TV & FASHION: And America's Next Top Model is... A 6'2 Girl Named Ann Ward

OK so here's my confession for 2010: I absolutely love America's Next Top Model. I've never missed a single season . Yeah, granted Tyra's ego is the size of her bank account and since its conception none of the winners have moved on to become actual 'top models'. But the creativeness of the photo shoots and the hilarity of Mr. and Mrs J have kept me a fan for over 14 seasons.

However, this season's cycle 15 (which ended Wednesday) showed that Tyra does in fact listen to the media's complaints about the winners constantly disappearing into a fashion oblivion. Her first step to prove this was last season's addition of judge Andre Leon Talley - who is one of fashion's most influential people in the world. Not to mention he's super awesome because he shows up to the judging panel wearing decadent sparkly capes, using elaborate words like 'dreckitutde'  and telling the girls' things like, "you should have sat with your legs crossed like you were at a luncheon at the Plaza Hotel" , or "I felt no snap, no crackle, and no pop. But having said that, your legs looked fantastic."

Andre's power in the business helped elevate the show to new heights by pulling in major fashion designers such as Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Patricia Field and Roberto Cavalli (who provided wardrobe from his Just Cavalli line for the final runway show and was also a judge for the last panel); top notch photographers like Matthew Rolston and Patrick Demarchelier; and real life super model Karolina Kurkova.

The prize this season was elevated as well. For the first time the winner would receive a spread in Vogue Italia, a cover on Beauty in Vogue, a $100,000 Cover Girl cosmetics contract and a modeling contract with IMG Models. If you know your fashion - then you know these prizes are super bad-ass.

This cycle's winner may for the first time ever have a shot at succeeding as a 'real' model. She is a 19 year old girl from Dallas, Texas by the name of Ann Ward; and she is a towering six foot two inches tall (put some high heels on her and she's almost 7 feet). Everything about Ann is awwwwwkward. From her super-frail frame, her goofy glasses, her inability to put on a cute outfit and her lack of social skills due to all the teasing she received growing up. HOWEVER, when she steps in front of the camera, she instantly turns into a high-fashion beast. Ann made ANTM history by winning best photo five weeks straight and every photographer and fashion designer who met her could not deny her stellar editorial steeze. After being shut down by numerous agencies in Texas (I mean hello?) she finally had the opportunity to prove that she was made for the fashion industry.

Tyra and co just may have actually found a top model and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes in the  future. Check out some of her portfolio photo's below.

Ann Before:

Ann After: