America's Next Top Model

Tyra Banks, returns with a brand new series of America's Next Top Model. This season she will be looking for models who are original and bring something different to the table. As usual, Tyra hopes to discover the world's next supermodel.

What happens when the cameras stop rolling and the show is over, how many of these models really go on to successful careers? Last season's contestants Felicia Provost, Renee Always, and Whitney Cunningham recently spoke about life after America's Next Top Model.



Felicia Provost was known among the Cycle eight contestants as "Baby Tyra" for bearing a striking resemblance to a younger version of the host.

"I do continue to work on my portfolio and go to photo shoots," she told Extra. "I did a fashion show recently in Chicago with Sarah VanderHaar and I'm planning on moving out there."

Renee Alway was known for her good looks and abrasive personality. She created waves in the America's Next Top Model house and the reality television bosses took notice.

"I just got a call and found out I'm nominated for 'Baddest Bitch' for the Reality Remix Awards," she said. "I'm excited to go to the awards show!"

Although Alway has worked steadily in the modelling world for the last couple of months, she would rather pursue acting. She has taken some classes but says it's hard to live down being a reality show contestant when you want to be taken seriously as an actress. "Being on America's Next Top Model definitely helped get my face and name out there," she says. "It can advance you in some ways and make things very difficult in others."


Whitney Cunningham has finished college and moved to New York City. She is signed with an agency and does some commercial modelling. For her next gig, though, she'll be heading out on a nationwide motivational speaking tour.

"The name of my speech is 'Embrace Yourself: Promoting a Positive Self-Image.' I'm hoping to turn my tour into a magazine column and maybe even a talk show!"

She agrees with Alway that being on the show can help or hurt the career of a model.

"The number one thing you're told is to shed that America's Next Top Model image. It's been a hindrance on modelling but not on the other things I want to do in life. I've been blessed because, fortunately, modelling isn't the only thing I want to do. For the girls who only want to model after being on the show, it's tough."

In tonight’s season premiere episode 33 semi-finalists will compete to win a coveted spot in the Los Angeles mansion the models will call home for the season.

Tune in to the season premiere of America’s Next Top Model, screening Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm on TV3.