RAIMU MENGKONO: Krista White

Krista White

Krista White was a contestant and winner of Cycle 14 of ANTM.
The then 24-year-old from Pine Bluff, Arkansas worked as a retail manager before her stint on ANTM and is the oldest winner of Top Model next to Cycle 2′s Yoanna House.
During episode 1 of Cycle 14, Krista revealed that she doesn’t want to date white men because a “pink penis makes her think of raw meat.” We also learn that she doesn’t own one pair of tennis shoes; she only owns high heels.
“Looking good is everything to me; I don’t even go to the grocery store looking busted,” commented Krista on camera. She concluded, “Presentation is everything.”
During the Top Model makeovers, she admitted that she hated the hairstyle with which she ended up (a horse mane pony tail extension to add on for shoots) because that is the way she does her hair when she’s too lazy to style her hair at home.
Krista was outwardly shocked after being called as first runner up to best picture during the second panel judging of episode 2.
During episode 3, Krista was called 5th following the ‘dance’ photo shoot with Cade Martin; her ‘ballet’ dancing photo impressed the judges because of how gentle and elegant she looked in her posing.
Krista was called 8th during episode 4, following the ‘vampire’ shoot with Sarah Silver. The judges said her face looked tense, but she went for it.
Episode 5 found Krista maintaining her position as a strong competitor when the judges loved the way the light caught her face in her photograph with D-Nice. Nigel also commented that she had many poses in her modeling repertoire. Krista was then called 3rd during elimination.
Krista began episode 6 by declaring that the Top Model house was clearly divided. She stated, “We’re the “realest” people in the house. On one side you have Anslee, Angelea and Alasia … and Jessica, Brenda and Raina on the other.”
Despite this declaration, she managed to stay out of the spotlight when it came to the drama. This presented as a positive for her, as she did very well during the “New York women” CoverGirl photo shoot with Mike Ruiz.
Krista’s character during her photo shoot was an ‘aspiring actress.’ Her photo received overwhelmingly good critique; Nigel said her photo actually looked like a CoverGirl ad to him; Andre Leon Talley expressed that she looked like an all-American and fresh. Due to her exceptional performance, Krista was called 2nd during elimination.
Episode 7 was definitely a game-changer for Krista. She began the episode by winning the runway challenge at Lucky Cheng’s. She was voted as having the fiercest walk by an audience of drag queens, Miss J and folks off the street.
During the “Hair Couture” shoot with Jerry Metellus, she channeled the energy of Grace Jones and performed with an edge that incorporated her own personality. Mr. Jay said she delivered “Krista” with Grace Jones energy, making her shoot incredibly strong.
At panel, guest judge, Whitney Port said that her face was the strongest part of her photo. Tyra said her film was an absolute joy to go through; she said that Krista never once forgot about her face. The judges also said that they loved her cheek bones. As a result of her great performance, Krista was called first during elimination, adding her to the list of finalists traveling to the international destination of New Zealand. She got to pick one friend to go with her; she chose Angelea.
Krista began episode 8 by participating in go-sees, the first challenge after arriving in Aukland, New Zealand. She did well; she even received a great critique from designers. Unfortunately, she arrived three minutes late back to the agency, so she was disqualified from the challenge. Because she had a first call in the last panel, Krista was still available to win a garment from every designer she visited.
During the “same dress” shoot with Nigel Barker, Krista performed brilliantly. She not only impressed Mr. Jay, she really impressed Nigel.
In panel, Nigel said she was “magical” with which to work. Guest judge Sara Tetro said she showcased the gown beautifully. Tyra said her film was a “tornado of loveliness.”
During elimination, Krista was once again called first, meaning she’ll share the reward of the next challenge winner.
Krista began episode 9 by winning the first challenge – a photo shoot on a film set from movie Lord of the Rings. Her reward was $3,000 worth of clothing from World Design fashions. And because Krista had the best photo in the last panel, she won an addition $1,500 of clothing, meaning her total winnings equaled $4,500.
Krista didn’t stop there. During the “shadow shoot” with Tyra, Mr. Jay and Tyra both enjoyed working with Krista. Tyra said that she understood her angles, shapes and exuded passion, push and tension.
During panel, Nigel said that she had a good profile and that she found the light so it framed her face. ALT said that she had a cover quality for a fabulous beauty supplement. Tyra said that she gave her variety, variety, variety. She also said that Krista was ahead a pack and a joy to shoot.
In the end, Krista was called first for the third time in a row, leaving her part of the top four.
Krista began the finale episode of Top Model by winning the first challenge – a runway challenge during a mid-air flight to Queenstown, New Zealand. Both Jays loved how she worked her jacket and were impressed with the personality she exuded. As her reward, she won jewelry from Boh Runga worth $2,000. She also won an additional $1,000 for being called first at last panel.
For the “ugly pretty” photo shoot with Monty Adams, Krista remained consistent impressing Mr. Jay. He loved that she was ‘broken down’ and edgy.
During panel, which was a double elimination, Nigel said that she looked unbelievable in panel. Tyra said that she was androgynous in her photo, which was exactly ugly/pretty. ALT felt emotional and thought it was exceptional work. He said she would be booked immediately if she when to a go-see at Galiano. Tyra said that she created space, so you could see the background through her body positioning. Mr. Jay said that she really stepped up to the creative.
During elimination, Krista was once again called first for the fourth time – making her one of the two finalists competing for the title. Her competitor ended up being Raina, as Alexandra and Angelea were eliminated.
Following the elimination of Angelea and Alexandra, Krista and Raina were asked to pack a bag to jet set to their next challenge destination. Their destination: Rakino Island, New Zealand.
After arriving to their new home, Miss Jay greeted them with their scripts for their CoverGirl commercial.
During her Covergirl commercial, nerves got the best of her and she requested to use cue cards, even though she was hell-bent on not having them initially. Despite being frustrated, she laughed off her nerves and finished on a high note.
During Krista’s Covergirl shoot with Tony Drayton, Tony said that she had an amazing smile and that she had a strong look. He said her only danger is that she comes off too strong if she doesn’t smile.
The next shoot for the girls was for Seventeen Magazine. Nigel Barker took their photos and said that he was impressed with how both girls performed during their shoots.
Following their Seventeen Magazine shoots, Tyra greeted them with a surprise photo shoot, which included their families who were flown in by the show. Krista’s was overjoyed to see her mom and stepdad.
The final step in the competition was the Anna Sui fashion show with a rockabilly circus theme. Miss Jay said that Krista had a hard edge while walking. ALT said it looked as if she were walking on air. Tyra said she was nervous for her because Krista had to exude a bubbly personality. Tyra said she pulled it off, but she was a bit cheesy at times.
During the review of her CoverGirl ad, Miss Jay said that she had “in-your-face beauty.” He just wished that she used a little more “oomph” while shooting.Tyra said that her photo was beautiful, but she wasn’t smiling with her eyes.
With regards to her CoverGirl commercial, Nigel told her not to forget herself when she forgets her lines. He also said that the light loved her face and her skin looked amazing. Tyra said that she should always be “in” the commercial, even between the takes.
In the end, Krista was awarded the title of America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 14.
Tyra said she was the embodiment of America’s Next Top Model. She said that Krista came into the show and didn’t know what she was doing, but she learned, listened and blossomed. She also went on to say that there’s an honesty and rawness about Krista that is so beautiful. The panel believes that she could have an international career in modeling.
Upon winning, Krista said the following:

