After the first hour of the finale, with its double elimination, the second half has finalists Krista and Raina taking a helicopter ride over New Zealand and landing at the Hurakia Lodge on Rakino Island. It's absolutely gorgeous, and champagne and Miss J. await them at their new home, which will also be the site for their Cover Girl commercial and print ad shoot. The girls work on memorizing their scripts, and will be selling the entire Blast collection. Cycle 13 winner Nicole is there to loiter and support them. Raina does a great job on her print ad, but is a bit corny in her commercial line delivery. Though her memorization is good, she has a hard time modeling while delivering her lines and lacks her usual spark. Krista, meanwhile, forgets her lines and has to ask for cue cards. Though this is usually the kiss of death, Krista manages to laugh it off and keep herself and her makeup in tact. Ultimately, she delivers a fine performance. While her photo shoot goes pretty well, the photographer notes that she can be a bit hard and needs to work on finding a good middle ground between severe and smiley.
After a Seventeen cover shoot (photographed by Nigel) and a visit by Raina's dad and Krista's mom and stepdad, it's time for the Anna Sui runway show! It's held at the Auckland Museum, with a "Rock N' Roll Circus" theme. Circus performers and Nicole open the show, and recent bootees Alasia, Jessica, Alexandra and Angelea walk as well. Though Krista's not a naturally playful kind of girl, she looks adorable on the runway. Raina looks like a really smiley linebacker, but manages to pull it off. On the second round, the models walk two at a time and Krista and Raina stomp competently side by side. Tyra talks to each girl backstage, and they both talk about how they were previously insecure but are now very confident and comfortable with themselves. Krista is an inspiration for dark, skinny girls everywhere, while Raina represents for the girls with the giant eyebrows (myself included).
At the final judging, Tyra wears the mother of all jumpsuits, as befits this important occasion. The judges found Krista to be light, airy, peppy and just a little cheesy on the runway, while Raina was fresh, happy, and a bit horsy. Raina's Cover Girl print ad is fresh, beautiful, and feminine, but not particularly exciting. Krista has in-your-face beauty, but forgot to smize. Raina's commercial is squinty and lacks her characteristic charm, personality and smiles, while Krista may have forgotten her lines but looks luminescent.
In the end there can only be one, and it's Krista! Who would have thunk it at the beginning of the season? She cries a lot, and even brings a glistening glint to the eye of ALT. Raina is very gracious about her loss, taking it in stride and without tears. Guess that annoying positive attitude really comes in handy in situations like this.
Previously: Thirteen long, tall girlies came to New York to compete for the chance to become America's Top Model. Cycle 14 was filled with thrills -- e.g., vampires -- chills -- e.g. hosed-on colorful perfume in the freezing cold -- and spills -- e.g., one of the greatest moments in top model history, when Alex got bumped off the runway by a giant swinging pendulum. Angelea and Alexandra were eliminated, leaving two girls in the running to become America's Top Model.
Will it be Krista, the girl who started at the bottom of the pack, but who snuck up on all of us with her awesomeness and has had the best everything for the last month or so? Krista undoubtedly has a fierce walk and dynamic posing skills, however some of the panel think that she's struggled with her face, which lacks expression. Can she bring a Cover Girl quality to her face in time to take the title? Or will it be sunny, athletic Raina, with her fabulous features and piercing wolf-eyed stare? Raina has been amazing the judges through most of the competition, but has struggled to find her "legs" on the runway and garnered comparisons to a linebacker. Also, she's a huge dork. Can she prove her versatility in time? Let's find out!
Raina and Krista board their bus after panel and celebrate being in the top two. Raina is so proud of herself, and says that her confidence and strong personality have gotten her to the finals. She never thought she would get this far, and to express her surprise exclaims, "Holy schnike!" Krista lies that she was also surprised her name was called. Total BS, but I do appreciate her efforts to remain humble. Krista tells us that she's now more focused than ever. She struggled at the beginning of the competition, and it's exciting for the judges to see her progress. She wants it, and is determined to beat out Raina's Mylanta-loving ass.
Back at the house, the girls speculate on their doubtlessly upcoming Cover Girl commercial. Raina confessionalizes that she's wanted to be America's Top Model forever. Her competitive spirit has come from volleyball, she says, noting that she played three years of college volleyball but has put that aside to pursue modeling, which is her passion. Krista says that she's wanted to be America's Top Model since 2003, when she was 18 and saw the first show. Krista reminds us that she's tried out for this show around five times. I thought it was, like, twelve? Well, in any case, a bunch of times, and occasionally in terrible wigs. She says that she inherited her fighting spirit from her mom, who was single and raising three girls. Krista knows this is her one and only chance, and she's prepared to take advantage of it because there's nothing else she wants to do. I hope she finds something quick, because even as the winner she has about six months of viable modeling time.
