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It's time for the final showdown between Chelsey and Ann! Things begin with a shoot for Vogue Italia with the very un-Italian sounding photographer Vincent Peters. There are lots of haute bugs flying about. Vincent says that Ann is very high-end and high-fashion, while Chelsey gets on set and works. Then it's on to the traditional Cover Girl commercial and print ad with Jay Manuel. Once again, there's gorgeous scenery that finds its contrast in Ann's chin pimples. The girls don't have to memorize lines for this commercial. Rather, they're first shot silently frolicking about a quaint vacation town -- having lunch, getting gelato, applying Lash Blast Fusion Mascara. Then, Jay directs each girl separately in a voice-over. Jay is very impressed by both in the actual commercial shoot and says that they had good synergy. The voiceovers are so-so. The girls also have the shoot for their print ad with photographer Federico de Angelis. He tells us that Chelsey was easy, and commercial. While Federico loves Ann and thinks she's an incredible editorial girl, it was difficult to get a convincing beauty shot. A surprise comes to set in the form of the girls' families -- Chelsey's parents, and Ann's parents and brother. Both sets are very sweet, and very proud of their daughters.
Before their runway show, the girls get a meet-and-greet with Ivan Bart of IMG models, the agency that the winner will sign with. Ivan thinks that Chelsey has a great personality. Although Ann made the clothes look really good in her portfolio, Ivan would like to work with her personality. He says that his mind isn't made up at all. Does he even get a vote?
And then it's the moment we've all been waiting for: Roberto Cavalli fashion show! Liz, Chris, Jane and Kayla, along with last cycle's winner Krista, are on hand to participate in the Just Cavalli show, as well. Chelsey and Ann have cheering squads in the form of their families sitting in the front row, and Ann nearly hyperventilates from happiness in some of her interviews. Krista opens the show, giving us a little bit of Naomi. When Ann takes her pass, she unfortunately adopts the crazy eyes of famed runway model Ramona Singer of The Real Housewives of New York. Chelsey's walk is certainly better than Ann's, but still not completely fab. Ann's second pass has a mercifully lower crazy-eyes quotient, and she thinks she did a lot better. She walks with her signature "permanently bent knees" strut. Chelsey looks okay, and certainly is leggy. Both are proud and both would very much like to win.
Roberto Cavalli himself and Jay Manuel join the final panel. The judges don't seem impressed with either walk. Both get some kudos on the commercial, though Tyra says that it looked like an ad for gelato. Chelsey's Cover Girl photo is very strong, and she has great eyes. It's probably the best picture we've seen of her. Ann's shot is interesting, if not particularly Cover Girl. However, her shoot was awkward and Tyra thinks that she doesn't understand commercial modeling. The judges deliberate whether to choose the more professional Chelsey, or the naïve and maybe not-quite-ready Ann. In the end, they make what is really the only possible choice and announce that Ann is America's Top Model! Chelsey feels cheated, while Ann fundamentally tells all the haters to suck it. Hooray!
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Want more? The full recap starts right below!Cycle 15, as you may have heard, was all about high-fashion. Fourteen unique beauties arrived in Los Angeles, ready to compete for the career-making opportunity of a lifetime. Italian Vogue and a contract with IMG were at stake. The girls had to endure a litany of humiliations, including treadmill runways, a commercial shoot on roller skates, and screaming at Mexican wrestlers. They also had the opportunity to shoot with big-shot photographers Patrick Demarchelier and Matthew Rolston, and walk for designers Missoni and Zac Posen. In last week's double elimination, Kayla and Jane got the boot. This left two lovely ladies in the running to be America's Top Model. Will our victor be Chelsey, the girl who came into the competition with the most experience? Her hard work and determination began to pay off as she won multiple challenges. But can Chelsey prove to the judges that she's their high fashion winner? Or will it be Ann, the self-proclaimed nerd who was awkward everywhere -- and we mean everywhere -- except in front of the camera? Ann has a notable high-fashion look, but can she come to life for Cover Girl and not be a total disaster on the runway? We shall soon find out!
