by Sarah Williams

Created on: July 12, 2008

An avid watcher of the popular television show "America's Next Top Model", hosted by the beautiful and well spoken Tyra Banks, I have had many "favorites", but if I had to choose only one, I believe that would be the small town babysitter from Arkansas, Danielle Evans. Praised for her beautiful photographs and strong runway presence on Cycle 6, Danielle proved to be not just another "pretty face", but a smart, witty and humble winner.

From the beginning, Danielle came in to the America's Next Top Model competition with some really amazing things that set her above the competition, but also with a few that put her at a great disadvantage. With a slender frame, long legs and hauntingly beautiful facial features, at first glance, one would think that she had the competition sowed up from the start...that is, until she opened her mouth. The first problem was the large "gap" between her two front teeth, which she considered an asset and the judges considered a hindrance. "I love my gap", Danielle would say over and over, but unfortunately, Tyra didn't see the face of the new CoverGirl spokesperson having something so glaring. After much debate, Danielle finally decided to have her "gap" closed...but not all the way!

Danielle was also chastised for her heavy "southern drawl" in panel after panel, and though she managed to stay a front runner in many of the competitions, when it came time for her to do the all important CoverGirl commercial, she landed belly-up. "I didn't like it", was the vote from Tyra after the judges viewed her tape. Although Danielle had made great improvements, as noted by the famous Mr. Jay (contest coach), there was just something about her voice that turned off the judges.

In the season finale, Danielle was really on the edge of being eliminated, but the infamous "Jade" was the first to go. From that point forward, Danielle put all of her energy and confidence in to walking the best runway show of the entire season. In the end, the victory was hers.

Over and over again, fellow contestants, judges and viewers singled Danielle out for being a truly genuine girl, inside and out. She was strong in her convictions, but humble at the same time. Her beauty was enforced by her quiet strength and compassionate demeanor. Despite the "close quarters" and the inevitable disenchantment with a group of rival roomates, Danielle rose above the pettyness and squabbling that is so often a part of the show, and shined as the sweet and approachable girl. Danielle was a true beauty, and my all time favorite contestant on America's Next Top Model.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Williams.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.