Top 10 America's Next Top Model Contestants Whose Careers Are Better Than The Winner
#10: Fo Porter Cycle 12
Top 10 Times America's Next Top Model Judges Roasted Contestants
The gorgeous Teyona Anderson (tee-YAWNNA) took home the win on cycle 12. She later signed with Elite Model Management, and appeared in the likes of Destiny and Seventeen magazines. But judging by her social media, it appears that this fierce beauty is proudly focused on being a mom these days. Her competitor Fo, on the other hand, continues to make waves. She struggled with her makeover, but excelled in the competition overall, and has been doing even better since. She’s signed to Nous Model Management and has appeared in ads for Skims, Levi’s, and Ivy Park, just to name a few. The April 2019 Playboy Playmate has also appeared in some high-profile music videos, which is nothing if not impressive!
#9: Rhianna Atwood Cycle 15
Ann Ward was a lovable presence on “ANTM.” She had a mild-mannered personality, but took absolutely incredible photos. However, since winning prizes like a spread in “Vogue Italia”, she’s largely moved on to other pursuits. Namely, the creative soul now works as a concept artist, character designer, and animator. For her part, Jane Randall enjoyed a successful modeling career before switching gears to political commentating. But the biggest cycle 15 surprise turned out to be Rhianna Atwood. Although she had a winning personality, she didn’t exactly perform well on the show. However, you can find her on Soundcloud and, more importantly, she signed with multiple agencies after her run, so you may have seen her in magazines like “Nylon Mexico.”
#8: Elyse Sewell Cycle 1
This second runner-up from the very first season of “Top Model” was nothing if not memorable. The pre-med student was intellectual and opinionated, but rubbed the judges the wrong way with her condescending attitude and controversial supermodel theory. However, her career after the show arguably surpassed that of winner Adrianne Curry. Sewell worked in major cities all over the world, modeled for Chanel, and appeared on the cover of “Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong.” Curry pursued a modeling and reality TV career, but never seemed to achieve the high fashion success of her competitor. She even publicly alleged a lack of pay and support from both the show, and Wilhelmina Models, following her victory.
#7: Isis King Cycle 11
Although King appeared on both the 11th installment of the show and its “All Stars” season, she never placed highly. However, her impact extended far beyond the competition. She was “Top Model”’s first trans contestant, and powerfully represented a community that wasn’t often seen on TV. After her stint on the series, she found success as a model. Plus, she’s since built an impressive acting career with roles in projects like “When They See Us,” “Shameless,” and the reality docu-series “Strut.” Although cycle 11 winner Brittany “McKey” Sullivan modeled for a bit, she’s seemingly left the fashion industry behind. Now, she focuses on the family she built with MMA fighter Sam Alvey.
#6: Raina Hein Cycle 14
Raina Hein - now Ellison - and Krista White were extremely fierce competitors. And both have enjoyed high-profile careers since the show. However, the former contestant’s stint in the modeling business has arguably been more lucrative. Acclaimed for her unique look and striking eyes, she went on to sign with agencies in major cities like Paris and L.A. She’s been featured in publications like Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and (201) Magazine, among others. Plus, there are her multiple striking runway appearances to consider. As if that wasn’t impressive enough on its own, she’s also starred in numerous popular music videos. White’s career has been nothing to scoff at, but it’s safe to say that Hein’s done pretty well - especially considering she was the runner-up!
#5: Ebonee Davis Cycle 18
Davis is known as one of the most recognizable to emerge from the series. She placed fifth on the “British Invasion”-themed season, but her career took off after her appearance. These days, she’s signed to The Lions Management. Her extensive resume includes work for Ivy Park x Adidas, Vogue, Yeezus, and Harper’s Bazaar, just to name a few. Sophie Sumner was a runner-up on “Britain’s Next Top Model” Cycle 5, and ultimately snagged the win on the U.S. series. Although she has modeled and appeared on TV, she hasn’t quite encountered the same mainstream success as Davis.
#4: Lio Tipton Cycle 11
Top 20 Most Successful America's Got Talent Contestants
This contestant has changed their name since appearing on “Top Model”, but is undoubtedly one of the show’s most well-known alums. They consistently placed in the top during the show’s 11th installment, before eventually getting eliminated in the finale. However, they absolutely nailed the first CoverGirl commercial, and have gone on to have a great film and television career. With credits including but not limited to “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Warm Bodies,” Tipton has definitely made it. As we mentioned, Brittany “McKey” Sullivan is one of the series’ less career-focused winners, and now has a family of five children.
#3: Fatima Siad Cycle 10
This second runner-up performed similarly to eventual winner Whitney Thompson, but was booted in the finale. She didn’t always get along with her competitors, but created many striking photos throughout her run. And her career absolutely exploded once the competition came to an end. She’s been featured in such magazines as “Vogue” and “Marie Claire,” and has walked the runway for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Hermès, and Hervé Léger. Thompson, for her part, has been busy modeling for companies such as Gwynnie Bee, blogging, and owning a restaurant. However, Siad is by far one of the most distinguished models to emerge from the “ANTM” universe.
#2: Leila Goldkuhl Cycle 19
Goldkuhl was very well-liked by fans, and was actually voted back into the competition after being axed. However, she ultimately placed third after a clumsy final runway show, much to the disappointment of many viewers. Since the series wrapped, she’s had major success in the modeling world, getting booked by Givenchy, Chanel, and countless other luxury brands. Granted, cycle 19 winner Laura James worked for Guess and has appeared in multiple TV series and movies. But when it comes to a career in high fashion, very few contestants have a portfolio quite like Leila Goldkuhl. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Lauren Brie Harding, Cycle 11 This Contestant Has Appeared in Numerous Magazines, Including Grazia Eugena Washington, Cycle 7 She Acts, Models, & Was Named the 2016 Playboy Playmate of the Year Erin Wagner, Cycle 13 This Model Has Achieved Great Success in Latin America Aminat Ayinde, Season 12 Years After Appearing on “ANTM,” This Beauty Hasn’t Slowed Down
#1: Winnie Harlow Cycle 21
Top 10 Best Kevin & Winnie Moments on The Wonder Years
Viewers may recall that this model competed on her season as Chantelle, after her social media presence caught Tyra Banks’ eye. Despite her potential, she was outshined in a season with a busy “guys and girls” theme. Since her appearance on the show, though, Harlow has achieved supermodel status. She participated in the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and has worked with the likes of Fendi and Tommy Hilfiger, among many others. She’s also appeared as a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Making the Cut”. Even those who have never watched an episode of “America’s Next Top Model” probably know Harlow’s name today. Cycle 21 winner Keith Carlos was in Cardi B’s “Be Careful” music video, but his career just can’t compare.