Milan! Chelsey and Ann ride in their bus, and Chelsey requests a high-five to celebrate their status as the top two. Ann leaves her hanging for a second before cracking up and slapping some skin. Chelsey squeaks like a mouse, which actually makes her look more rodentine. She confessionalizes that she's wanted to be a supermodel since she was three years old. Unwisely, she reminds us that that means it's been her goal for twenty years, which forces us to reflect on the fact that her supermodel half-life is well over. Chelsey's very confident, feeling like she's stepped it up and done very well the past few weeks. Ann mentions that she really wants to call her mom and dad, and then tells us that she's so proud of herself. She's been working her butt off to try to correct her flaws. This is the biggest thing that Ann's ever done in her life, much bigger than high school graduation or growing three feet in the fourth grade.
Ann and Chelsey split a pizza and further ruminate on their top two status. Chelsey mentions that ever since she's started modeling, there's been more criticism than positive feedback. Well, that should tell you something. She confessionalizes that she's worked so hard, and taken so much shit over the years - she's too pale, too freckly, too gap-toothed. Only Tyra would say, "You're not gap-toothed enough." Chelsey says that the people who have put her down are going to regret it, because she's about to do amazing things with her career. This is the first but not only "Suck it, haters," speech of the episode. Ann notes that shooting for Italian Vogue is going to be so fricking cool. She realizes that she says "cool" a lot, but then tells us that she really means it. Ann says that she never thought she'd make it this far when she sent in her audition tape. At first when she grew taller and taller she thought it was fun, but then when she hit her teen years and assholes started making fun of her it wasn't such good times. She got really self-conscious about everything. Being on America's Top Model and having her uniqueness be her advantage is a great thing. It really is pretty awesome to see Ann blossom over the course of the season. Awesome Blossom! I bet Ann has three of those for lunch every day with a fried Oreo chaser.
Chelsey reminds us that she and Ann are very different. She conjectures that Ann only just recently got interested in modeling. For Chelsey, modeling has been a life-long dream. She didn't just, like, think it would be fun or show up at a mall somewhere on casting day. She did, however, try to become a supermodel for twenty years to no avail. I guess we're supposed to think this is admirable. Ann tells us that Chelsey has a lot of personality and experience in modeling. This is kind of intimidating to Ann, but at the same time she's been doing very well in the competition. She really feels like she's ready to become America's Top Model. God, these finale shows are always so boring because it's just one hour of two people telling us why they think they should win, interspersed with applying mascara and walking in stupid shoes.
With that, Chelsey and Ann take a very long drive and meet Valentina Serra, the stylist for Vogue Italia. There are no Jays to be found, which seems very unusual. It's time for the girls to shoot their spread, and they'll work with photographer Vincent Peters. I feel cheated of a really fun Italian name. Maybe I'll just call him Vincento. Vincent says that this shoot might not be as Vogue as expected. We're totally going to be seeing this in Seventeen in a month, aren't we? Damn you, Ann Shoket! Vincento wants to do something natural and not too set-up, and says that the more the girls can be themselves, the better the photos will be. The girls get made up and styled, and Chelsey tells us how grateful and excited she is. Ann says that she's awkward in person, but when she takes a photo she turns into someone else who is really able to work it. I love that Ann is now saying "work it." When she talks about smizing fiercely, we'll know that she's truly ready to take the title.
Ann's photo is first, and someone stands above her with a parasol as she chills in the grass in, like, a nightgown. She says that it would be really weird to see herself in a magazine, but awesome nonetheless. She'd be proud. Really really really really really really really proud. Ann then stands in the water in another dress. She says that she's having a lot of fun on her shoot, even though it's hard to see through the bugs. And boy, are there bugs. Vincento tells her to think of the bugs as fans. Ann cracks up as the makeup lady picks a gnat out of her eye. Vincento tells us that Ann is definitely more like a fashion model or studio girl. She's very couture, and very high-end.
Chelsey's shoot is , and she poses in the grass with subdued vigor. She says that it's very important for her to stand out to the photographer, especially considering how good Ann's pictures are. Chelsey wants to prove herself. Vincento says that Chelsey just works. She looks good, she's very comfortable in front of the camera, and has something that the camera likes. His comments really capture them, I think -- Chelsey's like the hard-working ant to Ann's naturally fabulous dragonfly. Does someone store up food for the winter in this parable? Maybe Tyra.
