52 replies to this topic

[TWoP Pembleton]

A WINNER IS CHOSEN - The final models participate in their Covergirl commercial and photo shoot, where one of the women has a panic attack and is taken to the hospital. For the first time in "Top Model" history, the women will take part in a holographic runway show interacting with lifelike images and also walk in sync with the outline of their own bodies. Kelly Cutrone and Nigel Barker join Jay Manuel and Tyra Banks on the judges' panel to choose the winner.

[Saintz]

Yay! I'm happy!

I knew it was Sophie since Catherine wrote that post in ther tumblr but still, I wasn't 100% sure. The fixed Covergirl add sealed the deal for me though.

The Runway show was kind of lame.

Was that song at the end Sophie's single?

[Mxytdvc]

I'm so glad it was Sophie.

[davidcalgary29]

Well, it's nice to see that the winner's portfolio is just as craptacular as it has been for most of the past fourteen seasons of this show. Sophie should just burn all that shit.

So we'll get to comment on episodes as they air AND have a say in elimination next season? Cool! Can we vote to cancel this series? Bring back Jade and/or Janice? Send everyone home? I can't imagine that TPTB will have enough nearly enough editors to delete the multiplicity of comments which will no doubt be posted about Tyra's fat ass.

[BitchySmurf]

I thought Laura was going to win because she got so much screentime. I was all sent to complain about how her walk was bad and her photo wasn't that good.

Now I don't know what to do with myself. I'm used to knowing the winner from the first episode of this show. Weird.

I managed to not actively dislike Laura this week. I have panic attacks too. I think she's got some unresolved emotional issues which may explain some of her odd behavior this season. I actually felt kind of bad for her when they brought the panic attack up at panel and said she needed to deal with it. But this was her first one so how could she know how? She needs professional treatment.

But still, yay Sophie.

[davidcalgary29]

Was that song at the end Sophie's single?

I completely forgot about that "prize"! I hope she named her single "Zob".

[The Runway show was kind of lame.

Especially for the hamster who walked down the runway in the dark. Actually, that was kind of awesome. "Run to the light, Alisha. Run as fast as you can!"

Edited by davidcalgary29, May 30, 2012 @ 9:34 PM.

[love danielle]

I'm very happy. I actually...like Tyra a little now. I thought she would wimp out and crown an American girl.

[Fabricationary]

I am (pleasantly) shocked at this outcome. Usually a sob story is enough to clinch victory in the final round, but Laura's hints at alcohol abuse in her family were mysteriously trumped by Sophie's superficial discussion with Tyra.

I chalk this up to new host favoritism. Kelly Cutrone clearly favored Sophie over Laura. It's like when Nicole won over Nik in season 5 because Twiggy thought Nicole looked like an "English rose" but seemed to dislike all the black girls uniformly.

[Picky Eater]

Kelly Cutrone clearly favored Sophie over Laura.

This surprised me since Kelly seemed vehemently anti-Sophie for most of the season.

[Xazeal]

I thought it was such complete bullshit that Tyra called Sophie out for not looking good during her (supposedly) "candid" moments that were filmed throughout the season (some of those moments were obviously staged, but whatever, Tyra) when Sophie, in theory, didn't have any control over that. Tyra was essentially saying "We chose to use candid shots where you didn't look very good" and blamed Sophie for it. That's actually why I was convinced that Laura would win.

But anyway, yay Sophie! This is the first time since Cycle 4 that my preshow favorite has won. Since ANTM is clearly going to kamikaze out with next season, I'm happy that the last winner was a good one.

[AllThatGlitters]

I thought it was such complete bullshit that Tyra called Sophie out for not looking good during her (supposedly) "candid" moments that were filmed throughout the season (some of those moments were obviously staged, but whatever, Tyra) when Sophie, in theory, didn't have any control over that. Tyra was essentially saying "We chose to use candid shots where you didn't look very good" and blamed Sophie for it. That's actually why I was convinced that Laura would win.

This is what I thought as well. Does Tyra think we are THAT stupid? Here's Sophie the Illumanti who during the season we've seen countless times shine even "candidly".
Maybe they wanted to even the girls out a bit to build some suspense, but I think its a cheap way to do it. I guess they think they get away with it so many times by picking the "best" horrible shot if they want to get rid of someone, but please Tyra don't think you are fooling anyone.

