It was down to the final three: Amanda, the 25-year-old mother from Hendersonville, North Carolina, Yaya, the 21-year-old Ivy League grad from Harlem and Eva, the 19-year old student from Los Angeles, California. Pressure had given way to camaraderie as the three girls bonded, Amanda was the first to feel the sting of goodbye, leaving Eva and Yaya to battle to the end. Following the last challenge and an emotional final panel, Tyra announced the winner of America's Next Top Model: Eva.
As the final elimination loomed, each girl was presented with her own special challenge. Amanda needed to prove her style could go beyond quirky. Eva had to show she had as much stature as the other girls. Yaya had to demonstrate that she could be regal and relatable at the same time.
At first, it felt a little like two-against-one as Amanda and Yaya left Eva to twist in the wind. Yaya admitted as much: "If there were anything we could do to make Eva more comfortable I don't think we would."
Tyra arrived to let the girls know how she felt about all the actresses hogging the covers of fashion magazines. "It's time to make room for a Cover Girl." She explained the winner of the contest would have her shot appear in a magazine.
The shoot WAS for Wet Slicks Crystals from CoverGirl. The pose? To rest delicately on zen rocks that were lying atop a still pool. Amanda realized how close she was to her dream as she reflected, "It's gone from what do I want to do to being on the precipice of doing it." Her smile was filled with "approachable energy," which was pleasing to the Japanese photographer Ryu Tamagawa. The shoot rocked, and she said, "I was trying to utilize my inner joy. My appreciation for bunny rabbits and France." And the result was a "piping hot plate of smile."
Eva knew she had no room for error. Jay reflected on Eva's development as she posed, recalling, "When I met Eva, she was a tough girl who came out to serve. Slowly she has let the wall come down." Yaya followed Eva's glittering performance, making it three-for-three. Jay was impressed. "Before today I didn't think any of the three girls had it but they really stepped up."
After the shoot the girls were introduced to prominent Japanese designer Noriko Fukushima, who showed them an array of dresses for her upcoming fashion show. Thesewere the dresses that two of the girls would wear when they advanced to the final two.
Then Tyra Mail called the girls to the panel which made everyone more nervous than ever. Alongside the regular judges were Noriko Fukushima. Nigel called Amanda's best shot "cute", and Nolé thought it was "amazing," while Janice added "lovely, scrumptious and beautiful." Nigel seemed to be the most impressed: "You really have connected with the camera, connected with the audience." After praising Amanda's photo, Tyra gently chided her for wearing her glasses. "What designer would let you walk down the runway with your glasses? It's just not realistic."
Yaya was next to walk the plank and while she never had too many detractors, her fans were now even more effusive in their praise. Nigel lets her know that it was "lovely to see her caught on film." Yaya said her inspiration came from thinking about how her little brother makes her laugh.
Tyra said that Eva's skin looked "amazing" and Janice added, "Skin like honey." Through her translator Noriko said, "It really looks like the smile comes from within and this picture makes me happy." Like Jay before her, Tyra had to take back earlier skepticism. "I said you guys weren't ready--these pictures prove us wrong."
The girls were sent out of the room and the judges had to deliberate. Of Amanda Nolé quipped, "The ice queen has completely melted away and a beautiful woman has come out." Nigel thought her personal style and presence might be lacking: "She needs to look as good in person as she does in her photographs."
Eva's photo appeared and Nolé gushed. He said, "This is the girl every girl in America wants to know and wants to be." Janice thought Eva might not be chic enough.
Nobody argued about Yaya's beauty. Nigel said, "Yaya is one of the most beautiful girls we've had. She's elegant. She's regal. She's arrogant." Janice rushed to her defense, telling Nigel not to hold that against her.
The decision had Tyra flummoxed. "I'm shaking you guys," she told her colleagues. The girls were called back in and hoped for the best while preparing themselves for the worst. Tyra stood before the final three, pulled a shot and Yaya advanced to the finals. After Yaya had a moment with Tyra, Eva and Amanda stepped forward.
Tyra explained to them how they each had what the other needed. "You two are a very interesting duo." To Amanda she said, "You have edgy...fierce...hot...fashion amazing-ness." To Eva she remarked on her presence and vivaciousness. "You guys are incomplete packages. The judges tought, in the short time left, one of you might be able to pull it together." With that, Tyra drew Eva the Diva's picture and Eva immediately broke down crying. Amanda gulped, composed herself and moved on. She shared a tender moment with Yaya before she walked out the door.
