Top Model Interview: Rachel Echelberger

This afternoon, I chatted with last night’s first eliminated contestant, 18-year-old Rachel Echelberger from Woodland, California. We talked about her surprising elimination, her unique look, her future plans and more!

Full Q&A is below the jump!

What were you doing before Top Model?

I was working at Wal-Mart. I always wanted to model, and when I saw this opportunity I jumped on it. I was working to save up and move to Los Angeles, but didn’t really do any modeling. This show opened that up for me.

What was going through your head when they asked you to sing?

Oh gosh, I was never prepared to sing. When you go into modeling, you’re never asked to sing! I was unprepared and taken aback. I completely blanked. My heart was beating and I couldn’t think of anything. It was a crazy feeling. When they said someone had to go home, everyone was on edge and surprised. I hoped the rest of my interview would get me through, but it didn’t.

What were the other girls’ reaction to your surprise elimination?

Everyone was quiet before and just waiting to see who was going home. Once my named was called, the girls started hugging me, Sundai and Laura especially.

Who were you closest to in the house?

Sundai, Laura and probably Lisa. I’m hoping to keep in touch with them.

Did you conflict with anyone in the house?

I didn’t have any problems personally with any girls in the house. I don’t know about their feelings towards me, but all the girls were pretty nice.

What are your future plans?

I’m preparing to move to LA on October 1st to pursue modeling and go to acting school. I want to act and model. I’ll probably have to waitress or something, but I’m moving and am ready to start my career. I want to get into high fashion, but my size will be a factor. I’d like to do commercial work too. I guess I don’t care as long as I’m working. Runway would be amazing. There’s so much more to modeling than what we see and know about. There’s definitely a place for us short girls in the modeling industry.

If you could do it over, what song would you sing to Nigel and Sean?

There’s so many! Probably “Man in the Mirror” or “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” You can have so much fun with those songs! Or “Falling” by Alicia Keys. I love singing that song!

Do you like your unique look?

I love my look! I love my eyes. It makes me me. I used to get teased for it, but I always loved and as I grew older, I loved it even more. It was amazing for Tyra to say it was beautiful too. It really boosts your confidence when someone like her likes your look.

What was the teasing like?

It was never physical. It was just taunting. I got a lot of it. But then, anyone who is different got teased in school, didn’t they?

Did Tyra give any advice or tips for modeling?

Not really. I noticed she came and helped with the smize-ing, but I didn’t get to that point. I would have loved to smize! It would have been so much fun!

Why do you wear flats to panel?

We wanted everyone to see that we were short and proud of it!

So was that a decision the girls made together?

Ummm…that actually came from production. But we were into it.

Did you keep your makeover?

I love my makeover and I’m keeping it until an agency tells me to change it. I love the dark hair.

What was your family’s reaction to being on the show?

They’re very excited. But they’re more excited for the next chapter in my life. They’re so supportive and can’t wait to see where I go and what I do next.

Who do you think will win?

I think that the person who would have the best chance to win is Nicole. She has a really good look, a great body and takes great photos. She’s a stunning girl.

Who do you want to see win?

I love Laura and think she’s beautiful and has a wonderful personality. I would love this to happen for her.

Image: Pottle Productions