Glad Sophie won, but IMO Laura has a much more unique look and personality. She'll be a well paid model anyways.

Edited by AllThatGlitters, May 31, 2012 @ 12:12 AM.

[Ginandtonic]

I am happy & surprised that Sophie won, I thought Tyra would give it to Laura. I had forgotten all about Laura's red & blue hair streaks until they showed the older photo of her, when did they disappear? Why did they disappear? they kept Sophie's pink hair (in an ever changing shade) the whole time, so I wonder why they decided that Laura should lose her colors.

I am very glad we have finally gotten to the finale because this was the last ANTN I will ever record. The series recording is off my DVR & I hope never again to watch Tyra talk about booty tooch or smizing or look at Kelly Cutrone's bitch face again.

[kelbel]

Wow! I nearly fell out of my chair when Sophie won. She's been my favorite since the first episode. My favorite hasn't won in like 10 seasons, so I was preparing myself for the worst all season long. I called Laura as the winner from the get-go with her endless sob-stories, and you know how much Tyra loves crowning those kind of winners. Plus, with Laura being American and all, I just thought there was no way Tyra was going let a Brit win.

GO SOPHIE!!!

Lol at Alisha saying if she didn't quit she would've been in the final 2 and killed the runway. She couldn't even stay in the light. I did feel kind of bad. She was probably just joking when she said that and the editors chose to crap all over her.

I was surprised that Kelly was so pro-Sophie during deliberations. I knew both Sophie and Laura were her favorites, but I always thought she favored Laura more. Wonder what changed her mind about Laura. But interesting how she brought up from a PR standpoint that Sophie was better than Laura. How she came in 2nd on BNTM, worked hard to improve, never gave up on her dream, came back on ANTM and won. While I feel for Laura with her struggles growing up, it seems like she just rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way. Sophie came off much more likable and fun. (But judging from Catherine's blog, that could just be the power of editing.) And Tyra was right, she does make people want to be her friend. At least for me.

[Bebecat]

Yay! I had it on tape and almost deleted the end as I was so sure they would give it to Laura...everything leaned toward Laura in this episode. I was rooting for Sophie from the start, as I had seen the British Cycle on youtube when she came in 2nd.

Hope she does really well.

[Screamie]

Wow, as much as I hate saying it, good on Tyra for not going the predictable route. Sophie's charming and I hope she does well.

[bricka]

I had forgotten all about Laura's red & blue hair streaks until they showed the older photo of her, when did they disappear? Why did they disappear? they kept Sophie's pink hair (in an ever changing shade) the whole time, so I wonder why they decided that Laura should lose her colors.

If you look at Laura's bun, you can still see the red/blue extensions. I think they would just take them in and out intermittently throughout the season. Sometimes they'd be there at shoots, other times they wouldn't.

I thought for sure Sophie was a goner when they re-did her hair that awful pink color for the Cover Girl shoot. I figured they were just trying everything in their power to screw her over. Glad that was wrong.

Did anyone notice the weird shot after the final commercial break of the girls in the dark? Laura's hair was down and as soon as the lights came up they both put on smiles. It was so clearly staged and I could just hear the director counting down in my mind. What awful editing.

[kelbel]

Was that song at the end Sophie's single?

I believe so. It's not bad, IMO. Not the best thing ever. But it's cute.

Edited by kelbel, May 31, 2012 @ 2:29 AM.

[Libby1975]

I thought it was such complete bullshit that Tyra called Sophie out for not looking good during her (supposedly) "candid" moments that were filmed throughout the season (some of those moments were obviously staged, but whatever, Tyra) when Sophie, in theory, didn't have any control over that. Tyra was essentially saying "We chose to use candid shots where you didn't look very good" and blamed Sophie for it. That's actually why I was convinced that Laura would win.

Me too! While I have to admit Laura's commercial was better --and gave me another reason to think she would win -- the fact that Sophies candids were a bit crap were in no way a reflection of her, rather they reflect poorly on the editors of the ad. If they have really been recording the ad all this time they would have hundreds of hours of footage to choose from, and from the material broadcast alone I could probably pick better candids. What a ridiculously unfair thing to citicize her for.

[Sentosa]

Laura had this in the bag until the panic attack incident. If Brittani hadn't won two cycles ago and thrown it away since, I honestly believe we'd have seen a different outcome today. Kelly Cutrone was overpraising her all season, but decided at the last minute that she'd be a hard sell, and switched loyalties. That woman would sell her own kids down the river.