There is Tyra Mail! This occasion is so momentous that it is written in regular English, and not text speak: "One of you will rise above the other to claim the title of America's Top Model. But for now you're flying on the same level. So pack an overnight bag." Raina jumps up and down and freaks out and wonders where they're going, while Krista stays more mellow in her pondering. She says that being in the top two with Raina is nervewracking, because Raina overdoes everything. She's over the top all the time, and we all know by now that Krista thinks it's fake. As Raina wonders if they'll be parachuting or in a hot air balloon, Krista just shuts her down and walks away. Raina tells us that Krista just doesn't like her. Raina says she's a really happy person, and she tries to change everything that's negative into a positive. She really did get her life philosophy from watching Full House, didn't she? Raina thinks that sometimes her happy manner pisses people off for some reason. The "some reason" is that it's overdone and irritating, and also she jumps and yells a lot. Raina does seem like a lovely girl, but not one that I'd necessarily want to be around for more than 20 minutes at a time.
The girls go to the airport where a private helicopter awaits them. They're pretty excited to fly over all of gorgeous New Zealand, and Krista momentarily forgets how irritating Raina is. They land at Hurakia Lodge on Rakino Island, where a guy is waiting for them inside to welcome them with champagne and strawberries. We get a quick tour of the lodge, which is of course gorgeous and right on the water. The girls will be spending the night there, and the guy tells them to make themselves at home. As Krista and Raina try to do so, and toast to being in the final two, Miss J. walks out in a shirtdress. Krista is like, "Bitch, can I just take a minute to finish my drink?" The answer is that no, she cannot, because there is work to do.
Miss J. takes the girls outside and tells them that they need to get up tomorrow and be young, fresh and exciting, because they'll be shooting their Cover Girl commercial right in the yard of the lodge. He hands them scripts, and takes off. Krista notes that in past cycles, they've focused on one product in the commercial shoot. This time, however, they're selling the whole Blast collection -- the shadow, mascara, and lip gloss. Raina resolves to study, study, study all night -- with some eating and showering in between -- while Krista's greatest fear is that she'll have cue cards pulled on her. Raina notes that she already has her first line memorized, and could tell that Krista was nervous and unsure about how she'd do in the commercial shoot. She adds that she's a little more "fun" and flirty, which is very Cover Girl, while Krista is more focused and fierce. You must never underestimate focused and fierce, though.
The day, Jay Manuel comes to the house yelling, "Fifty percent, Tyra! Fifty percent!" in mock Krista style. He tells them that they're going to be doing a Cover Girl commercial and print ad, and the print ad will be national for the winner. To help the girls get into the Cover Girl spirit, the show has once again dragged last season's winner, Nicole, to lurk around awkwardly. Nicole, who is not the most natural reader, tells the girls that for today's print and commercial shoot they'll be given all the tools they need to wow us with a big, bold look, using Cover Girl's Blast collection. But it's not just about how they look -- they need to show us their personalities and have fun with it. The concept of the commercial is that the girls are getting ready for a hot, fun night out on the town. It's not just about their face, it's about how they translate to the world. Raina is attempting to translate through her giant teeth, which in fact may serve as some sort of satellite dishes.
Hair and makeup is basically a series of small ads for the Blast collection. When you use the smoky shadow sticks, you can take your look from day to evening in two sections. You can use two shades of Shine Blast Gloss, for double the price and twice the stickiness! Raina tells us that, spackled in gunk, she really does feel like a Cover Girl. Jay brings favorite photographer Jonathan Mannion to the set. He'll be the commercial director for today. He's very accomplished, apparently solely on the basis of shooting the Cover Girl commercial for Cycle 13. Only the best! Jay explains that while one girl is shooting the commercial, the other will shoot her print ad, and then they'll switch. So no lurking around trying to distract your opponent! Krista predicts that Raina is going to overdo it, per usual, and it will read as fake. She thinks she's more relatable than Raina, and predicts that the whole thing will be a blast! Pun intended?
