by Mike Bandy

Last night on Top Model, Alexandria, the 21-year-old from Newport Beach, California, was eliminated from the competition. Throughout her time on the show, she was critiqued for trying to control shoots and challenges, and when she gave up control in her photo shoot last night, her photo didn't impress the judges. We spoke to Alexandria about what it was like to be portrayed as this cycle's "villain", how well she and Brittani REALLY get along, and what's coming up next for her.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Alexandria! I gotta say, I was really surprised that you went home before Hannah. I've pretty much predicted the eliminations this cycle, but this one threw me. Did it throw you as well? Did you expect to make it to the final three?
A. Alexandria: It would have been a great opportunity, but you have to take everything in stride...there is a bigger plan for me that a higher power has in store, and I'm really excited.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Throughout the competition, you were critiqued about having too much control over shoots and challenges. Do you feel that you exercised too much control?
A. Alexandria: I think I overanalyze things, and I've already been a part of the industry, so it kind of didn't work in my favor, because I already knew a little too much. I should have just let go like when I surf or snowboard. I can say that I'm very glad at how everything got portrayed and it was really real. I was afraid of being portrayed as fake, but I would rather be portrayed as real then being portrayed as bogus, and this taught me that I need to let go of the reins a little bit.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: The week where Brittani told you what she thought produced some of the most dramatic stuff we've ever seen on Top Model, and certainly the most dramatic panel! How well do you and Brittani get along now that the show is done?
A. Alexandria: Brittani and I have talked, we both feel that things were said at the wrong time. I constantly said in the house that people should say things to my face, but nobody came to me with issues until that moment. I was thrown off, because I had no idea that anyone had a problem with me until that point. I take it with a grain of salt, and things happen for a reason, and I know that at a professional setting is not where you bring the Thanksgiving fixin's out on the table! I feel that Brittani learned a hard lesson, but it's one that we all have to learn in becoming a bigger and better person and I've had to learn it too. She's doing great; we try to catch up with each other, we both want to go to New York. We really do understand each other now, through talking, and understanding what we've both been through. We both have interesting backgrounds...it doesn't matter where you live- a house is just a shell and the family inside is what's important, and I feel like everyone's life can be interesting, it's all about the family that holds it together, and we connected on that level.

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: Give us some behind the scenes info: What didn't the cameras capture that you wish was shown?
A. Alexandria: There was one incident which, I don't know if it was on the clip show, but all of us girls had a fashion show in the house, and it was insane! IT was so much fun, and we all had such a good time, I was one of the judges and I was wearing an eye patch and a leather jacket, and my name was Franz and I was the "supermaudel-maker"! It was so much fun and I loved it! We all had little outfits and our secret weapon was a trash bag...Molly had a one piece leotard and the trash bag on her head...she looked so high fashion! They showed stuff with the chicken, and I do know chicken, I want to note that. Chicken is a close friend of mine. We did have a lot of fun, and I wished they showed that, but that's okay, because we know what really happened!

Q. Mike, RealityWanted: On last night's episode, you stated that you couldn't wait to take what you've learned from this experience and use it. What did you learn from being on America's Next Top Model, and how will you use it?
A. Alexandria: I learned to let go a little bit, because I controlled way too much. I wasn't trying to be controlling, I was trying to help situations that I knew a little bit about. I feel like in any situation, you should just be there, and if you know something, keep it to yourself. You really have to know who you are; sometimes the pressure made me forget who I really am - I'm a southern California sunny girl with a lot of spice, but I also had a strict upbringing, and I forgot a little bit of that. That was a very big lesson to learn. I need to remember that I love music and art, and they take those things away from you on the show, but I need to just remember who I am.

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on the CW.

(Image courtesy of the CW)