The girls head home to find Tyra Mail: "Real high-fashion models know how to commercialize their careers. Love, Tyra." Both figure out quickly that it's commercial time. Chelsey is very excited to get to all things Cover Girl, where she might stand a chance. Ann notes the odd occurrence that no envelope with a script came with the Tyra Mail. She wonders if they're going to have to learn Italian on the spot, or something similarly horrible. Chelsey reminds us that there's no room for mistakes as we head to commercials.
When we return, Ann pulls toast out of a crazy Italian toaster. It has a little toast cage! That's the most exciting thing that happens in this episode, I will tell you, until the very end. Chelsey curls her lashes, and then girls are shuttled off in their van to a beautiful little town. Jay meets them and tells them that they're in Orta San Giulio, which will be the backdrop for their Cover Girl commercial and print ad. He tells them not to let the beautiful scenery out-charm them. What could possibly be more charming than the connect-the-dots pimples on Ann's chin? I'm guessing she's not a girl who usually wears a lot of makeup, so her skin has taken a beating over the past several weeks. It's just one more way that Tyra Banks ruins lives. Jay then drops the welcome bomb that the girls won't have to memorize any lines today. They're going to shoot this like a real commercial, which means that the audio is laid over top. So, while one girl shoots her print ad later in the day, the other will do a voice-over with Jay.
The concept of the commercial is that Ann and Chelsey are two friends -- already this will require a feat of acting -- who are vacationing in a quaint little town. Their commercial co-star is Lash Blast Fusion Mascara. Of course. Jay is expecting a lot of clumpless glory out of both of the girls. As a makeup artist applies the product to Chelsey's eyelashes, she tells him that she totally uses Last Blast Fusion Mascara at home. She's such a suck-up. All this will do is make the Italian crew think that she has bad taste! Ann takes a look at the voice over script. She says that at first she was nervous about having to compete against Chelsey in the commercial, due to Chelsey's somewhat more developed personality. However, Ann did really well in the motion editorial, and even got first video, so she's trying to figure out how to transfer that energy to Cover Girl and be as commercial as she can. Chelsey, meanwhile, thinks that she has more confidence than Ann does. Ann is beautiful and takes great pictures but, Chelsey points out as she has a thousand times before, she's a bit lackluster in the personality department. Chelsey's plan is to bring it 150%.
With both girls fully prepared, they sit at a little café table and Jay tells them that he wants freshness the whole time. It has to feel real, or they'll look cheesy instead of easy and breezy. He calls action, and Ann and Chelsey interact for a second before diving for their purses and the product within. Natural! Chelsey says that a Cover Girl is somebody who's comfortable and confident with themselves, and who knows who they are. Jay cuts and directs a little bit, telling Chelsey to try to look happy as she reaches for her product, and not like the rag that she can sometimes be. Grabbing your bag is a happy, joyful experience! The take seems to go better, and Jay says that they have natural born actresses for a change.
It's then commercial gelato time. The girls accept gelato from a vendor, say thank you, and then walk off. Jay shouts good things at Ann, and she says it was nice to hear that she was doing well since she was worried that trying her best wouldn't be enough. Jay tells us that both girls really wowed him. Ann found a way to vibe off of Chelsey, and Chelsey in turn found a way to work with Ann. The synergy helped to make the commercial a success.
It's then time to move to the beauty shot. Jay needs confidence from the girls, for them to feel aspirational, and for men and women both to be able to relate to them. He thinks that some inspiration might be missing, however. With this, Ann and Chelsey gasp and cry as they see their parents walking toward them. Awww! Chelsey says that she's very close to her parents, and they've been through everything with her. It's amazing to have them there. Ann's dad asks her if she can believe how far she's come. She shakes her head no. Ann says that her family is really close, so close that they like to do things such as joke around and watch movies. Feel the closeness. Ann's little brother is there, too, which she thinks is cool. Little bro is taller than Ann, even! Despite her claims, he is not so little. The families will get to watch the girls on their beauty shoots for a few minutes, which everyone is happy about.