Raina is first to shoot her print ad, and meets photographer Tony Drayton. She looks lovely. Tony tells us that Raina did amazingly well -- she worked it with her eyes, and knew how to emote. Her hair is pretty fabulous too. Nicole talks to Krista, who says she's focused, ready, and wants this. Nicole tells her not to put too much pressure on herself, because the important thing is the end product. Krista steps onto the commercial set looking gorgeous. She doesn't want the cue cards, and has the lines memorized. She's hoping that the commercial will be a breeze for her. Krista manages to get through her first line, and then things go awry. Suddenly we're on take seven and Krista still can't get it. Jay offers to bust out the cue cards and Krista emphatically yells, "No! No cue cards!" She can't believe that she's blanking out after being so focused for the whole competition. With Krista unable to remember a thing, we head to commercials.
And hey! It's the Cover Girl Top Model Lounge! Past faves Bianca and Laura are on hand to dish about what just happened. Bianca notes that the cue cards are the kiss of death in Top Model. She knows that nerves can overtake you in the competition, but says that Krista had all night to prepare. Laura says that you can really psych yourself out. But can she excuse Krista for that? I think she will. Right now she's too drunk to care much either way.
When we return, it's Krista's take seven and she still can't get it. She calmly tells Jay to get her the cue cards, because she thinks she needs them -- her mind is going blank. Though Krista looks concerned, she tells us that this isn't going to defeat her. Jay instructs Krista that she can't just straight read the line from the card -- she'll have to glance at the card, and then go back to camera. She does better, though still stumbles a bit. However, she ends with a big smile even through her mistakes, which Jay loves. He says that most girls would crumble and fall under these circumstances -- and have, as we've seen. But Krista is making do with the situation, and can laugh it off. This also means that she doesn't need a ton of Visine and makeup touch-ups. A poised and lovely Krista finishes her lines with a bright white grin. Jay tells us that Krista was able to hold it together. If you break down and cry it's going to show on your face, which means that Jay doesn't get anything he can use. The fact is, he has a performance from Krista that he can use in the commercial.
With the commercial under her belt, Krista heads to the print ad shoot. She's wearing a backless gown, and we can see a butterfly tattoo between her shoulder blades. Krista says that Raina's face is undeniable, and so what she has to do is come across a lot stronger and show versatility. This is important, since Raina can only do that "Cortizone" look. I know she means "courtesan," but I like the idea of Raina's face serving as an anti-inflammatory. Photographer Tony tells us that Krista has an amazing smile, which makes her whole face come to life. However, given her very strong look, she can come off a bit cold when not smiling. He thinks that she struggled to find a middle ground. That middle ground? Smizing. Damn Tyra for spouting nonsense that occasionally turns out to be right!
Raina gets ready for her commercial shoot, and tells us that she has her lines absolutely memorized. She thinks she'll do well, since she has a very Cover Girl personality. Raina begins, and for some reason has one very wonky eye. Maybe someone accidentally stabbed it with the smoky eye pencil? Raina tries to do a quick, flirty side glance, but ends up forgetting her lines right after. Not a coincidence! Jay tells her not to choreograph herself. But Raina can't stop! She has side glancing, head nodding choreography prepared and she intends to use it. Raina interviews that she was lacking her usual spark, which is probably because she was so intent on memorizing her lines and proving that she didn't need cue cards. She needs to relax a bit and shake it out. She definitely knows her lines, but her performance is a bit lackluster and lacks believability. Jonathan tells her that she's gotten the delivery of the words, but needs to model at the same time. And seriously, what's up with that eye? Jay says that Raina knew all her lines, but is unable to deliver a line and model at the same time. In a beauty commercial, it's clearly important to deliver the line and model through.
With the Cover girl shoots over, the girls head back to their regular awesome home. There is Tyra Mail: "Today you did your Cover Girl. Tomorrow you're doing your cover, girls." The girls figure that they'll be doing their Seventeen covers. Krista tells us that her commercial was okay, but her picture needs to be exceptional so she stands out. Raina says this: "Krista's older, I'm younger. Krista is very high fashion, and I'm a little more young and fresh." In other words, Krista's an old bag. Because of this fact, Raina thinks she might have a bit of an advantage at the Seventeen photo shoot.
The girls head to set, where they learn that Nigel will be shooting their Seventeen spreads. As always, they're dressed in horrible, tacky outfits with even worse accessories. Raina tells us that young girls everywhere read Seventeen, and so being on the cover is huge. She'd be an inspiration to all of them, she says, and they'd be looking at her and looking up to her. And I have to say that while having gawky pre-teen years that you then grow out of is something of an inspirational story (one which, I may add, is shared by 90% of the population), it's not like she was born without legs and won a gold medal in skiing. Perspective, honey. Krista says that she wants to change what everyone thinks about the fashion industry. She adds that you don't see a chocolate black girl on nuthin'. She wants to see that in fashion, which is why she's there in the first place -- she sees a picture bigger than herself. And speaking of pictures, despite being older than Methuselah, Krista looks remarkably fresh-faced for her Seventeen shoot. I think it's that glowing skin. Nigel tells us that he was impressed with both girls today -- they did extraordinary jobs, and have great cover options.
The girls return home and find that the entire living room has been overtaken by camera equipment. And there's Tyra, in yet ANOTHER jumpsuit! At this point she's totally just fucking with us, right? Tyra tells Krista and Raina have come so far, and now they're part of the Top Model family. As such, she'd like to do a family portrait. However, something's missing. An easy way to take off your ensemble and go to the bathroom, perhaps? No, in fact it's the girls' actual families that are missing! But not for long! They're in the house. Krista's mom and stepdad are there, and get a very enthusiastic greeting. Krista tells us that when she goes home she gets right in between her mom and stepdad in bed and they hang out and talk and watch movies and chill. And... that's a little weird. Especially given that her stepdad appears to be about 28. I love my parents too, but I'm 29 years too old for cuddling with them in bed. Nevertheless, Krista and her parents seem very happy. Tyra asks Krista's mom if she's proud, and Krista's mom says that Krista is her best work. Krista's mom is pretty adorable.
Raina is to get a visitor -- it's her dad! She gives him a huge hug and tells us that her dad is her hero. Not Superman. Not DJ Tanner. Not Kimmy Gibbler, even. It's her dad. Raina's dad is appropriately dorky and cute.
Krista and her mom and stepdad pose for their family portrait. Her stepdad's hands look enormous, particularly when juxtaposed with Krista's bony ass. Krista's mom says that their family motto is pride, determination and resilience. Who has a family motto? I love it! The closest thing my family has to a motto is, "This needs more salt." Krista's mom is really proud of her for living up to that family motto. Raina and her dad are . Her dad says that Raina has learned so much, and adds that when she goes after something she does it with a passion. He's very proud that she does that. Tyra gives the parents props for how well they raised their famewhore daughters, and then plugs her own website, because she's a famewhore daughter too. And then the families have to leave. There are many hugs. Raina confessionalizes that even though she quit volleyball to pursue modeling, her dad is still behind her 100%. I mean, it's not like she quit her job at NASA to pursue modeling. But it's nice that he's so supportive. Krista says that her parents know that this is something she's wanted and fought for. She adds that she's the person who won't eat, sleep or drink -- which actually are the three things you have to do (or not do) to be a successful model -- so that she can do this for the rest of her life.
The girls head to the site of their runway show to meet Jay. They're in the Auckland Museum, where they'll be walking in an Anna Sui show. The inspiration for the collection is "Rock N' Roll Circus." This bodes well for an Angelea-style Hammer dance on the runway. Nicole will open the show, and the girls will be walking with a whole host of professional models. There will be some other, non-professional spotlight stealers, however -- namely Alasia, Jessica, Alexandra, and Angelea! Hammer dance dreams may come true!
The girls head to hair and makeup, and the gossiping commences. Krista notes that nobody had her in mind as competition and Angelea, who is apparently Krista's friend again, says that her walk is way better than Raina's. The irrepressible Angelea then adds, "She walks like a linebacker, bitch." Oh, how I missed her during the first twenty-six minutes of this episode! Angelea is solidly Team Krista, and adds a, "Beat that bitch's ass on the runway!" for encouragement. Raina, meanwhile, is happy that there's finally a runway show that fits her smiley, flirty self. Jessica is Team Raina, and says that she's hot, sweet, and wants it. Nicole mills about and talks to the girls. Krista is trying to channel the chaotic energy backstage, and admits to being a little bit nervous. She's ready, though. The judges take their seats among the crowd, and Tyra is blessedly not wearing a jumpsuit. Victory! As the show prepares to go on, Raina says that she's feeling a ton of pressure. Krista tells us that she's pumped and it's go time, and then it actually is go time! The show begins!
The show opens with some circus performers, including a guy juggling bowling pins, a lady with a hula hoop, and some dude with Get In Shape, Girl! ribbons. The performers are followed by Nicole, in a high-fashion ringmaster outfit. She still is not the world's best runway walker, but her hair is sure pretty. Angelea emerges and does a modified club walk, which is extremely exciting. There are some real models, and then Krista! She bounces out on the runway in her sleek bob, and looks really cute. She knows that she doesn't have a naturally playful runway walk -- she's more strong and edgy -- but she's pushing herself to do what she needs to do. And she's doing it well! She's going to stomp Raina out. Krista celebrates her first walk, and is immediately sent to change into her look.
