Winner and Key Facts
Brittany Rodrigues won cycle 9 of America’s Next Top Model in 2007. She is a plus-size model who beat fellow finalists Kate Ma and Ashley Black in the finale. The cycle raised the number of contestants to 13 and was the first plus-size-exclusive cycle in the show’s history. It aired on The CW from September to November 2007. Below are verified details about the winner, the season structure, and how this cycle differs from earlier formats.
Verified Winner Details
Brittany Rodrigues
Brittany Rodrigues (born 19 June 1988) is a plus-size model from Ontario, Canada. She signed with Trump Model Management and appeared in Curve magazine. Her victory established her as a notable name in the plus-size modeling space. Her career has since included runway, print, and commercial work.
Cycle 9 Format and Structure
Cycle 9 featured 13 contestants and was marketed as plus-size only. The season introduced new challenges tailored for plus-size contestants, with judging focused on commercial presence, runways walks, and versatility in front of the camera. The finale followed the established Top Model formula with a small pool and a final runway show.
Prize Package and Opportunities
| Prize | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Model contract | Trump Model Management | Official show prize |
| Cover and spread | Seventeen magazine | Official show prize |
| Fashion campaign | Sephora | Official show prize |
| Cash prize | 100,000 USD | Official show prize |
Notable Episodes and Challenges
Cycle 9 included plus-size-specific challenges such as lingerie shoots, commercial ads for major brands, and runway segments that emphasized fit and proportion. Episodes often addressed the realities of plus-size modeling, including fitting issues and industry misconceptions. These choices were intentional to highlight plus-size talent in mainstream fashion contexts.
Casting and Contestant Backgrounds
The season selected contestants from across the United States and Canada, prioritizing diversity in size and background. Contestants ranged from early 20s to early 30s, bringing varied experience in modeling, acting, and other creative fields. The casting process emphasized marketability and resilience under pressure, consistent with the show’s long-term format.
Performance in Challenges and Finale
Brittany Rodrigues excelled in commercial and print challenges. Her consistency and ability to adapt to plus-size styling set her apart in group and individual evaluations. Kate Ma and Ashley Black were finalists, but Rodrigues’ campaign work and runway presentation in the finale clinched the title. Viewer reception was positive toward the representation of plus-size models.
Impact on the Show and Industry
Cycle 9 expanded the show’s scope by centering plus-size modeling in a prime-time competition. It influenced later adaptations and encouraged more inclusive casting in subsequent cycles. Industry professionals noted increased attention for plus-size contestants and greater awareness of sizing issues in fashion. The season remains a reference point for discussions on diversity in modeling competitions.