Chelsey meets up first with photographer Federico de Angelis. Jay tells her that the training wheels are off, since he'll be working with Ann to do her voice over while she shoots. Chelsey will have to negotiate this on her own. She seems totally fine with that, of course. The wind machine goes, and Chelsey poses. Her parents are very proud, and confirm that Chelsey has wanted this since she was a little girl. Any time she had to write a paper about what she wanted to be, she chose supermodel. Her dad notes that she's living her dream. It's like Make-a-Wish, kind of. Federico says that everything with Chelsey was very easy. He found her very commercial in a certain way. Meanwhile, Jay gives Ann some pointers on recording her voice-over. Ann sounds okay, but Jay tells her to relax and not be so wooden. He suggests that she talk with her hands, in the Italian way. Ann tries this. It looks really odd, but this is an audio recording so it doesn't matter. Ann says that it was awkward at first, but using her hands actually really helped. Jay gave a useful tip! It does happen about once a season.
Chelsey is to record the voice-over. Jay tells her that she's rushing it, and can take her time. The voice over is harder than it sounds, says Chelsey. Meanwhile, Ann shoots with Federico. Her mom can't get over how beautiful Ann looks and says, "She looks like a woman." Awwww! So sweet. Her dad says it's amazing to see her there, and that she's going to be America's Top Model. Federico loves Ann and found her to be an incredible editorial girl. However, this means that to do a beauty shot was a little bit more difficult. With all parts of their first big day over, Jay tells the girls that their parents will be sitting front row at the Just Cavalli fashion show. He tells Ann specifically that he hopes her walk is together, because them heels are high. Ann gives a nervous laugh, and I hope this is not some sort of terrible foreshadowing.
Back at the house, there is Tyra Mail: "It's time to make one more important stop on your race to the top. Love, Tyra." The girls are puzzled, but soon learn what's up as they travel to meet Ivan Bart, senior vice president of IMG Models. He's going to have a meet and greet with each girl. Chelsey tells us this is hugely important, since the winner will be signed with IMG. Ivan asks Chelsey what made her enter this competition. She tells him that she's tried for a long time to break into the business, including a stint in New York. She never thought she could make it, but here she is. I wouldn't think "I never thought I could make it" is something you'd want to say to a potential employer. Still, Chelsey thinks that she impressed Ivan, and that he could see her drive and passion for modeling. They go through her portfolio and Chelsey talks about how starstruck she was on set with Patrick Demarchelier. Ivan tells us that Chelsey has a great personality, and he felt very comfortable talking with her. He could see IMG working with her.
, Ann meets with Ivan. She towers over him as they shake hands, and tells us that she's nervous about Chelsey likely having more energy in this meet and greet. Ivan asks Ann how it's been going through the competition, and she flatly says that it's been a lot of fun and her confidence has been boosted a lot. She goes on to explain that back home, everyone scrutinized her because she was so tall, but in this competition it's an asset. They look through her book, and Ivan says that her pictures show how her height is an advantage. He tells us that Ann made the clothes look really good, but he'd like to work with her personality a bit. Ivan's mind isn't made up at all, and he tells us that he's going to be scrutinizing both ladies quite closely on the runway. And then after they're both horrible he'll flip a coin.
In the bus on the way home, Ann and Chelsey talk about their meet and greets. Ann says that she was pretty relaxed, even though she probably looked frightened per usual. That's just how her face is! Chelsey confessionalizes that she feels like she has more of the whole package that Top Model is looking for. She points out that Ann has been in the bottom two, and never won a challenge. Meanwhile, Chelsey has won three challenges and never has been in the bottom two. Notice she does not bring up the fact that Ann has had top photo or video six times, while she has had none. That type of selective data makes me suspect that she's a Republican. Chelsey thinks that she IS America's Top Model. In reality, she IS delusional. Commercials.
