named Top Model during 2014's 21st cycle. Competing in *America's Next Top Model: Guys & Girls*, the 26-year-old Connecticut native won an all-male top three, beating out Will Jardel and Adam Smith.

Carlos, who had a brief stint in the NFL before the reality show, continues to model and act. "I've built a legit team, been doing a lot of hosting, going to red carpet events, interviewing to build my brand, [and] preparing to relocate to Los Angeles," he told *View the Vibe* in April 2015.

In addition to doing modeling work for Adidas, Men's Wearhouse, and more, he starred in a Cardi B's music video for "Be Careful" in 2018, appeared on *The Bold and the Beautiful* and *The Young and the Restless*, and became a brand ambassador for FashionNova's NovaMEN.

Nyle DiMarco (Cycle 22)

Nyle DiMarco attends 'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 22 premiere in L.A. on July 28, 2015; Nyle DiMarco attends a L.A. screening of 'Deaf President Now!' on April 24, 2025.

Jason Kempin/Getty; Andrew Toth/Getty

Before competing for *ANTM*'s' new prize of a $100,000 contract with Zappos, Nyle DiMarco played a recurring role on Freeform's *Switched at Birth*. Being the first deaf contestant on *America's Next Top Model*, the then-25-year-old also became the show's second man to win, beating 2015 Miss Maryland USA winner Mamé Adjei.

"It was challenging and exhilarating at the same time," DiMarco told PEOPLE in August 2024 of his experience on the competition series. "I had to rely heavily on visual cues, lip reading, and sometimes my sign language interpreter, who was not always on set. My fellow contestants were generally understanding, though it was still challenging for me."

He added, "It was also important for me to consistently insert myself in order to prove that being deaf does not limit one's ability to move through life or succeed in any field."**

DiMarco signed with Wilhemina Models directly after his win. He then went on to compete on *Dancing With the Stars* with assigned dance partner Peta Murgatroyd and won the 22nd championship title, becoming the first deaf winner of the global franchise. DiMarco uses his model influencer platform to spread awareness about deaf culture, launching the Nyle DiMarco Foundation — his nonprofit organization for deaf children and families — in 2016, and being the keynote speaker at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in 2020.

The model/activist also regularly lands onscreen gigs, appearing on *Difficult People*, *This Close*, *Station 19*, and *Queer as Folk*, while also producing the reality series *Deaf U,* the Oscar-nominated documentary short *Audible* (2021), and AppleTV+'s Emmy-nominted *Deaf President Now!* (2025). DiMarco published a book, *Deaf Utopia: A Memoir ― and a Love Letter to a Way of Life*, in 2022.

India Gants (Cycle 23)

India Gants attends 'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 9 premiere in NYC on March 7, 2017; India Gants smiles for a photo in 2024.

Santiago Felipe/Getty; India Gants/Instagram

The then-21-year-old Seattleite came first in *ANTM*'s 23rd cycle, beating fellow opponent Tatiana Price — now the founder of skincare brand Skin Buttr — without ever making an appearance in the bottom two. Gants, also Gigi Hadid's doppelgänger, walked away with a $100,000 contract with Rimmel London cosmetics and earned a fashion spread in *Paper* magazine.

In April, Gants claimed on TikTok that Tyra Banks warned her not to reveal her *ANTM* win before the finale aired, or the show would reshoot it and crown someone else.

"I was told I couldn't tell my family or my significant other or my closest friends — nobody," she said. "But I think enough time has passed where I can confess who I told. Obviously, I wanted to keep the secret, but I have to make plans for my life. If I'm making a move to New York, my significant other at the time had to know."

Shortly after her win, Gants appeared in the season 3 premiere of *Odd Mom Out*. The model revealed her passion for music to *Billboard *magazine before she began working as a DJ. Gants proceeded to model for Select Management and SMG Models.

Kyla Coleman (Cycle 24)

Kyla Coleman poses for a photo in 2019; Kyla Coleman smizes for a selfie in 2022.

Kyla Coleman/Instagram (2)

*ANTM*'s first/only Gen-Z winner was only 20 years old when she took the crown in its 24th cycle, being the youngest of the series' most diverse group of contestants to date. Coleman edged out Jeana Turner, winning the $100,000 cash prize from Pantene, a contract from Next Model Management, and a fashion spread in *Paper* magazine. On the show, the young model was lauded as a political activist, who got into a heated feminist debate with fellow contestant Liberty Netuschil.

"Times are changing, and *Top Model* is changing with the times," Coleman told EW in 2018. "I want younger girls to watch it and be able to identify with us in real life. Plus-sized women, older women, women with mental health struggles — that's all very important."

Signed to Heffner Seattle and Photogenics LA, Coleman continues to model, working for Valentino, Alexander Wang, *Vogue Italia*, Skims, Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya, Calvin Klein, and more. The model/activist has also appeared in Dua Lipa's 2019 music video for "Don't Start Now" and in an episode of the Andy Cohen-hosted docuseries *For Real: The Story of Reality TV.*

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL TV"

Read More

---

Source: VOGUE MAG

Full Article on Source: VOGUE MAG

#LALifestyle #USCelebrities