Nah, it was all an act. Probably Rimmel/Paper/VH1 had already decided on the winner just like CoverGirl would back in the day. Anyway, I was really happy for India. She was one of the more likeable contestants this season and also a decent model.

I hear Tyra is coming back to right this ship, so I figure it's bye, bye to Rita.

I'm thinking it's already to late for that. And isn't it Tyra that caused the show to go down because of all her weird catch phrases and making it go towards reality tv. They really need to adopt the Australian Top Model format ~ now that show was enjoyable to watch.

I don't think it's too late. What I do know is that this season seem very low budget, and they didn't even go a trip. Plus, what was the prize? Not a modeling contract.

No modeling contract. I think it was a Rimmel photo spread and guest spot on Vh1.

Didn't the prize consist of $100K?

Isn't that a downgrade from previous seasons?

Hahahaha you'd think we'd know the prizes by heart since they retell them every panel! But I think you're correct about the $$ whether it's some kind of contract or just cash I can't remember.

Well, I always FF'd the prize announcement on each episode, but I do know that this past season it was for $100K. The girls were talking about what they could do with that money.

Update: the $100k was always the money prize, but in previous seasons, there was a modeling contract. Last season, you had the money, modeling contract, a Nylon spread, and the opportunity to be the face of Zappo.

This time around, you have the money, a fashion spread in Paper, and a "talent" contract.