by Mike Bandy

On the finale of America's Next Top Model, Ann, the 6'2", introverted beauty from Dallas, TX, won the competition! During the Roberto Cavalli runway show, Ann showed that her walk had improved, and the judges said that Ann's look would work for Italian Vogue and for high fashion. We caught up with Ann to talk about her time in the competition, what her family and friends thought about her big win, and what's coming up next for her!

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Ann! You're the winner of America's Next Top Model! How does it feel?
A. Ann: It feels amazing! I wasn't even expecting to make it on the show, coming froma really small town, I didn't even think I'd make it that far. I can't believe it.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: You grew up with people making fun of you because of your height, and it seems like you were picked on a lot as a kid. You said last night that you wanted to inspire kids who are picked on - how do you hope to do that?
A. Ann: Oh, I just hope that a lot of people are inspired by my story and can relate to me. I've had people on the Internet telling me how I helped then through their struggles. I hope that as America's Next Top Model I can help people to be confident about who they are.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Your family came to Italy during the CoverGirl challenge, and they were present at the final runway show! That must have been so exciting for you! What was your family's reaction to your big win?
A. Ann: When I called them after the finale, they were really really excited, everyone at my house was screaming and crying, I think everyone was really proud.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: At the beginning of the competition, you got 5 first call outs in a row, a feat that no other girl has ever accomplished. How did the other girls react to you being called first so many times? Did it cause tension in the house?
A. Ann: Um, I mean, all the girls were teasing that they were jealous, but I think that most of them were kind of proud of me, no real tension happened there. I got the occasional, "Damnit, Ann!", but nothing too bad.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Give us some behind the scenes info: How long did it take the judges to deliberate before your win, and what did you and Chelsey do to break the tension while waiting for the decision?
A. Ann: Um, it probably took a couple hours, it was a really big decision with all the prizes we were going for. Backstage, me and Chelsey were wishing each other well and being really supportive of each other.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Of all this cycle's amazing photo shoots, which was your favorite? And, who was your favorite photographer to work with?
A. Ann: I think my favorite photo shoot was the fallen angel one, because it reminded me of mythology and we got to be acrobatic, I really liked that. My favorite photographer was Patrick Demarchelier, because he was a lot of fun, even though you couldn't understand him half the time.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: How many copies of Italian Vogue and Beauty in Vogue do you plan to buy?
A. Ann: (laughs) I definitely plan on picking up a lot of them, even though it's kind of expensive, I think my family would really like to have copies of it.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: If you could say one thing to all the people who bullied you when you were growing up, what would it be?
A. Ann: Um, you know, I'd really hope that they wouldn't make fun of people anymore. People can grow out of their awkwardness and insecurities and make something of themselves, I did! I would tell them not to be so negative all the time.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Being that you are a shy girl by nature, how are you handling all the attention that has come with winning? Is it overwhelming for you?
A. Ann: Um, I mean it's pretty unbelievable. Just last year I was a small town girl. I think I've improved a lot with my shyness because of the show, and I have been exuding more confidence, I've been handling it well, it's been fun.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: What's coming up next for you?
A. Ann: I really hope that I can start working a lot, I want to do a lot of campaigns and traveling. I hope that I can work with IMG and keep myself busy.

Check out what happened when RealityWanted's Sandhurst Miggins hit up the live finale party with Ann and Chelsey!

(Image courtesy of the CW)


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