#4: Nicole Linkletter

It’s strange, because when I looked back on the cycle before rewatching it I thought that Nicole was extremely deserving of her win (though I wanted Nik to win it more). Now that I rewatched it I realize how much of that was just me internalizing the judges’ opinions as my own, because I certainly would no longer say that Nicole was the rightful winner of Cycle 5. As a person, Nicole kind of annoyed me. It’s not that she was a terrible person, it’s just that I found her constant complaining about things that everyone on the show had to go through to be irksome, and I found some of her behaviors to be a bit over-the-top and immature sometimes. Again, not that she’s a terrible person, just not someone I would choose to hang out with in my free time. That said, I thought she handled the granola bar mishap very maturely, so I will give her props for that.

As far as her modeling on the show goes, I don’t say that Nicole wasn’t my rightful winner because she wasn’t talented. Nicole certainly showed promise during her time on the show, which is why she ranks this high in the first place (and she eventually improved immensely post-show). Although there are a few gems in her portfolio, her portfolio was pretty inconsistent overall, keeping me from saying that she was one of the top photo models of the cycle. However, her runway walk was one of the strongest. I’d actually say that she’s probably the second best walker of the cycle, and that brought her up in my eyes enormously. With all of that in mind, I think 4th is a fitting spot for her in my ranking.

Post-ANTM, Nicole is currently signed with Nous Model Management (L.A.); Diva Models (Singapore); Dream Models (Hong Kong); Agence Presse (Tokyo; signed by ModelScouts); L.A. Models runway division; Paragon Model Management (Mexico); M and P Model Management (London) and SMG Models. In May 2009, she was featured in a spread for Elle Singapore. She appeared on the cover of CLEO Malaysia with two male models for May 2009 Issue. She was also featured in a spread for CLEO Malaysia for June 2009 Issue and a cover and spread in Country and Townhouse Magazine December 2009 in the UK. She has also had a cover and fashion spread for Nylon in Mexico. Linkletter has walked for Gharani Strok Fashion show, Alice and Olivia (Fall 2006), Fashion for Life Benefit Show 2006, The Society of Young Philanthropists Gala/Fashion Show 2006, Bebe (Spring 2007), Rozae Nichols Spring 07, and Juan Carlos Obando Spring 07.

Favorite Photo:

If only I had a high quality version of this shot. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

Least Favorite Photo:

Oddly enough, the judges’ favorite photo of her is my least favorite.