I didn't like either of the girls, but I enjoyed watching Sophie struggle with her one-to-one with Tyra, because she couldn't do her usual act. I think the reason she can be over-the-top "nice" and compliment the other girls all the time is that she is so arrogant she feels she can do so - she's naturally better than everyone, so the compliment means nothing anyway. I'd rather take Alisha's bitchery, which comes from genuine self-doubt, because it shows a bit of introspection. When Sophie was talking to Tyra you could see she was struggling, because she's not used to being around anyone higher up the food chain than herself, she's been born with that much privilege.

In the opening to the episode (after the credits) I was like, ugh, what is that horrible noise? Is it music? And I was the same at the end.

This cycle I thought Eboni had the most potential by far, followed (I will begrudgingly admit) by Laura. Laura's quite ordinary-looking to me, I know lots of freckly girls with delicate features in the UK who might not be tall and thin but have much more interesting looks. She did finish the show with a decent portfolio though, and her perfume and Cover Girl ad photos were stronger than Sophie's, not to mention the Vogue Italia shoot. I couldn't stand her personality, but as I wasn't Sophie's biggest fan either I'm pissed that one panic attack was enough to flip the judges' votes.

[Poseidon]

I'm still convinced that Azmarie was groomed to be the winner, originally. The drama at the Booty Teach was something unexpected, something unscripted. It made Tyra look bad/silly and Azamarie instantly an anathema to Tyra. Tyra was really offended. Had Azmarie tooched that booty when told, I have no doubt that she would found herself in the Final 2 with Sophie - ultimately going on to win it all. Oh well.

Sophie's a good (and surprising!) choice for winner. In terms of actually looking like a HF model with a body that is ready for work... she's probably one of the better ones in series history. I don't think she's particularly talented though - she looks the noun but needs to be rocking the verb. Laura did a better job at modelling, IMO.

Moreover, if Sophie was having trouble getting American representation before, is Tyra's force feed really going to change Sophie's perceived value to the industry? I feel that Sophie needed the exposure more than she needed the win - she has telegenic features and a personality that doesn't need to be confined to just fashion. Honestly, she seems more like a hot socialite - cue Cutrone's apt comparisons to Edie Sedgwick and Sienna Miller.

It'll be interesting to see the effect of all of this on Sophie's career a year down the line. Will she find moderate success in America, or will she return to the UK and Storm, doing whatever it is that she was doing before?

[WhineandCheez]

I actually felt kind of bad for her when they brought the panic attack up at panel and said she needed to deal with it. But this was her first one so how could she know how?

Stepping out on the grassy knoll here--how are we to know this is Laura's first panic attack? Because she says so? I am thinking that she has had this before and lied about it. She has a lot of problems, that was evident since she was such a nutcase bitch until she started her redemption arc in the past 2 episodes.

This is the first cycle in a long time where the winner shocked me. I thought Laura had it 95%. Sophie is adorable, she looks a bit old though. In retrospect,a comment from Nigel(?) is what sank Laura--she looks better in photos than in person. In person she is not so great. This cycle is focusing on personal appearance, TV hosting, singing and not so much photos. Also, a charming Brit accent never hurts during personal appearances. sophie is charming--Laura not at all.

By the way, that was the worst runway show production-wise I ever saw. the clothes were cheapass and WTF with the Samari fighting? It was awful--it needed a catwalk extension--this was like strolling across a stage in a high school auditorium wearing the crap clothes you sewed in Home Ec.

Edited by WhineandCheez, May 31, 2012 @ 7:36 AM.

[Kosmonaut]

All throughout this episode I just kept thinking how great Sophie looked. "Candid" moments aside, her commercial kicked Laura's commercial's ass, as did her CG print ad. Sophie's the perfect choice for winner, IMO. (Heh, except for the whole not-American thing, I guess.) Laura just doesn't inspire me. I literally threw both of my fists up when Sophie won.

I'm going to miss Silver Robot next season. :(

It was awful--it needed a catwalk extension--this was like strolling across a stage in a high school auditorium wearing the crap clothes you sewed in Home Ec.

Completely agreed. And how embarrassing was the Tyra sequence at the beginning? Yeesh. I can only imagine (fear?) what we'll be subjected to next season.

Edited by Kosmonaut, May 31, 2012 @ 7:57 AM.