“I feel just overwhelmed. I can’t believe it’s me. After 12 cycles of trying out … and it’s me. I can’t believe I’m here. I just want to pinch myself. No one ever thought it would be me. When I was young, I always wanted to see somebody that was just like me. Somebody that went somewhere and did something from a small town. I didn’t see that in my generation. I just want to be like that person.
For me to be small Pine Bluff where there’s like hundred-something-maybe people – and nobody ever leaves Pine Bluff. For me to step out and to really chase after my dream is amazing. I’m glad that there’s somebody like me that other people can look up to and see that she made it, she didn’t give up, she kept pushing and look where she is now. I’m excited! I’m America’s Next Top Model!”

To read Krista’s post-win interview with RTV Games, click here.
Krista currently lives in Las Vegas, but is preparing to move to either New York or Los Angeles (depending on where Wilhelmina sends her). In the beginning of June, she is going to New York to begin building her book. In August, Krista will be featured in a back-to-school campaign for Max Rave, which will be featured in 352 stores throughout the United States and on their website.
Krista is signed with Wilhelmina Models and is a model and spokesperson for CoverGirl Cosmetics. She previously held a contract with an agency out of Los Angeles.
Source: ANTM Wikipedia
Source: Krista’s Wikipedia
Source: Krista’s CW Interview
Source: Krista’s Fan Facebook
Source: Krista’s Facebook
Source: All ANTM