After a bit, Raina walks out. She's wearing a great outfit, and is looking a bit like a rock n' roll schoolgirl. Everyone's looking at her, she says, and it's her time to shine. Raina smiles and claims not to be nervous. She's having fun, and does a self-proclaimed "cute pose" at the end of the runway, which unfortunately comes off as rather awkward. She looks less like a linebacker than ever, though, so that's progress. Alasia walks out, followed by Alexandra, who looks gargantuan in a hippy babydoll dress. That is really too bad. She plays air guitar at the end of the runway, which, despite Tyra's nod of approval, is just weird.
Raina and Krista are outfitted in their second looks. Krista says that, even though it's completely chaotic backstage, it's like heaven to be a part of it. She's gotten a catwalk contact high. For their second pass, the girls will have to walk in pairs. Raina says it's hard to do, but visually pleasing to the audience. Several pairs of models head out, including Jessica and Angelea, who do a butt-bump. And then it's time for Krista and Raina to walk together. They manage not to trip each other or scratch each others' eyes out. Raina always seems to walk half a step ahead of Krista, though, which has to be annoying. Tyra remarks that they're both so good, and Raina blows an air kiss as they head backstage again. And then the show is over. Krista says she feels like she's on Cloud 25, and would like to do the whole thing two or three times more. Raina tells us that she's close to winning, and in fact wants it more than ever now. With a backstage celebration, we head to commercials.
After the break, Tyra talks to the girls backstage. She asks Krista what makes her extra special, and why she should win. Krista says that she has a great walk, and brought her personality to it. She didn't go crazy, because she didn't want to be fake. Tyra then asks Krista if she felt pretty growing up. Krista gets a little teary as she says that she didn't always feel like she was pretty, but in high school she discovered who she was. If she wins the competition, she wants to go out and talk to dark skinny girls who don't think they're pretty. Krista says that she's as imperfect as anyone else, but she loves herself. She wants other people to see that in her, so they know that they can do the same thing. It's really easy once you find who you are, she says. Tyra tells Krista that her calling is bigger than herself. She's showing girls who look like her that they're beautiful. Krista says that she knows how hard it is to be a dark, skinny girl, and so wants to go out and be an inspiration to all the supermodels-in-training who currently suffer from low self-esteem.
Tyra then asks Raina how she thinks she did. Raina thinks she did well, and says that it was one of the first times that she really let loose and had fun. Tyra asks how it feels to get so far in the competition. Raina says that even two years ago, she could have never walked on a runway. She feels like she's transformed into a model. Tyra clearly isn't getting what she wants, so asks Raina to talk about when she felt the lowest. Raina says that she was picked on a lot as a tall, gangly, big-lipped and big-eyebrowed girl. Tyra jumps all over this, saying that it's the different and odd things that make us beautiful. Unless you're talking, like, a third arm. Though imagine the wonders you could do with a jacket then! Raina used to be insecure, but now she's become a super-confident model. Pretty people loving themselves! Victory.
And then we're at panel! From the waist up, Tyra looks amazing. She's wearing a violet strapless contraption that goes severely straight across her collarbone. She says that Krista and Raina look absolutely stunning, and today all the dreck is gone. Wait until we pan down on Tyra. The dreck remains in the form of an oddly puffy crotch. Now we can all have nightmares of murderous jumpsuits throughout the summer. But back to our finalists. Both girls have come so far -- from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Minnetonka, Minnesota, respectively. There are prizes -- a contract with Wilhelmina Models, a six-page spread and cover of Seventeen, and a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl. There are judges -- Nigel Barker, Andre Leon Talley, and Miss J. Alexander in a very feathery hat.
Krista and Raina both step forward for their critiques. Krista's runway walk in the Anna Sui show gets some criticism from Jay, who still isn't a fan of her short, staccato steps. However, ALT thought she was extraordinary. She looked bouncy, and like she was walking on air. And it seemed real. Tyra was nervous, because she wasn't sure if high-fashion Krista could pull off something light and airy. But when she saw Krista's smile, she was commercial and high-fashion at the same time. There was a certain energy and pep that Tyra liked a lot, even if there was a bit of cheese in it. Raina's walk was a bit heavy-footed, according to Miss J. However, she smiled and looked cute and it slightly worked at times. Is that a compliment? ALT says that Raina was a Clydesdale. However, she had a beautiful smile. Tyra thought that Raina was freshness and happiness and had air in her hair. She was shocked that Raina walked like a real model, and actually liked the Clydesdale clomp.
