Gapped-tooth and gorgeous, Danielle Evans was named "America's Next Top Model" on Wednesday's finale. Along with winning the title, Danielle scored a contract with Ford Models, a $100,000 CoverGirl contract and a spread in Elle magazine to be shot by famous photographer Gilles Bensimon. "Danielle has an amazing attitude. She took what we said in judging and made it work in her photos," says creator Tyra Banks. All four judges consistently praised Evans's pictures, but had criticism for her heavy southern twang.
"I didn't realize I had an accent until I watched myself on television!" says the 20-year-old former babysitter, who ultimately toned down the accent by speaking more slowly.
"I've wanted to be a model since I was 12, but not just a model ? a supermodel," Danielle said. She beat out fellow finalists Jade, 26, the diva restaurant hostess, and Joanie, 24, the blond-haired, blue-eyed sales associate who was the odds-on favorite to win.
Despite having a supermodel's height, at 6 feet, and overcoming her southern twang, Danielle had one other obstacle to overcome - her teeth. After being prodded by Tyra and warned that she would never sign a make-up contract given that imperfection, she had a dentist close (but not completely) her trademark gap between her front teeth.
"If I didn't decide to close the gap, I possibly would have been going home," she said. "I am a very smart girl. Yes, I was upset initially, but I am not stupid. I compromised. I got it closed a little, but I still have a bit of my signature trademark."
Comments
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Posted by: rodo | May 22, 2006 8:06 PM
i think Danielle should have won. they chose the right woman. she came in and had that certain something about her and i had been rooting for her since the beginning. it makes me happy to know that a young african american country gap-tooth woman can win a competition as big as this one.
Posted by: Kayla | May 23, 2006 3:17 AM
I am so happy that Danielle won this contest. She was professional and had the best pictures from the beginning. Her skin is flawless, her walk is fierce (Ms. Jay) and she will be a great supermodel and covergirl....gap and all. Lauren Hutton is known for her gap so I think that people will always find something to criticize you on. Her accent was thick but so is Twiggys (an accent is an accent no matter what country you're from) but you could understand Danielle when she talked and yes we can all improve on something. Don't be so quick to judge a person on what makes them different (her gap) because after all as Tyra says "all Models have something that makes them different." Love Top Model and they definitely got it right this time.
Posted by: Charli | May 24, 2006 4:35 PM