Anybody who knows America’s Next Top Model knew that McKey was going to walk away the winner of cycle 11 last week. Oh sure, we may have been rooting for Sam or Analeigh (like I was) but we knew that they were both longshots. Despite the fact that both Sam and Analeigh are more comfortable on camera in commercial shoots, it was McKey who pulled off high fashion shots consistently throughout the season. Anyone who doubted that McKey have walked away the winner should just remember one thing: Tyra Banks loves a project.

Let’s take a look at two recent winners, shall we? Jaslene and Whitney. Tyra loved taking Jaslene, who had been previously eliminated in the semi-final round of cycle 7 and turning her into the winner of cycle 8. There’s nothing better than an underdog who comes from behind, beats the odds, and comes out on top. Whitney became the first plus sized model to ever win Top Model, going against what is the norm in the fashion industry and bringing Top Model more attention than it may normally receive.

McKey came into the competition as a female boxer who relied heavily on her athleticism in photo shoots. She required a lot of work as she often came across awkward in person and needed help with her runway walk. A little attention from Tyra, Jay Manuel, and Miss Jay turned McKey into a full fledged, high fashion model, and her progress as the season went on was evident to everyone.

A model who already seems to have what she needs to succeed rarely wins America's Next Top Model.  Just think of cycle 8's Brittany, cycle 3's Toccara, and cycle 10's Katarzyna.  No, Tyra loves a girl that she can turn around say, "Look what I made her into!"  McKey fit the bill and though she definitely was a strong contender and maybe even deserved to win, it was also no surprise.  Any Top Model fan knows that the ones who go through transformations and grow as the competition goes on stand the best chance of winning.


- Gina Scarpa, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of CW)