America’s Next Top Model Review: Holy Buckets, It’s Over?

So there were two episodes tonight, including the finale. Which means, I suppose, I should apologize for my erroneous title last week. We were only subjected to two terrible jumpsuits. Tyra’s jumpsuit for the final judging was magnificently horrible. I stand in awe.

Four girls remained standing at the outset of the evening: Raina, Krista, Alexandra, and Angelea. The first challenge was practicing a flirty, fun runway walk 35,000 feet in the air while they hopped a flight to Queensland. I’ll spare you the details and the suspense, because Krista won again. Alexandra was right behind her, runner up, as she has been for what seems like weeks.

The first photo shoot challenged the girls to be “ugly-pretty.” Their hair and makeup were weird, they were outfitted in old fashioned, corseted wardrobe, and set against a gorgeous backdrop. I feel like a broken record, but Krista got the concept straight off and took excellent film. Alexandra also didn’t have any trouble, and her photo came out interesting and edgy. Raina had trouble with the concept of not looking pretty, which I understand must be hard when your face is as stunning as hers. Angelea was a train wreck. Her expressions were terrible, her poses were boring, and she looked soft and sweet the entire time. Which wouldn’t be bad…except when you’re instructed to do the opposite.

We learned at the front of the episode that this would be a double elimination. Thank you, CW Reality Show Gods. I was pretty confident Angelea would be sent packing, and I was right about that. I was equally positive Krista would be going to the finale. That girl can do no wrong right now. Which left Raina and Alexandra. Alexandra has been kicking almost as much ass as Krista lately, so their decision to keep Raina surprised me. Only a teeny, tiny bit, though, because oh my goodness, Raina’s FACE.

So it’s Krista and Raina into the finale, two girls whose personalities are night and day. Honestly, I wouldn’t be friends with either one of them. Krista is all serious and focused, never loosening up or appearing to have much fun. She’s won so much crap, I’d sure be having a good time. Raina is the opposite, which is why everyone thinks she’s fake. She’s too happy. Too optimistic. Too bouncy and perky and talkative. Maybe she is fake. That can’t be the real her.

I digress. Krista and Raina run down the typical finale regimen, starting with a Cover Girl commercial and photo shoot, their cover shoots for Seventeen Magazine, and a runway show. Tyra sweetened the pot with visits from their parents and some nice family photos. They both did well at the commercial, though Krista forgot her lines she didn’t let it ruin her day. Raina, in my opinion, was built to sell Cover Girl and I thought her still shots were much better.

So it all comes down to the runway show, which they, along with several of the former contestants, walked in for Anna Sui. It was fun and laid back, sporting a circus theme and lots of smiles, which balanced the scales. Runway alone, Krista would have nailed it down with her first step, because Raina…her runway walk is a little embarrassing. However, like I mentioned above, Krista really doesn’t do fun.

In the end, like the end of every cycle, both girls rose to the occasion and viewers (at least me) had no idea who would be crowned winner. Raina has the face, no doubt about that, but she’s a little vacant between the ears and Tyra likes her stories. I think Krista’s photos are beautiful, she’s beautiful, she’s got a great story and an honest personality which, in the end, won her the title.

So congratulations Krista, the brand new America’s Next Top Model.

For more information on the designers, fashion, and judges, click here.

Season 14, Episodes 10 & 11: Ugly-Pretty Woman & America’s Next Top Model Is… (originally aired May 12, 2010)

For more on America’s Next Top Model, click here.

Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

Photographs courtesy of The CW, Martina Monica Tolot.