ANTM Interview with Whitney Thompson
On Friday, I was lucky enough to interview America’s Next Top Model first full-figured winner, Whitney Thompson. She chats about what it was like to win, how she got along with the other girls and her new mission as the latest ANTM winner.
Gallery Photo: Jim DeYonker /The CW. © 2008
The CW Network LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Full interview below the cut!
Tell us about how you got involved with America’s Next Top Model.
I originally got involved when my 13-year-old cousin and I were at the beach. She turned to me and said “Oh my god, I’m so fat!” I said “No, you’re
not. You look great,” and I wondered why would she say such a thing. I started to look at statistics about kids and weight. Almost half of 9-year-old girls have been on the diet. What is up with that? One of my favorite quotes is “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I didn’t want my cousin to grow up without a role model and I thought that some should change that.
Who was your biggest competition on the show?
Anya by far, which is so funny because Anya and I are best friends. Like, best friends. We had an ongoing joke, because every single week Anya was always called before me. Only one time did I get called before her, and that was when I was called first.
What were you thinking when you saw your photo, showing you won?
I had to make sure it was me. I had to hear the name and see the picture. I had to avoid pulling a Derek Zoolander. It’s absolutely so exciting. I was incredibly surprised. Anya was happy for me too, which is so great. I didn’t want her to be sad at that moment that was so important and special to me because I never want to bring her down.
What was the most challenging aspect of being on the show?
Not having any support system. I’m so used to having my family and friends there to back me up and to talk to. Even though you do make friends in the house, at the end of the day, they are still your competition. That was just the hardest thing, because you have no one is there saying “Its okay, you can still win, you rock!” because the other girls want to win too.
How did you feel when the judges said you were fake or were very pageantry?
The judges only see you 10 minutes once a week and it’s so difficult to really know someone during that short a period of time. It’s difficult to prove to someone you aren’t fake. It’s not like they are saying I dressed poorly or had poor posture. It’s so hard to change if they say they think you’re fake. What can you do? I just tried to be myself and show them I’m real. I suppose if I was really fake, people would like me more, but they don’t. I’m absolutely not fake. I’m sure the judges, after watching the show, realize how real I am and how raw I am. I’m the least fake, you know.
How do you respond to the naysayers and those who critique you?
It’s almost humorous humorous that people think I can’t make it. There are so many rumors on the internet about me. It’s hilarious. Of course people are going to naysay and say that I’ll never be a real model. To that, there’s nothing I can do but work and make it in the fashion world. That’s what I’m doing. I’ve already booked things with Elite and I’m not even signed with them. To all those who don’t believe, just look for my billboard and my magazine cover.
Can you explain why you are a full-figured model? To a lot of viewers, you look like an average-sized girl.
A regular model is a size 2 or 4. I am NOT. I’m a size 10. I don’t plan on being a 4. I never have been. I never will be. When you put me next to a model that is a size 2, I’m five times bigger than her. I’m not bigger than an average woman, I’m actually smaller. In the modeling world I’m actually bigger. Other than the Victoria’s Secret models who are emaciated with breast implants, there aren’t any models with curves. I have hips and a butt and most models don’t. I’m not plus-sized but I am full figured. Being a plus sized model does not mean you are fat. It means you are regular. It means you are a C cup, you wear a size 10. I am not fat. Plus-sized models are not fat. The “big girls” in modeling are not big by any terms. If you saw them on the street, you’d just think they are hot.
How are you going to use your win to get your message out there?
All my prizes help me do that. It’s just getting the word out there that I’m a girl and I’m a size 10 and I’ve heard it all. If I only lost 50 pounds I’d be beautiful. To that, I say, “No! I’m going to be my size and I am beautiful and I’m not going to change. You are.” I want everyone to see me and go “Hey, she’s the size of a normal person and she’s gorgeous and she’s a model.” Hopefully they’ll look up to that.
Who did you become close with on the show?
Absolutely, Anya is one of my best friends now. I just visited her in Hawaii. Marvita, Stacy-Ann, Claire, Lauren. I stay in touch with a lot of girls. I actually went out with Fatima and Anya the other night. We became really close after the show.
What advice do you have to future contestants?
I went to my audition in Orlando with about 1000 girls. You go around and say your name and age and height and weight. Other girls seemed really embarrassed to share the fact that they were a size 6 or 8. So I went last and when it was my turn, I went “I’m 5′10 and I’m a size 10 and I LOVE IT!” I was like, my body rocks and you guys cannot bring me down. Go in confident. If you’re not confident they aren’t going to believe in you. I wanted to come out and say hey, I’m plus sized and I look good and I’m proud of that.
What are you going to do to ensure that your career has longevity?
By never saying no! I’ve completely mentally and physically prepared myself to do anything to get myself out there. Elite doesn’t even rep plus-sized girls, so that’s a huge bonus. I’m the only the plus-sized girl they have so I’m getting booked for lots of things, both high-fashion, editorial stuff and plus-sized commercial stuff. I just want people to see me and know my face and develop a fan base.
How did you deal with all the negativity in the house?
I tried not to let negative thoughts going on in my mind. I refused to let myself be compared to other girls. You need to realize that your only competition is yourself. I tried to be the best me and focus on myself the entire time. I forced myself to stay super optimistic during the show.
What were your favorite and least favorite photo shoots?
My favorite photo shoot was the final Covergirl shoot. I didn’t have to wear beef panties or have paint thrown at me. It was just beauty and it was such a breath of fresh air after all the crazy shoots we did to just be beautiful. My least favorite photo shoot was the beef one. I mean, how could anyone enjoy that? I mean, beef panties! Really? The smell was so bad. It was just soooo gross and the blood stained my hair and it was horrible.
Have you cleared the air with Dominique?
Oh totally. We’re friends now. We even cleared the air in Rome. We were in the hair and make up room together and just looked at each other and realized how stupid the whole thing was. In another time and another place we could have been really good friends. But we both have big personalities and we just clashed. But we are totally fine know and it was stupid. It made for great television and it was funny to watch, but we both realize how silly and stupid we were being.
What was the best advice you received on the show?
Being plus-sized and all that, I feel like that a lot of the time, when people were talking to the models, it wasn’t directed towards me. I was the odd
ball out. But out of everyone one, our hair and make-up artists gave us so much advice and were so great with us. We totally bonded with them and they were so supportive of everyone. They were constantly saying they believed in us and that we could do it. I know I should say something from the
judges or the photographers was the best advice I got. But because it’s a competition, you need everything the judges say with a grain of salt. They are there to judge you, not support you.
How did you feel about your makeover?
I had it until yesterday. Yesterday, I cut it. I had a photo shoot with In Touch and we went for a more Marilyn Monroe bob look. But I had extensions so it’s not like they cut my real hair. I can always get more extensions.
Has the show changed you?
Definitely! I’ve done a lot of growing up. I’m only 20 and being out on my own and not having anyone else to depend on forced me to grow up and figure things out for myself. There are things I need to work on, but I definitely have a greater independence.
What would you like to say to your fans who supported you?
I’m so incredibly appreciative for the support. I’ve read the message boards of those who didn’t want me to win and that’s so hard. I’m glad for those who supported me and wanted me to win. That’s the greatest thing. It’s not easy to stand up to the fashion industry. I can’t do it alone.
Why did you win?
Presentation and personality. I love Anya to death, but I think that the judges saw her as too light-hearted and not serious enough. She’s so sweet, but does she have the drive? I think the judges could see how badly I wanted it and how much I wanted to work. I worked really hard during the show and the judges wanted to reward that. The majority of the time, Anya’s photo was better than mine. Anya was never in the bottom two. The whole time I was standing there during panel, I was thinking that going home would be a huge disappointment because I have such a great message. But Anya was so genuinely happy for me and for my win. She’s such a great friend.
What did you think of Paulina’s comments, calling you a ham?
I don’t disagree that I have an outgoing personality. I have a presence and Paulina sees that as showing off. I feel you should look confident in a Versace gown. While watching the show, it looked as though Paulina has something against me. I thought she was a great person but obviously she doesn’t reciprocate.
How do you respond to the allegations you won simply because Tyra has an agenda and that it was time for a plus-sized model to win?
If that were true, why did she wait 5 years to do it? People should watch the show. In the beginning, Tyra doesn’t like me. She’s all “yeah, Whitney’s okay.” That’s such a stupid thing to say. I won because I worked hard and I deserved to win. There was no agenda behind my win.
What is your dream modeling job?
Vogue. The cover.
Thank you for your time Whitney! And congratulations!
Tags: America's Next Top Model Cycle 10, antm, antm cycle 10, ANTM News, top model interviews, top model winner, Whitney ThompsonRelated Stories
POSTED IN: ANTM Episode Resources, America's Next Top Model Cycle 10, Top Model Interviews
10 opinions for ANTM Interview with Whitney Thompson
HOLLYWOOD BS
May 17, 2008 at 4:25 pm
yEAH right Whitney, we all know Tyra had an agenda. You are not a good model. You took mediocre pictures. Your portfolio also lacks versatility. You are always opening your mouth and poking your butt out in every picture. ANya had better pictures and a better personality. Anya is a better role model than you because she respected all the girls, she stayed out of drama, she’s good-hearted and she’s genuine. You ,on the other hand, gossiped all the time, pick fights, made derogatory remarks and started drama. Don’t even get me started on your fakery
Also, anyone who watched the show knows that Anya has passion for modeling and she fought for it. Don’t question ANya’s passion because it’s crystal clear she had it.
Tyra had an agenda and that’s why you won. Good luck with your career at Wal-Mart.
Nicole
May 17, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Whitney you’ll be working at the covergirl factory soon. You are too small for plus sized and too big for actual modeling, so there isnt really a place you fit. In all your interviews, you sound arrogant and ignorant. And stupid. Tyra had an agenda to choose a plus size model, and so thats why you won. Anya is a million times better than you, and you better not be questioning her drive, she wanted it. Youre just jealous thats she a terrific model. She’s gotten first 4 callouts, yet with you 4 bottom appearances. Mediorce you are. You are a horrible model and person. In your other interviews, you bring down skinny girls. I dont see the need for you to tear down others to get your point across. You are just an idiot, and you won’t succeed. Maybe a few commercial jobs, but once there is a cycle 11 winner, you will be long forgotten. You are a horrible role model, how dare you call skinny girls disgusting looking and skeletons. Dont even dream about being on the cover of Vogue, the best you’ll get is a campaign for Trimspa. You are a fake b***h.
Janet
May 17, 2008 at 5:42 pm
You guys are so mean!! i love Whitney!! I really wanted her to win, and she is NOT fake. I believe in her, seeing that i, too am full figured. She’s gorgeous, and i know that she will be a successful high fashion and commericial model. Just because she isn’t one one those “skinny models” and is not a size 12 or 14 doesnt mean that they dont have clothes in a size 10!! i mean, come on. Anya is very high fashioned, but she is too much of a happy person, and i think that whitney would be alot better in interviews. I think that the show brings out the worst in people. Imagine living with 13 other girls you don’t even know!! NO, TYRA DID NOT HAVE AN AGENDA!!! WHITNEY DESERVED TO WIN!!! ANYA DID, TOO BUT WHITNEY WAS MORE OF WHAT THEY WERE LOOKING FOR!! Tyra could have gone through the rest of her life not picking a plus sized model to win!! The best time was probably cycle 8 to choose a plus sized model, since there were 2, but no. Tyra chose cycle 10. GOOD LUCK TO WHITNEY [even though she will not need it] I KNOW YOU WILL DO WELL!!! i hope to see whitney on the cover of vogue soon.
