'America's Next Top Model' season finale recap: Plus Won!

After we took the requisite look back at a few noteworthy photos from the season — I see homeless and grunge Whitney! paparazzi-stalked Anya! crazy Tyra pretending to birth a fetus! — the judges deliberated for the final time. It came down to luminescent Anya's high-fashion angles versus Whitney's powerful and energetic presence, which could translate into any medium if her tough-skinned facade softens enough to allow her to genuinely connect with other people and the characters she's asked to embody. Paulina made an excellent observation: ''I think Whitney's the one that a man would want to have in his bedroom, but Anya is the one that you will buy the dress from.'' That sounds like an endorsement for Anya, but as much as this show says it's looking for the next high-fashion model, it's partnered with CoverGirl and Seventeen, which are not high fashion. And Whitney rocked their shoots. She also proved that she could rally back from that confusing psychobabble that Tyra spewed at her in the penultimate panel. And she's hot. So, I congratulate her on her win, and I hope she's able to be the role model she's setting out to be. I also congratulate Anya for going out with the same grace and kind heart she's shown throughout the competition. I hope the success she deserves finds her.

So do you think Whitney deserved to win cycle 10, and can she help stretch America's narrow views on beauty? Isn't it kind of weird to do a beauty shot in black and white? (Or was that ad just for mascara, in which case, well done.) Why did all the models have to clap during the finale of the Versace runway show? Is it possible we've found a body part that Miss J. doesn't like to see looking ''busted''? (Anya's nose) And how subtle was Tyra's jab at CoverGirl for hiring actresses to model in its commercials? (I still love you, Drew Barrymore, even if you pose in a way that loses your neck.)

PREVIOUS Page 1 2 3 4