When we return, the girls arrive at a location right in the heart of Milan. It is, of course, the setting for the Just Cavalli fashion show. Chelsey tells us that Roberto Cavalli is one of the world's premiere fashion designers, so walking for him in general is a really big deal, even when you're not trying to win a busted reality show in its 15th season. Jay tells the girls that they're not going to be the only Americans in the fashion show -- they've "flown back" Liz, Chris, Jane, and Kayla. And of course, they couldn't start the show without Cycle 14 winner Krista. Krista comes out looking pretty fly and super-skinny. She tells the girls that when she was in their place, she was nervous. They seem to appreciate the kind words.
With no further ado, the girls all get shuttled to hair, makeup and wardrobe. Jane gives Ann a pep talk, telling her that she needs to go out there, walk really well, and not fall. Jane tells us that Chelsey has had her opportunity to model already, and Ann deserves it. She's firmly Team Ann. Kayla, however, is solidly in the Chelsey camp. She tells Chelsey that she should win, since Ann gets tired after five seconds of work. How strange that we've never seen that! Chelsey adds that Ann doesn't want it as badly. Kayla interviews that Ann has a really good shot, but she wants to see Chelsey win. Krista asks Ann if she's nervous about the walk, and Ann admits that she is. Krista advises a nice big breath before walking on the runway, because after that everything will go blank. It's going to be Ann, the runway, and her dream. Ann is a little bit in love with Krista, and rightfully so.
Preparations continue. Ann stands outside and talks to her family, and then Tyra comes to greet them. She hugs everyone. We then cut to a bawling Ann, likely post-show, saying that her family has never seen her model or on the runway, so it's nice to have them there. Tyra reminds Ann to be herself, and just walk in a way that feels natural and cool to her rather than trying to emulate other models. Cut back to bawling Ann saying that to make her parents proud makes her really, really happy, and to be able to do something this big is just awesome. Tyra high-fives Ann's family and notes that the five of them would make a great basketball team.
Tyra then goes to talk with Chelsey and her family. She notes that Chelsey looks like both of them, adding that you can't just rely on what mommy and daddy created. Chelsey has taken her good genes, and has amazing talent, so is the whole package. Chelsey's family also have never seen her do runway, so she's excited to have them there as well. Tyra advises her to let go of the ideal of perfection when she's walking. After Tyra leaves, Chelsey's mom admits she was thisclose to telling Tyra that Chelsey's older brother had, and probably still has, a huge crush on her.
As the audience fills in, the models line up backstage and there are last-minute preparations such as shoe-fringe trimming. Tyra steps out on the runway to introduce the show. She speaks in Italian for a minute, then asks how she did. She seems to get off the stage in a hurry, which must be editing. Ann tells us that there's no room for mistakes, and she and Chelsey have to step it up. And then, the music is cued. The curtain opens and Krista stands there in a pink diaphanous dress that says, "I've just been touched by Cavalli." So apparently we've gone from "Ghost Brides" to "Designer/Molester." Looking at the design, I'd wager it was definitely a bad touch. Krista walks, looking kind of awesomely mean. There are a bunch of models who know what they're doing, then Kayla and Liz. Finally, it's Ann's turn. She steps out on the runway to a song that chants, "Sex sex sex sex" repeatedly. Ann tells us that she stepped on the runway and felt really good and full of adrenaline. Sadly, her walk is unfortunate in a number of ways. In addition to her usual lumber, she's taken cues from crazy-eyed Real Housewife of New York Ramona Singer. I guess this is what she means by looking terrified all the time. At least she doesn't fall. Chelsey comes out , wearing a pretty flattering mini-dress. She notes the number of important people there, and says it's very humbling that all this is happening just for her and Ann. Chelsey's walk is serviceable, but not overly impressive.
There's changing backstage, and chaos happening. Jay screams at everyone to get in their look and get back on the runway. Ann says that the whole thing is very confusing, which makes her nervous. Let's hope her eyes don't get any wider. Krista takes another runway pass, and once again looks like she might cut a bitch in a way that will make you like it. We see Kayla for a second, and then Ann takes her second pass. She looks slightly less terrified but still, you know, can't walk. Her legs don't look like human legs, which is where the bulk of the problem is. Chelsey walks again, once more looking fine but unspectacular. Then we get a few seconds of Jane, and it's time for the finale. All the girls walk out, Tyra compliments the clothes, and the final two celebrate. Backstage, Chelsey's parents hug her and tell her she's amazing and fit right in with the other professional models. Ann's mom cries and says that Ann is so beautiful, and she's proud of her. She very sweetly says, "She's my baby. My beautiful little baby." Awwwww. Ann trips and almost breaks an ankle when she turns to see her parents, and Jay notes that at least it didn't happen on the runway. Ann interviews that if she wins America's Top Model, she hopes she inspires everybody who's been picked on for appearing different. You can always find a positive side to everything, she says. Chelsey tells us that she'll be very upset if she doesn't win. Well, then she's going to be very upset. Commercials.
