America's Next Top Model, Cycle 9 - Interview With Ebony
Ebony
Age: 20
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Nursing Student
From the beginning of America’s Next Top Model 9, Ebony was pretty but appeared to be a little vixen. No doubt about it, she had the looks and the panache, but according to the judges, she wasn’t very likable. Ebony’s photos were so gorgeous that it was quite a surprise when she made the bold decision to “eliminate” herself from the competition. Although it left Tyra a bit stunned, Ebony was just happy that she spoke up because, as she put it, she “didn’t want to waste Tyra’s time.” We had a chance to catch up with Ebony recently to find out what’s been happening since she left Top Model.
Hi Ebony! Than you so much for taking the time to speak with us! How’s it going with you?
Hi. Oh no problem. Thanks for having me on.
What prompted you to audition for America’s Next Top Model?
They came to Chicago. My father works for the Chicago Chronicle Newspaper. It was in the paper that they were holding auditions. He talked to me and said, “You know, you should go down and try out.” I’m like, “Ok.” So, I tried out.
Did you watch the show previously? Did you have any idea what the show would be like?
Well, honestly the last cycle I watched every show of was Cycle 3 with Eva. After that I really didn’t watch as much. I thought it might be a lot of fun and not as involved.
Did you have previous experience with modeling?
No. Not at all.
Throughout the competition, did you receive more criticism or more learning?
I think it was more learning, but with a lot of criticism. Going into panel I was always so nervous and fidgety. I couldn’t relax for some reason. I don’t know if the judges intimidated me… I don’t know what it was. That was the only time the judges saw us was during panel. They never saw anything that went on in the house. Because I was so fidgety and nervous, that’s how they perceived me. Of course they’re going to say, “Oh we think she’s got an attitude.” I was just really nervous.
At what point in the competition did you begin to wonder if modeling was really “your thing?”
A lot of people think that the decision I made was a spur of the moment type of thing, but it was something I had been thinking about probably two weeks before I did it. I told Saleshia about it, “Oh, I’m getting homesick.” She said, “Don’t worry about it. Just stay.” It was really reality TV. At that moment I thought it was modeling altogether, but it was really just reality TV I just wasn’t into. I never got used to the cameras or the microphones.
What was it like living in the Top Model house?
The house was very calm. Me and all the girls got along. It was something I totally didn’t expect. There were 13 girls and one bathroom in the house. I thought it was going to be really catty and crazy but it went really smooth most of the time. There were a few arguments but it was really smooth.
Did you have any problems with some of the girls during the competition?
No. That was totally editing. I got along with all the girls.
Your photos were so amazing. Didn’t that make your decision to leave twice as hard?
The most difficult part was probably what my family would think or what people may say or think if I were to quit. That was probably the most difficult part. After a while, I just decided to stay true to myself and not worry about what people may think.
People are going to take it one way or another. But, you deserve credit for being honest with yourself and making that decision. How hard was it, having to face Tyra with this decision?
At that point I was determined to leave and I wasn’t really worried about what Tyra would feel or what she’d think about it. When she said what she did about it “what’s most unattractive was a quitter,” I felt bad. I felt like I had wasted her time. I said sorry to her, but I felt like I had wasted her time. I could see that she was mad. I felt really bad.
I guess one way to look at it is, how were you supposed to know if modeling was right for you, if you didn’t at least give it a try?
Right.
Out of the judges, which one gave you the most support and encouragement?
Twiggy. I loved Twiggy. She always had good things to say about me. When she did criticize, it was like constructive criticism. She always tried to make a joke out of her criticism.
What essential qualities do you feel a Top Model should have?
Fun. You have to be ambitious, have a really nice personality. Well spoken.
Do you need to have a tough skin since it seems things become so brutal at times?
Definitely. I think you also need to have the support from family and loved ones.
Being cut off from your family - did that weigh in on your decision to leave?
Yes. That was really it.
Who was the biggest threat in the competition?
I think all the girls were. They were in the house so they obviously had the potential. They all were.
If you were granted the power to eliminate someone, who would that be?
If I had the power to eliminate, I wouldn’t choose anyone. They’re all wonderful. They’re all great.
You have so many gorgeous photos in your portfolio. Do you have a favorite?
I have two. I really like the first one, even though I was in the bottom two for that photo. I thought that was a really nice picture. I thought it was so funny, 'cause when it came up and they didn’t like it, I was surprised. But they’re professional so… I like the bird of paradise and also the one on top of the building too.
Which photo shoot was the most challenging?
The rock climbing one. You have to really have upper body strength and I’m a really weak person. So it was so hard for me to pull myself up. I couldn’t do it. It was way more difficult than I thought.
Is there anyone you’re rooting for to become America’s Next Top Model?
I am rooting for all the girls. There’s no one in particular. I think they’re all great.
Have you made plans for the future?
I am in nursing school, so right now that’s my first passion. I am interested in modeling but I’m not sure if I’d want to make a career out of it yet but if anything came down the line… I’m in nursing school. I am aiming to get my master’s degree. I have about 4 years left, but I want to become a nurse practitioner. I go into my major next semester so I’m really excited about that.
Good for you! We’re happy to hear you made the best choice for yourself. Thanks for speaking with us. Good luck with nursing school. We wish you the best!
Thank you so much. Bye!
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