Top Ten Most Memorable ANTM Contestants Ever

We’ve made it through eleven cycles of America’s Next Top Model. We’ve made it through makeovers, good and bad, through photo shoots good and bad. We made it through Kimora Lee Simmons, Janice Dickinson and Twiggy. We’ve made it through the many, many different weaves Tyra Banks put us through. But, in the end, what do we remember?

We all know that ANTM isn’t really a search for the next big thing in modeling, it’s all about the entertainment. Whether we derive this entertainment from the contestant’s stupidity or instability, at the end of every episode, I just want a good laugh. Or cry. Here are my favorite ANTM contestants of all time!

10) Kathleen DuJour

This pick is definitely a personal favorite I can’t ignore. Oh, Kathleen. You were with us for only one episode, but you brought us so much entertainment. Kathleen was the first contestant eliminated in Cycle 8 of ANTM. Remember? She was the one who didn’t understand that her political statement was “anti-fur.” She interpreted that to mean “I hate fur.” Not quite, sweetie. Sadly, Tyra and co. didn’t see the entertainment value ANTM would reap by keeping her around and chucked her in what was, sadly, one of the most appropriate first eliminations ever.

9) Dominique Reighard

Let’s give Dominique Reighard props for surviving what is possibly the worst makeover in ANTM history. Let’s give her more props for what was definitely the worst Cover Girl commercial in ANTM history. More props for feeling complimented when Paulina told her she looked like a tranny. And even more props for trying out, let alone truly believing in being able to succeed in the modeling industry at 23. Dominique was always herself and she always told it like it is. She really shone in her post-ANTM interviews, when she came across as perceptive, smart and funny. In retrospect, she was hilarious and probably the most entertaining contestant on ANTM in a long time.

8) Analeigh Tipton

I almost went with Cycle 11’s Hannah when thinking about this cycle (because comparing anything to gang rape is hilarious), but instead went with Analeigh. She was the penultimate ANTM cast member. Slamming body, consistently improved throughout the competition, bubbly, sweet and perfect for Seventeen, with just enough quirks to be an interesting and compelling character. Had ANTM been finally willing to admit that Jaslene’s career was as good as it gets, Analeigh would have walked home with the crown. (Note: McKey may be the winner to turn the franchise around. But it’s too early to tell!)

7) Heather Kuzmich

Tyra does her best to have an “issue girl” every cycle. Sometimes these girls aren’t the most compelling television (I’m looking at you, Isis!) and other times. Tyra was right on the money with her casting. Cycle 9’s Heather was one of these girls. Gorgeous, funny and just odd enough to bring out the nasty in her lowly competitors, Heather brought a dynamism to ANTM that is often lacking in other seasons.

6) Natasha Galinka

Natasha was a shining star in what was one of the most unmemorable cycles in ANTM history. The Russian mail order bride brought use phone sex, comedic gems and profound moments that shut Brittany the whiner up. Her endless positivity combined with often-nonsensical statements were pure comedic delight. Plus who can forget when she went gangsta for a photo shoot?

5) Lisa D’Amato

No one could make a list like this without including Lisa, Cycle 5’s resident diaper-wearing, wine-drinking, bush-naming superstar. Everything she has done since ANTM has been equally horrifying and memorable. (Please tell me you’ve seen Ace of Spades already!)

4) Shandi Sullivan

Shandi had it all on ANTM. She underwent one of the most dramatic transformations in ANTM history–from a dweeby Walgreen’s clerk to a top model to contend with. She also had one of the most memorable breakdowns in ANTM history when she cheated on her boyfriend. She was funny, sweet, likable, relatable and her pictures were stunning. She’s probably one of the few ANTM contestants who could genuinely argue that being on the show changed her.

3) Jade Cole

Jade is not America’s next top best friend. Oh no, she’s a biracial butterfly who is an undiscovered supermodel. Cycle 6’s Jade brought to ANTM a level of confidence and disillusion never before seen on reality television and it made her (sort of) a star. Even her exit was fascinating and bizarre. Never before and never again will ANTM meet anyone quite like Jade.

2) Toccara Jones

Tyra had her plus-size winner waaaaaay back in Cycle 3, but passed up on it. She rocked the plus-size look and message better than Whitney Thompson ever could. Damn you Tyra for not realizing ANTM was a farce until now! Toccara was gorgeous, was strong and had the personality to back it up. She’s managed to turn a mediocre ANTM run into one of the most visible post-show careers.

1) Elyse Sewell

Elyse is certainly, without a doubt, the best ANTM contestant ever. She was memorable for being smart and knowing it, for bitchy and knowing it and for being a good model and knowing it. She could easily cut anyone else on this list up. It certainly helps she’s had one of the most dynamic careers in ANTM history. Elyse was too good for this show before it became bad.