When we return, we're backstage, pre-panel. The judges are super punchy, because they too are ready for this shit to be over. Ann and Chelsey emerge in their Just Cavalli ensembles. There are judges -- Nigel Barker, Andre Leon Talley, and two special guest judges, Jay Manuel and Roberto Cavalli himself. He kind of looks like he should be the main guy from Fantasy Island. There are also fabulous prizes: a contract with IMG Models, a cover of and spread in Beauty in Vogue, a spread in Italian Vogue, a feature on Italian Vogue's website, and a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl. Tyra reminds both Ann and Chelsey that this is very serious business. There is an implicit, "Don't fuck it up. Whatever remaining reputation I have is on the line."
The judges first look at Chelsey's runway performance. Nigel says that it's a tad fast, and also stiff. If she had just relaxed into it, it would have been better. The good news is that the camera loves her, so all the photographic shots were beautiful. Tyra tells her that she gets a little lost when she gets to the end of runway and has to turn. She forgets that cameras and people are on all sides, including people who are looking to hate on her. Shout out! A model can't give the haters any excuse to say anything is wrong, Tyra says. Jay agrees that Chelsey was tentative, and adds that she didn't show the same kind of strength that she has on a photo set. Cavalli thinks that Chelsey was really natural. However, he didn't like her so much when she put her hands on her hips at the end of the runway. That movement, he says, is a bit old fashioned. ALT felt no snap, crackle, or pop, but thinks that her legs looked fantastic. Nigel adds that Chelsey had tunnel focus on the runway, and that it's good to have lateral focus and take in a little bit of the audience. Tyra shows her 1990's eye movement featuring a peek to the side and forward. She suggests that Chelsey do that, but not literally. So, I guess think about looking but don't look? It makes about as much sense as anything else she says.
Then it's time to look at Ann's runway walk. Nigel tells her that she's really improved, and that it's fun to watch her. However, her crazy eyes were bulging out of her head. Tyra agrees that it was a little "zombie." Jay wanted Ann to own her walk, which is a little different and will never be cookie cutter. She needs to believe in it, which clearly hasn't happened yet. Roberto Cavalli says, "I felt that you... was really a little bit hard. It was, I don't know how to say, scared." That is Italian for "whack." ALT would give Ann a B-. He does think that she managed well with the fabulous fringed shoes. In this case I think "managed well" means "didn't fall, thank God."
The judges look at the Cover Girl commercial. It's so dumb. ALT says that he was engaged by both girls as they were walking down the street and being huge cheeseballs. He thinks that Ann's voice could use some work, but her smile was wonderful. Jay was very impressed at how both girls fed off of each others' energy. Nigel tells Chelsey that she's a natural smiler, and it shows. She managed to maintain a smile on her face at all times. Tyra tells the girls that they were too realistic, and didn't put enough focus on the product. They're selling makeup, not gelato. Roberto agrees. I have to say that, given the fact that they didn't come up with the concept of the commercial, I can't see how this is their fault. Maybe Tyra's giving Jay his passive aggressive annual evaluation. Jay accepts his beatings, saying that at the end of the day the girls are model-actresses, not actresses trying to be models.
The judges then look at the Cover Girl photos. Chelsey's is very strong, and Nigel says there's a lot of power in the eyes. Tyra agrees that the photo is stunning. Chelsey really did pick a good moment to step it up and not look like a drag queen. Tyra says that Chelsey was an actress in the face, but still held on to the model. She also loves Chelsey's freckles, which make her interesting and special. Jay points out that the photographer said that shooting Chelsey was a joy. Roberto says that Chelsey is beautiful, and everybody knows she's beautiful, but there's not enough focus on the product. He adds that it's too beautiful. ALT agrees and says it makes you wonder what is the product. Tyra maintains that she loves the photo, particularly the danger in it. Cover Girl is getting a bit more edgy, and Chelsey is fitting into where the brand is going.
is Ann's photo. It's really interesting, but certainly not what you'd usually think of as Cover Girl. Nigel agrees with that statement, and then asks if Roberto would like this photo. Roberto says that he would. He likes the eyes, and how Ann looks like she's a little afraid. ALT says that the picture incorporates the pain and fear of a bird in captivity for a moment. He feels the story, and is drawn into the picture. Jay notes that to get to this shot in the photo shoot was quite difficult. When she stepped on set she was awkward and appeared to be holding back. Tyra says that she normally loves going through Ann's film, because it's all so good, but she felt like Ann clenched up and got nervous on this one. The photo is beautiful, but Ann doesn't understand commercial modeling. Well, neither does Italian Vogue. She'll be fine.
The judges deliberate. Ann is already tearful when the models are dismissed, while Chelsey looks like the cat who at the 6'2" canary. Nigel says that he enjoyed shooting Chelsey, and likes her unique features. Roberto says that Chelsey is more professional than Ann, who is young and naïve. ALT says that Ann is stunning, coltish, exotic, and the new sexy. It's without doubt in his mind that Ann is high fashion without even knowing it. Jay says that he's not sure if Ann is at the point where the training wheels can come off and she can go out there on her own. Roberto feels a lot of this possibility. What does that mean? You are asking the wrong person. He says, "As Italian fashion, maybe Ann. For American fashion, maybe Chelsey." Jay points out that Chelsey impresses him with her knowledge about fashion and her understanding of creative. Nigel argues that at 17 or 18, as Ann is, you're not going to have that same knowledge of fashion. This starts a shitstorm with Tyra and Jay, who says that he had fashion ads all over his bedroom at twelve years old. Tyra screams, "Child, at 17 years old I KNEW FASHION!" ALT points out that you don't have to know everything about fashion to be a successful model. Nigel adds that you have to listen, which Ann does well. She has the strongest ability to be a star, because she's so unique. At the same time, he'd book Chelsey, because she can deliver a strong, American look that will work and generate dollars and make the client happy. ALT says that Ann is the new sexy, while Chelsey is perfect blonde corn-fed American freshness. With this, the judges have reached their decision.
Chelsey and Ann return. Tyra notes that this has been a very long journey for both of them, but only one can be America's Top Model and get all the affiliated prizes and have a dream come true. And with that, America's Top Model is...Ann! Really, it couldn't be any other way. Ann looks completely gobsmacked, and Chelsey has the class to hold back her bitchface for approximately sixteen seconds. Ann cries and thanks Tyra and the judges. She can't believe it. Neither can Chelsey. She's really upset and feels cheated. She says that she has the whole package to be America's Top Model, and Ann doesn't. I will say once again: Ann is the only one of them that got booked on the Versace go-see. It really couldn't go any other way. Tyra tells Chelsey that she now has a platform, and people know her name. And will forget it in approximately four days. Sorry, hon.
Meanwhile, Ann cries and talks about how proud her parents are going to be. She's very honored, especially in light of all the comments directed at her about how she's too tall and not normal. Nigel points out that she's not normal, she's America's Top Model. Ann agrees, and says that the people who made fun of her are going to look back and say, "Man, I should have been so nice to that girl." Even her "Suck it, haters!" speech is so sweet and mild. As we fade out, Tyra tells us that Ann came into this competition, all 6'2" of her, a shy, bullied, awkward girl with no idea how to work her high fashion potential. But she ended up impressing and surprising everyone with her amazing couture presence. Tyra wants Ann to go out there and make her proud. I want Ann to go out there and not have a nervous breakdown. And seriously, she seems like a lovely girl so I hope not only that she works, but that she finds some enjoyment in the whole thing.
With that, another cycle has come to a close. Thank you for reading, and have a fierce holiday season!