CariDee English
CariDee English (born in 1984[citation needed], from Fargo, North Dakota) was named the winning contestant of Cycle 7 of America's Next Top Model after making it to the finals with Melrose Bickerstaff. Her prize was a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a modeling contract with Elite Models, and a six-page fashion editorial and cover for Seventeen magazine. She is the second ANTM winner from North Dakota, the other being Nicole Linkletter of Cycle 5.[1]
Before Top Model
CariDee stated during the cycle that she worked as a photographer before appearing on America's Next Top Model. She has suffered from psoriasis for 15 years[2] and believed her dream of becoming a model was unattainable. However, a doctor recommended Raptiva, a drug that she still injects weekly[3] in order to control the disease, and it has worked well for her skin, although a small patch still remains.[4]
Caridee also stated on the show that she went through a period where she attempted/seriously considered commiting suicide.
On Top Model
As winner of the acting challenge in Cycle 7, CariDee had an opportunity to guest-star in an episode of the hit CW series One Tree Hill (which airs immediately following Top Model).[5] Compared to past acting challenge winners, CariDee had a bigger role in that episode.[citation needed]
During the acting challenge, CariDee confessed to previously being suicidal. Also, in another episode, she was criticised for making an impulsive yet crude joke to fashion photographer and ANTM judge Nigel Barker during the bullfighting photoshoot in Barcelona, although CariDee has stated that "he actually joked back" and was never really mad.[2] While participating in the "Water Nymphs" photo shoot, she suffered hypothermia symptoms from floating in icy cold water for a long period of time; CariDee has attributed it to her drug's side effects, which include lowering of the immune system[6].
Throughout the competition, the judges found much controversy in CariDee's personality, which was considered notably more outgoing than that of the other contestants. In the early stages of the cycle, her personality was considered fun and outgoing, most notably during her "dizzy hiding" at a panel challenge. Later on, however, the judges began to express concern that it may be a little too bombastic. Because of this, the judges were unsure as to whether she was the person they wanted to represent Top Model, noting in the cycle's finale that she was sometimes too unpredictable and unstable.
Caridee's pictures generally garnered much praise from the judges. With what the judges called a "wow" factor and a strong personality, CariDee was chosen as the winner of Cycle 7. In the closing segment of the season, in which Tyra poses with the champion in a photo shoot, Tyra claimed that CariDee was a good role model.
Television filmography
References
- ^ Amy Carlson Gustafson (2006-12-07). "Fargo native wins "Top Model"". Pioneer Press. Retrieved 2006-12-10.
- ^ a b Merrin, Tara. Ambition pays off for CariDee English. Calgary Sun. Published December 10, 2006. Retrieved December 10, 2006.
- ^ BuddyTV. BuddyTV - Exclusive Interview: CariDee English, Winner of America's Next Top Model. Retrieved December 16th, 2006.
- ^ Koumpilova, Mila Fargo’s English comes out on ‘Top’. The Forum. Published December 7, 2006. Retrieved December 11, 2006.
- ^ The Internet Movie Database. "One Tree Hill" All These Things That I've Done (2006). Retrieved January 5, 2007.
- ^ Fans of Reality TV forums. Interview with CariDee. Retrieved December 20, 2006.