We then see the girls' Cover Girl print ads. Raina's is beautiful, gentle, delicate and fresh, according to Nigel. ALT agrees that Raina has a freshness about her that's very American girl-door. However, he'd like to see more twinkle and excitement in her eye. Miss J. says that Krista's photo is in-your-face beauty, however it needs a bit more "oomph" from inside. Tyra agrees. She thinks that the photo is stunning and Krista's face is beautiful, but she's not smiling with her eyes. I always hate to admit when Tyra's right, but in this case she totally hit it. Smizing is kind of a real thing, and Krista's eyes are dead. She's not connecting to the woman who's turning the page, and needs to demand that the consumer first fall in love with her and then with crappy Cover Girl spackle by association.
Then it's time to see the Cover Girl commercial. It is, per usual, rather mediocre. I do kind of want to try that giant smoky shadow pencil, though. Nigel tells Raina that she has charming, upbeat, and clear timbre to her voice, and that she enunciates well. However, she forgets her eyes. Wonky eye! Tyra agrees that Raina was squinty. ALT found that Raina didn't use one of her biggest assets in the commercial -- her gorgeous smile. He also thought that she was reading from a teleprompter (which she wasn't!), and didn't see any of her charm or personality come through in a Cover Girl way. Tyra wanted her to be more natural and smizey. Krista admits that she blanked on the lines and needed cue cards. Nigel says that's okay, but it's important to remember not to lose yourself. Tyra agrees, and adds that the directors love the moment in between and the moment before, because that's where the beauty is. I think her jumpsuit crotch is cutting off her circulation again. The good news for Krista is that the light loves her. Her skin looked amazing and luminescent.
The girls are dismissed as the panel deliberates. ALT says that both girls came through big time throughout the cycle, and both showed strength and the ability to learn. Visually, both are remarkable, according to Nigel. He then loses me as he says, "They really are literally chalk and cheese." First of all, what does that even mean? Second of all, literally? They're LITERALLY chalk and cheese? Well then make me a tuna melt, draw some pictures on the sidewalk and call it a day. Nigel would say that Krista's a better model with the whole body, but when it comes to the face Raina's got it. Tyra asks ALT about the girls' international appeal. ALT thinks that Raina would be good for the English market, where courtesans are always in. Krista would be more of an international model. She represents high fashion, and also has the ability to evoke sophistication. Miss J. says that Krista would be great for runway shows and might get a few editorials, whereas Raina would be great for pictures as opposed to shows. Nigel thinks that Raina could be successful enough in the U.S. that she wouldn't have to go global. ALT argues that girls today want to be global, and that they're looking for girls who will take it to the level. Nigel concedes that Krista brings more drama. Raina has some drama, but he feels more heart with Krista. With that, the judges have reached a decision. Though both girls are great, Nigel reminds everyone that there can only be one winner.
Raina and Krista return. And America's Top Model Is... Krista! Hooray! I feel like if you try out for this show twelve times you should at least get $100,000 for your troubles. Raina takes it all in stride, with nary a tear. She says that she's happy to have accomplished so much, experienced so much, and learned so much. She's become a model, and it won't stop here. Unless it does. But maybe it won't. Modeling is Raina's passion and dream, and she won't rest until she's annoyed as many people as possible in the fashion industry with her exceedingly positive attitude.
Raina leaves, and Tyra can heap praise upon Krista. She says that Krista is amazing. She's the embodiment of America's Top Model. She came in not knowing what she was doing, but she learned, listened and blossomed. There's an honesty and rawness about her that's beautiful, and the panel thinks that she could have an international career. Krista hugs all of the judges, and gives ALT the two-cheek kiss. She says that when she was young, she always wanted to see somebody who was just like her who went somewhere or did something. She never saw this in her generation, and wants to be that person. And is that person! This brings ALT to tears. Krista says that to come from Pine Bluff, where no one leaves, and to chase her dream is amazing. She hopes people can look up to her and see that she never gave up, and kept trying and pushing, and now is a Wikipedia footnote. But in all seriousness, congrats to Krista! She turned out to be more delightful, and a better model, than most of us expected, and won a lot of loot in the process.
week: Clip show!
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