The Unfiltered Truth: 15 Most Controversial Moments And Where The Winners Of America's Next Top Model Are Now In 2025
The legacy of America's Next Top Model (ANTM), a show that once dominated reality television, continues to be debated and scrutinized in the current media landscape. Since its premiere in 2003, the Tyra Banks-created series not only launched the careers of many hopeful models but also became a lightning rod for controversy, particularly as viewers re-examine its 24-cycle run with a modern perspective.
As of late 2025, the conversation around ANTM is centered on its problematic past, the surprisingly varied careers of its winners and contestants, and the persistent rumors of a potential reboot, which creator Tyra Banks herself expressed a desire for in a May 2024 interview. The show’s impact on the fashion industry and its contestants remains a complex, often painful, subject that continues to generate fresh headlines.
The Controversial Legacy: ANTM's Most Problematic Moments
While America's Next Top Model was a cultural phenomenon, its re-examination in recent years has highlighted numerous moments and practices that are now viewed as deeply problematic and sometimes harmful. Many former contestants have spoken out, contributing to a broader critique of the show's psychological and physical toll.
1. The Pressure to Change Physical Features
One of the most infamous resurfaced clips involves Cycle 6 contestant Danielle "Dani" Evans. Tyra Banks pressured Evans to close the gap in her teeth, suggesting it wasn't "marketable" for a high-fashion model. Banks later issued an apology in 2020 after the clip went viral, but it remains a prime example of the show's focus on conformity over celebrating unique features.
2. The Biracial and Ethnicity-Based Photoshoots
The show's attempts at "edgy" or "cultural" photoshoots often crossed the line into offensiveness. A Cycle 13 photoshoot, for instance, required models to be dressed and made up to represent two ethnicities combined, a move widely criticized for trivializing race and promoting light skin tones.
3. Claims of Permanent Physical Damage
Several winners and contestants have claimed lasting physical harm from the show's extreme makeovers and challenges. One winner alleged that a hair makeover on the show left her head "permanently damaged," while another claimed to be left "partially bald," highlighting the lack of care in pursuit of dramatic television.
4. The Treatment of Transgender and Plus-Size Models
While ANTM was a pioneer in featuring transgender models like Isis King (Cycle 11 and 17) and plus-size models like Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10 winner), the on-screen discussions surrounding their identities and bodies were often awkward, insensitive, and focused on their differences rather than their modeling potential. The show has been criticized for using these elements for shock value rather than genuine representation.
5. The Financial Reality of the Prize
Despite the grand promises, many contestants and winners have revealed that the reality of the prize package—often a contract with a modeling agency and a magazine spread—was less lucrative and career-defining than the show portrayed. This disparity between the show's promise and the actual outcome is a recurring theme in post-show interviews.
Where Are the Most Famous ANTM Winners Now? (2025 Updates)
The true measure of ANTM's success lies in the careers of its alumni. While many faded from the spotlight, a significant number have found success in modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship, proving that the show was a powerful, if flawed, launching pad. Here is a look at the current status of some key winners and contestants.
Adrianne Curry (Cycle 1 Winner)
- Cycle: 1 (Winner)
- Post-ANTM Career: Adrianne Curry was the show's very first winner. She initially modeled for magazines like Maxim and Playboy.
- Current Status (2025): Curry has largely stepped away from professional modeling. She is now an active social media personality and influencer, and has also worked as an Avon salesperson. She remains vocal about her negative experiences with the show and the modeling industry.
Eva Marcille (Cycle 3 Winner)
- Cycle: 3 (Winner)
- Post-ANTM Career: Eva Marcille (originally Eva Pigford) successfully transitioned from modeling to acting and reality television. She appeared on the covers of magazines like King and Essence.
- Current Status (2025): Eva is a prominent television personality. She is best known for her role on the Bravo reality series The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and has also had acting roles on various shows. She has spoken out about the impact of ANTM on her life.
Whitney Thompson (Cycle 10 Winner)
- Cycle: 10 (Winner)
- Post-ANTM Career: Whitney Thompson made history as the first plus-size winner of ANTM. She modeled for brands like CoverGirl and was featured in Seventeen magazine.
- Current Status (2025): Thompson remains an advocate for body positivity and has continued to work in the fashion space, focusing on plus-size fashion news and media.
Nicole Fox (Cycle 13 Winner)
- Cycle: 13 (Winner)
- Post-ANTM Career: Nicole Fox was the winner of the "Petite" cycle, for models 5'7" and under. She worked with CoverGirl and had a spread in Seventeen magazine.
- Current Status (2025): Fox dipped her toes into acting after the show. Currently, she is living a more private life in Maryland with her husband and son, where she is an artist.
Kelle Evans (Cycle 3 Contestant)
- Cycle: 3 (Contestant)
- Post-ANTM Career: Kelle Evans is primarily remembered for the controversial moment when Tyra Banks pressured her over her gap tooth.
- Current Status (2025): Evans has maintained a career as a model and has also become a successful entrepreneur and author, often using her platform to discuss beauty standards and self-acceptance.
The Future of ANTM: Will There Be a Reboot?
The question of a new America's Next Top Model cycle is one that fans and critics alike have debated since the final season aired. The show has already undergone one major format change, moving to VH1 with Rita Ora as host for Cycle 23, before Tyra Banks returned for the final two seasons.
Tyra Banks' Desire for a Revival
Tyra Banks has been open about her ongoing desire to revive the reality show. In a May 2024 interview, the supermodel and creator expressed her hope for a new iteration of the groundbreaking series. This consistent interest fuels the continuous speculation about a potential return.
The Challenge of a Modern ANTM
A new version of ANTM would face significant challenges in the 2025 media environment. The show would need to completely overhaul its approach to body image, mental health, and diversity to align with modern standards and avoid the pitfalls that plagued the original run. Discussions among fans often suggest a need for new hosts, with names like Gigi Hadid and Tan France being floated as potential replacements who could bring a more contemporary and inclusive perspective to the competition.
LSI Keywords and Topical Authority Entities
The enduring popularity and controversy surrounding ANTM cement its place as a key entity in the reality TV and fashion world. The show’s topical authority is built on entities like Tyra Banks, J. Alexander (Miss J), Nigel Barker, fashion industry, modeling contracts, CoverGirl, body positivity, social media influence, reality television history, psychological impact, beauty standards, makeover challenges, VH1 reboot, controversial moments, Eva Marcille, Adrianne Curry, Toccara Jones, and plus-size modeling. These themes are critical to understanding the show’s full, complex narrative.
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