From Latoya West,
Your Guide to Reality TV.
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Apr 8 2005

Lluvy, a janitor from Modesto, California, was the fifth girl eliminated from America’s Next Top Model. But Lluvy will not be forgotten. After all, Tyra Banks once told her that she had the worst photograph in the history of America’s Next Top Model. Ouch! Lluvy and I chatted about her time on Top Model, who she thinks should win the competition, and more. Here are some highlights of our interview:

What was the best part of the experience?

Just meeting Tyra and Janice -- people who I have been watching on TV since the very first episode.

Did it feel surreal for you to actually be there on the show?

Yes. I’m still in shock right now, to tell you the truth. I can’t believe it. Like the whole time I was there, I was just twisted. My brain was just going like haywire. I could not believe it. There weren’t that many girls who had watched the show before, so I was star struck.

What was it like having all those cameras there?

That was difficult for me because I’m a klutz. I kept on walking into them or bumping into them all the time…but you get used to them…They sneak around like little elves.

What was the worst part of the experience?

There’s been no worst part of the experience, but it’s been hard to watch myself. I think that’s kind of the worst part for me right now.

Why is that?

I get so embarrassed that I curl up in a ball and watch it. So I’m kind of glad it’s done with now. And I’m excited to watch the girls and root them on.

I have to go there. What went through your mind when the judges told you that one of your pictures was the worst photo in the history of America’s Next Top Model?

I laughed. I don’t know if the camera went to me or not when that happened but when she said that, I couldn’t believe it. I was like ‘that’s me.’ I couldn’t believe it. I was shocked. It was a pretty bad picture though.

So, you agreed with that comment?

Yes. I don’t know if it’s the worst, but it’s pretty bad.

Do you have a copy of that picture?

No. Hopefully, we’ll get some. I don’t know.

You should frame it.

[Laughs] I know! I’ll tell my kids about it. They’ll tell their kids about it.

How did you handle taking criticism every week?

I’m a very realistic person, so I wasn’t going to cry when they told me that I had the worst picture…I can take criticism really well. But sure. It kind of hurt week after week being in the bottom two. It was kind of draining.

Did you leave the show with a lot of friendships?

Yes. Being with those other girls and meeting them was great. And everybody was from a completely different background. I made a lot of good friends. And hopefully, they’ll be at my wedding in November.

Oh, you’re getting married!

Yes. I got engaged.

Congratulations! This has been a good year for you!

Yes. The entire time, I’m like no, I’m not getting married. I’m not on a TV show. This is too weird.

How did your family and your fiancé react to seeing you on TV?

My mom just was criticizing like 'You should have put your hair down, you should have done this.' But she was just being silly and being a mom. My fiancé thinks that they captured me. I was like 'I didn’t know I was such a dork!' He was like “No, that’s you. That’s how you are all the time.” He thinks they did a very good job.

What are your future career plans?

I’m just waiting around till I can work. I am excited. I want to be in every runway show possible. I just want to work! Whatever comes up.

Who do you think should win the show?

I don’t know. They all have amazing qualities and, of course, I’m going to be rooting for my friends who I got closer to. But if I had to choose, it would be Kahlen and Rebecca. I just think they are gorgeous girls inside and out. But they all deserve it.

Is there anything else that you want to say to your supporters?

When people come up to me on the street, they have been saying nothing but nice stuff. So if there are any fans out there, I just want to thank them.