February of 2007, the New York Post interviewed Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans some time following her win and appearance on the show. Here is the text from the interview (written and posted by New York Post Staff):
INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE EVANS
Despite starring in a show known for its “b$%*& poured beer on my weave!” diva behavior, it’s hard to find a model nicer than Danielle Evans. The winner of “Cycle 6″ of “America’s Next Top Model,” Evans charmed the judges with her down-home Arkansas drawl and refusal to be drawn into catfights.
Now comes the tough part: Convincing the fashion industry that she’s not just a reality show contestant. After spending the day modeling lingerie for The Post’s Valentine’s Day feature, the 21-year-old talked about life after “Top Model.”
You walked in the Baby Phat show Friday night. What was that like?
That was my very first show, and it was a very big deal for me. There were a whole bunch of emotions going on. It’s important for me to separate myself from “Top Model.” Not in a negative way, but I don’t want to be defined as by “Top Model.” I just want to be Dani, the model.
Were you nervous?
I wasn’t nervous. I always say a little prayer before I go out.
What did you think of the nightlife? Did you go out and party afterward?
No, I went home and go to sleep, not a party. I only go to a party when I have to. I’m a homebody.
That’s a rare thing among models.
I’m a very rare model!
Are you walking again this week?
Yes. I’ll be in the Zang Toi show, on Friday.
Is winning “Top Model” an advantage or stigma?
It works both ways. Among the general public, it’s a good thing. You’re recognized, and people are nice. But when it comes to fashion industry, it’s like a joke. You have to break down a lot of barriers.
Some previous winners have complained that Tyra Banks doesn’t do enough to help afterward.
It’s different for different people. But everything I’ve gotten being in New York is totally on Danielle, nothing on Tyra. The show is just that cracked door. We have to work twice as hard as everyone else. Most models pick an agency. I was given my agency, and I have to prove myself every day. I’m not looking to get a handout from Tyra.
Any good stories about what goes on behind the scenes?
A lot of goes on back behind the scenes. America only sees the edited version. I’m not going to say it’s harder than it looks. But the challenges, they didn’t tell us anything. It’s spontaneous, and it builds up a lot of anxiety between the girls. That’s reality television though. That’s what people want to see.
Is Jade that bad in real life?
Really have to understand Jade as individual, she’ll stop at nothing to be a model. She’s a real go-getter, which comes off kind of wrong. But I don’t have a problem with Jade.
Is Jade really a man?
What? (Laughs). No, she’s a female.
Since this is a Valentine’s Day shoot, what’s your own taste in lingerie?
Anything that compliments my skin tone – red, burnt oranges, really sexy and sensual. [At the shoot], I wore a Kiki De Montparnasse that was amazing, yellow and black. Two thumbs up for that one.
To learn more about Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans, visit her bio page here.
Source: New York Post
Photo: CW