[charmgirl]

It was awful--it needed a catwalk extension--this was like strolling across a stage in a high school auditorium wearing the crap clothes you sewed in Home Ec.

I think that runway benefitted Laura. It underplayed her awful walk.

And how embarrassing was the Tyra sequence at the beginning? Yeesh.

OMG! I had to fast-foward through it. Tyra's ego is out of hand. I'd love to know what was going through the heads of the all the folks politely applauding that narcissistic display... especially Nigel!

His smile and reaction didn't seem quite genuine. Wonder if he already knew he was being kicked off the show and was thinking "You fucking bitch... hate her" when Tyra and her big ass forehead was filling up the stage. LOL!

[Catzi]

I'm so glad one of the judges (maybe Nigel?) pointed out Laura's smirk/side smiling face. It is just so ugly, and she makes that face so much.

So glad Sophie won. I'm really surprised. Who would have thought a deserving winner would actually win? I was reading a bunch of comments elsewhere, where people were saying a Brit couldn't and shouldn't win ANTM.

Edited by Catzi, May 31, 2012 @ 8:37 AM.

[thispooiscold]

I was at least glad to see them give it to Sophie but MAN the continuity is making me crazy. Her hair color was all over the place this episode. I can't figure out what was shot when. Laura just bothered me. She tried way too hard to be sexual and it was evident. And painful.

What the fuck is up with the voting next season? Really? We're turning ANTM into TRL? Okay. I can't wait to see the viewer videos for this - everything will end in "WOOOO!"

[AnalysticalBoy]

Laura had this in the bag until the panic attack incident. If Brittani hadn't won two cycles ago and thrown it away since, I honestly believe we'd have seen a different outcome today.

I actually thought Laura's panic attack made her more likely to win, considering that quite a few winners received medical attention during their run, though none during the season finale. In any case, we can be sure that Sophie won't 'waste' the win like Ann and Brittani did.

I don't think she's particularly talented though - she looks the noun but needs to be rocking the verb. Laura did a better job at modelling, IMO.

I agree that Laura's photos are better: I seriously think she might be one of the best posers to have ever competed on ANTM. However, Sophie is more modelesque, and her walk and portfolio are good enough - she didn't dominate all three go-see challenges for nothing.

Moreover, if Sophie was having trouble getting American representation before, is Tyra's force feed really going to change Sophie's perceived value to the industry?

I'm not sure how this works, exactly - but would Sophie, or any of the other UK girls, have had the chance to meet with US agencies before joining ANTM? I thought they didn't, which was why Tyra and co managed to put together such a strong bunch of British girls.

I'm not entirely convinced that Azmarie was TCO before 'booty tooch gate'. Yeah, she was black, which was an advantage, considering that a black girl hasn't won in quite a while. However, she was give two FCOs early in the cycle, and IIRC, only two early frontrunners, Jaslene and Ann, went on to win. If TPTB had a chosen one, I think it was Alisha. I know at the beginning, many (myself included) thought Tyra would never crown a Brit, but looking back on it, why wouldn't she? TPTB wouldn't go out of their way to fly seven British models over if none of them had a prayer of winning. Furthermore, on hindsight, the American domination at the beginning seems fixed to hide the fact that in the end, a Brit was always destined to win.

Overall, this cycle was really pretty good; not as entertaining as the first few cycles, or as 'high fashion' as Cycles 15 and 16, but a vast improvement over the mess that was All-Stars. Plus, I was happy that my favorite won. I think from next cycle onwards, with the public voting, we'll have a string of undeserving winners, so I'm glad that for the last (?) cycle in which the judges select the winner, they chose a great one.

[AnalysticalBoy]

Whoops, double post.

Edited by AnalysticalBoy, May 31, 2012 @ 10:21 AM.

[Sarraghina]

I loved how Alisha talked about how if she hadn't "left" (read: QUIT!), she'd be dominating them b**ches. And then, she totes walks in the dark so no one can see her on the runway! Way to dominate the show, sweetie...

[sharonbee]

Kind of sad that was Nigel, Jay and Ms J's swan song. Kind of sad to see only 2 pages of comments after a finale. Put a fork in it Tyra... ANTM is done. Please leave the song recording to the 100 singing competitions!

[The Deej]

Was that song at the end Sophie's single?

I believe so. It's not bad, IMO. Not the best thing ever. But it's cute.

Would make for a good Eurovision entry.