America’s Next Top Model has proven to be one of the most successful reality TV series. It wrapped up in 2018. Netflix has now presented the hidden narratives and experiences of everyone involved with the show over the years in a documentary called Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model.
Netflix has already requested viewers to watch the new documentary to discover more about what transpired on the show, especially behind the scenes. The new documentary was released on Netflix on February 16, 2025.
It has already attracted attention as cast members share many insights that have left viewers astonished. However, amidst all this, there is a keen interest in finding out where the judges are currently and what they are doing after the show. Keep reading to find out more about this matter.
Where Are The Contestants From In America’s Next Top Model?
Dani Evans (Winner From Cycle 6)
Reality Check revisits the tumultuous experience of Danielle “Dani” Evans on her way to winning Cycle 6, including the intense pressure she faced to fix her notable tooth gap. The documentary illustrates how this flare-up highlighted the franchise’s evolving and at times conflicting beauty standards: years later, Cycle 16 finalist Chelsey Anne Hurless (formerly Hersley) had her gap surgically enhanced.
For Evans, it all emphasised how much of her career and self-image felt subject to the agendas of others. “It’s my life, and it was manipulated repeatedly,” she remarks in the docuseries. Evans also recounts her arrival in New York after her victory, expecting to gain momentum, only to feel abandoned as the industry shifted its focus. Ultimately, she said that she had to step away from the modelling world to rediscover her true self.
Ebony Haith (Cycle 1)
Ebony Haith’s journey during the inaugural cycle of the show was marked by derogatory comments regarding her hair, skin texture, and sexual orientation. In the documentary Reality Check, Haith candidly discusses the emotional turmoil she experienced. “My heart was breaking as I was on this national show, thinking that the world would be proud of me,” she reflects in the film.
Since her time on ANTM, Haith has continued to engage in creative endeavours while also focusing on her well-being. She said, “It’s beautiful to be seen as an artist, then a woman, then a Black woman. … I have matured and understand that my authentic self is more than enough.”
Keenyah Hill (Cycle 4)
Keenyah Hill’s experience on ANTM was marked by comments about her weight and eating habits. In the documentary, Hill reveals that it was painful to understand that these remarks would form her complete narrative, referring to them as “unjust.”
Reality Check also revisits a more serious incident from the cycle: a photo shoot in South Africa, which Hill claims she sought to interrupt after a male model aggressively flirted with her and exploited the situation to touch her. “To be on a TV set with so many witnesses and yet feel unprotected is really dark,” she comments.
Giselle Samson (Cycle 1)
Giselle Samson’s journey on ANTM was marked by remarks about her body that, as she mentions in Reality Check, “have remained with me for a lifetime.” Samson reflects on how those experiences diminished her confidence and lingered long after the show, affecting both her self-image and the industry’s view of her.
“For a long time, they influenced how I perceived my own worth and whether I felt entitled to chase the things I cherished,” she remarks. At present, Samson claims she is “thoroughly engaged” in her “second act.” She has returned to performing on stage and continues “to gain momentum as an artist” while also launching entrepreneurial projects, including a jewellery brand, Kiss the World.
Where Are The Judges From In America’s Next Top Model?
Jay Manuel
Jay Manuel was the creative director of America’s Next Top Model from 2003 to 2012. He has recently begun working on a screen adaptation of his novel, The Wig, The B*tch, and the Meltdown.
For those who are not aware, the book is inspired by the behind-the-scenes occurrences on America’s Next Top Model. In addition, Jay is focused on storytelling and has commenced collaborations with filmmakers for various projects, where filmmakers will have the chance to voice their opinions.
Nigel Barker
Apart from his participation in America’s Next Top Model, Nigel Barker has been a judge for pageants like Miss America and Miss Universe. He was involved with ANTM for 18 seasons. After the show concluded, Nigel Barker began a YouTube competition series titled Top Photographer.
In 2024, he also created a premium beverage brand named The Barker Company. In addition to these ventures, Nigel has hosted a show called The Face, which is shown on NBC.
Miss J
Miss J joined the judging panel of America’s Next Top Model from Cycle 5. Nevertheless, his contract came to an end with the other two judges, Nigel Barker and Jay Manuel, in 2012. In 2020, Miss J and Jay collaborated to create an Instagram Live series, which was scheduled weekly.
This live series was also available on Facebook and YouTube. The series highlighted Miss J and Jay’s journey on the acclaimed show over the years. Miss J has also been involved in the international versions of ANTM. On a different note, he began experiencing health issues in 2022 after suffering a stroke.
Following a few weeks in a coma, Miss J started to encounter challenges with walking and speaking. He is in the process of relearning how to walk. In the Netflix documentary, Miss J shared his feelings about the experience, stating that he felt emotional upon realising his inability to walk and talk.
