This is Meghan from BuddyTV and I'm on the line with Gabrielle from America's Next Top Model Cycle 14.  How's it going today?

It's good.  Busy.  Running around.

Yeah, doing a lot of talking about that first episode.

Mmm-hmm!

Well, I just wanted to start out by asking what motivated you to try out?

Modeling has always been an interest, and just knowing that that was a passion for me.  I decided to take the extra step and try it, and get my face out there into the industry.

Well you definitely got your face out there, and I loved the makeover that you got.  Did you decide to keep [the blonde curls] after the show, or did you go back dark?

No, I kept it.  It took me a while to truly get used to it, but after I know how to use it, and know how to work with it, I'm keeping it for a while, until the next agency tells me to change it.

What was your casting process like? Did anything interesting happen while you were trying to get on the show?

When I went to Chicago, you go through, like, a million eliminations.  And so they just call out numbers and if your number is called, you get to stay.  My number wasn't called, so I was like, "Wow. I'm going home.  But I made it this far."  So I went in the elevator.  I guess somebody from production put his foot into the elevator and was like, "Is number 69 here?"  And I was like, "Yeah."  So if I had went down inthe elevator, I wouldn't have been on the show at all.

Wow.

So it was pretty intense.  It was pretty cool.

That's really lucky.  Sounds like fate.  Were you a big fan of Tyra's before the show?

I was.  She's like an icon, an idol to a lot of girls, and looking up to her because she's done so much in so little time, that you can't help but be interested in her.

Did she meet your expectations when you met her in person, or was she different?

I really didn't get to see or interact with her as much as I wish I would have.  But, I mean, other than... she looks the same. She's gorgeous.  Prettier in person.  I don't really have an opinion on her personality because I didn't really get to interact her.

During episode 1 you really impressed Jay with your knowledge of some pretty obscure fashion models.  Is that something you studied up for for the show, or an overall passion of yours?

That's just an overall interest.  A lot of the models that interest me, I will take the time to learn and know what keeps them so motivated.  Learning about models wasn't anything for the show, because I didn't even know I was going to try out for this cycle.

Going back to the photo shoot that you did, how did you feel like it went?

I mean, I was getting criticism, but I feel like they made it harsher than what it was.  I feel like they picked the worst photo.  But taking the worst photo and getting criticism on it I think was good, so I know not to ever have any photo, whether it's the first photo or the last photo, to look like that.  So I can take any photo and be like, "Wow, this is amazing." I mean, that kind of helped me out.

How did you feel going into that elimination ceremony?

Like, I looked up, and I was like, "Oh wow. It's just Alasia and I."  It's heart-throbbing.  But I had a feeling, I knew I was going to go home.  So, I don't know.  I think because Alasia hasn't had any experience, and for me to have experience and show up with such a poor photo, that was on me.

I know that being biracial is a big source of inspiration for you as a model.  What do you hope viewers got out of that?

A lot of people, a lot of biracial people... a lot of my friends that are mixed are people that...I looked at the blogs... like, people that are mixed, they can understand where I'm coming from, because just an average person doesn't know how it feels to get negative criticism from just random people because they're being racist or prejudiced.  So I think it made a lot of kids feel good that I said that, and got it out there, to know where I'm coming from, and how it feels.

Did you watch last season?  What did you think of the biracial photo shoot that they did during the last cycle?

Yeah, I thought that was amazing.  That was amazing.  That was pretty cool how they portrayed Nicole and a lot of the girls.

While you were there, did you become close with any of the girls?

I'm really... I had time to get close to a lot of them, like Ren.  She's mad cool, like that is my all-time favorite of the bunch.   Angelea, I would have to say. Naduah, she was cool. Simone, she's a sweetie.  Just really laid back, doesn't say much.  Raina, she's beautiful.  She's like a sister, along with Anslee, the mom of the group.

Who do you think is the front-runner at this point?

Um... the talent that I see, the people... I really couldn't tell you. It's a strong bunch.  I feel Ren has potential.  Angelea.  Raina.  Those are the top people, in my opinion.  Anslee, her bone structure is beautiful, though.

Yeah, as long as Ren can get past the drama, it seems like she could do really well.

Yeah.

So you said you plan to go into fashion merchandising, and model on the side.  Is that still your plan?

I was so in the moment, like, I was just so crushed by everything going on, because it's so overwhelming.  Like, I definitely want to continue modeling as far as I can.  And then after I can't do that any longer, where it's not a full-time job, I'd definitely go into business and fashion merchandising, and work behind the scenes of the industry.

Do you have any last words for ANTM fans out there?

I hope you enjoy the show!

Thank you so much, and we wish you all the best.

Thank you.




(Image Courtesy of the CW)