gogo
May 17, 2008 at 6:56 pm
OUch!!! Y’all are being waaay too hard on Whitney. All throughout the show Anya was one of the few who could actually have a career as a high fashion model but this is ANTM and it’s about being a commercial model. Besides it’s better for Anya’s career to be runner up. Whitney has the potential to be a great role model but I wish she could get over that chip on her shoulder.
elizabeth
May 17, 2008 at 9:54 pm
whitney is the best and u haters are just jealous cause you’ll never have a billboard in times square or a magazine cover. she’s the hottest winner of antm and a great role model, as well as a supermodel.
stacey
May 17, 2008 at 11:33 pm
To Gogo
what are you talking about saying ANTM is all about being commercial????? what show have you been watching? all throughout the series they critique girls for looking “too commercial.” go back to season 2 with mercedes. they were constantly on her case because they said her look was too commercial, and not high fashion enough. they (claim that they) are looking for high fashion girls, thats why that annoying girl nicole won in season 5 over nik.
but i think tyra’s losing it. they always remark, oh wow shes soooo high fashion (ie, anya, kat) in a positive way, but then they go choose the most commercial, fake girl in the season, whitney the fat cow.
STOP PICKING ON WHITNEY
May 18, 2008 at 1:35 am
So what if she is more commercial? You guys are all like “oh shes too big for average model size and too small for plus”. There are plenty of people who will book her and she isn’t all that fake. She’s protecting herself against all the mean comments you bitches are giving her.
Being a thinner plus-size is nothing wrong! Too fat isn’t healthy but too thin like those toothpick models aren’t exactly true beauty. Whitney is a great example of how you can be plus and still be a gorgeous girl!
SO GO AWAY AND STOP PICKING ON WHITNEY!
Mil
May 19, 2008 at 5:49 am
Some people just can’t get over the fact that all their favorite had going for them is that they were skinny. OMG, that fat bitch, Whitney. How dare she succeed.
larry
May 19, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I have a daughter who is twelve, 5′8”, and 135 lbs. She is beautiful–very exotic. And she is an athletic, theatrical, equestrian nerd who runs with the nerd set. I love her for many reasons, which second to the fact that she is a kind soul, she is not afraid to be who she is, and I couldn’t imagine having a better chid to father. But girls she refers to as lollipops call her fat, and as she gets older it is starting to sink in.
I once crossed paths with Cathy Ireland. Frankly, I had never before seen a woman so “perfectly” proportioned. In fact, she was freakishly perfect–the kind of image that just stuns you. Would I say she was beautiful? Not really sure. I wasn’t drawn to her. Nothing against her, in fact she seemed more down to earth than any other “complete stranger” woman I’ve brushed on by past with half her looks, which is 99.9 %, but to see someone like that, I saw more of a perfected sculpture than I did a living, breathing person.
My point is this–this “average sized” girl is catching a tremendous amount of flack. Does she deserve it? She was on Top Model–she stepped-up to be thoroughly and utterly scrutinized against the idealized/accepted perfect image of a female clotheshanger. And I hope she knew what she was getting herself into because the comments have got to sting. And that said, people need to realize that unless you are a self-absorbed jerk or treat yourself poorly (routinely over-eating, or using drugs, smokes, or possess the apathy for living physically–i.e. getting out and breathing hard regularly), if you are a woman, despite a dress size, there will be many who will find you amazingly beautiful, and life can be far more opportunistic than what the average joe will ever experience despite putting forth twice the effort. However, when models like Kathy Ireland were created, well.. that is why they can stand in front of a camera that would rather not lie or have click too much in order to take the “best shot.” In other words, I hope Whitney is better than what she hopes to be, which is something I know at least one woman achieved with genetic ease.
Top Model Poll: Fave Top Model Winner of ‘08?
Jul 8, 2008 at 6:16 pm
[…] and Australia both crowned controversial winners this year. America’s Whitney Thompson is thought to have only won because Tyra has an agenda and it “was time” for a […]
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: