America’s Next Top Model 9: Media Conference Call Interview with Saleisha, 12/13/07

[FBhang]

Do you guys remember the spoiler that mentioned the winner this cycle for some reasons could not do many interviews or something like that?
I wonder is this the reason?

[Google]

 

[edrianisawesome]

I love Saleisha & reading this made me love her more.
[mod edit] Thank you.

[ShrinkingViolet]

Originally Posted by Allie

Interesting that she says she also wants to target acting. With that Wendy's commercial in her background, I'm not surprised.

SV had the most articulate questions ... as usual.

I didn't get a sense of the real her that I did from the other interviews. I was wondering, Shrinking Violet, do You think she was on a tighter leash than the other girls? Being the winner, and with the real or perceived controversy surrounding her, I could see why they might restrict interviews at first.

And thanks for all the hard work, SV!

First off, thanks for all the nice comments, everyone! I'm happy to have been able to bring interviews to you this cycle in one form or another. Of course, I would prefer the one-on-ones.

I'm sure these post-show interviews have to be difficult for Saleisha. She is aware of the controversy going on--there's no way one can't be aware of it. The contestants in the past haven't generally been restricted to what they could say, except for stuff that wasn't shown on the show or stuff that has happened between the time the show ended and up to present. When the moderator stepped in to say Saleisha couldn't answer a question, that would have applied to any of the girls, not just Saleisha.

My thought would be Saleisha has been prepped not to go into great detail about the controversy--but acknowledge it if asked directly--just so she isn't "attacked" during interviews. However, I think she could have turned the tides and gotten "sympathy" if she had expanded on questions such as:

Other than modeling, are you interested in being in TV and doing movies, acting, and singing?

There’s been some buzz about maybe there was something going on that you had previous experience. Can you just set the record straight and tell us what was your experience modeling or acting before the show?

She had the opportunity to address the acting and commercial she made for damage control. She totally ignored that when asked of her, which I found odd. Not admitting those makes her appear she is hiding something, especially since people already know about it, and it's documented.

How did you get involved with T-Zone, and what are some of the challenges and struggles you dealt with while growing up that you’ve overcome?

Had you actually met Tyra before when you were at the T-Zone camp?

You seemed like you kind of knew you were going to win the whole time.

She didn't mention any struggles or challenges she's had in the past, which lead her to T-Zone. I still don't know why she went in the first place. Granted, it's up to her to disclose that, but knowing how she has struggled and overcome can really make a sympathetic Cinderella story. This could have also been the time to say, yes, she met Tyra, and whether or not she thought it had any effect on giving her the label of "the predetermined winner."

Her answers were very lacking in general. Did we learn anything about her we didn't already know? Did she make us want to like her more after this interview? She was not able to portray that perky, bubbly personality during this interview. She was quite reserved (from what we've seen on the show). Chantal couldn't contain her excitement in contrast to Saleisha's interview. Saleisha was pleasant and tried to be enthusiastic. I think it was just a very tough situation for her with all the negativity surrounding her win, and she did the best she could considering the circumstances.

Of the final three interviews, Jenah displayed the most personality (and you really got a sense of who she is), which is quite ironic in and of itself.

[kema]

I also think she is placed in a no win situation and no matter what answer she would give no one would have been satisfied. I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. I agree she could have been more informative but given the circumstances I'm sure she's stressed and probably feeling hurt that everyone thinks she's a liar and a cheat whereas Jenah and the other girls can be more relaxed because there isn't so much controversy surrounding them. I mean has she really gotten the chance to enjoy winning antm, that's another question.

[operakatz]

Originally Posted by Dax

I felt the same thing. I think it's the fact that she knows in the controversy she's in and it's obviously uncomfortable.

I think maybe I expected to read: Oh my! Oh my! CoverGirl! Covergirl! I won!!!

I understand she must be in a lot of stress.

I'm sure it is stressful. And I don't "hate" her...just think she's completely undeserving of the win considering the other finalists and found the blatant favoritism very annoying. Even if Saleisha had zero previous history with Tyra and little to no experience prior to the show, I would have found her undeserving of the win and generally annoying (she reminds me of those fakey-bubbly mean girls in high school so I just can't find her at all likeable).

What I hate is that Tyra/the producers put her and the ANTM audience in this position. Saleisha has been saddled with this controversy because either Tyra or the producers waived rules for her to enter the competition...and if the rules weren't waived on a purely technicality level, she was certainly put into a very grey area considering the public reaction to it all. We've seen past ANTM winners who weren't considered anywhere near the best of their respective groups but never were they surrounded by any sort of actual controversy or uproar. So, shame on Tyra and/or the producers for this mess.

[rae0o0o]

yay! thanks for asking my q., shrinkingviolet!!
this was an awesome interview
now all we have to do is get her a public speaking coach, b/c i saw some horrible grammar!
but i'm so happy all turned out well

[nikki86]

I think even if there was a bit of initial bias on Tyra's and the producers part towards Saliesha, in the end it was obvious she was the most polished out of the 3 finalists. Jenah had more raw talent, but emotionally she wasn't very composed or mature enough to be able to handle the high-stress modellinng industry, she was only 18 I think afterall. Chantal had the potential and the enthusiam, but she was a bit green to be ready for a Cover Girl contract, in my humble opinion. She just needs some real life modeling experience and she will be a pro in no time! I hope she moves to New York and starts pounding the pavement. With her attitude and energy she has a huge advantage over most models. Not to mention her gorgeous features.

What I really wanna know is why the moderator interupted the interview. Why can't she disclose any events between the finale and now?
Does anyone know what exactly they are trying to hide?
I'm sure there are legal reasons, and she probably had to sign a non-disclosure contract- but seriously whats the BIG secret??

If anyone knows can u send me a message on here? Thanks.

[NoBody]

Originally Posted by kema

I also think she is placed in a no win situation and no matter what answer she would give no one would have been satisfied. I'm trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. I agree she could have been more informative but given the circumstances I'm sure she's stressed and probably feeling hurt that everyone thinks she's a liar and a cheat whereas Jenah and the other girls can be more relaxed because there isn't so much controversy surrounding them. I mean has she really gotten the chance to enjoy winning antm, that's another question.

Exactly. I feel really bad for her because I feel like people are out to get her, for no reason other than Saleisha is more CG than those people's favorites. Poor girl. Hope she doesn't take it all too close to heart. It's not worth it.

[starstruck]

To nikkki:
Actually, many of the top working models out there today started modeling around 14/15/16 years old. Being 21/22 (I don't remember), Saleisha is already a bit older for the industry, considering she's just getting started now. Jenah, on the other hand, is still young, has fresh features and a fresh outlook on things, and her raw talent will serve her much better than Saleisha's circumstances will (and I don't see much beauty in her, actually).

[antmANNfan]

Originally Posted by ShrinkingViolet

First off, thanks for all the nice comments, everyone! I'm happy to have been able to bring interviews to you this cycle in one form or another. Of course, I would prefer the one-on-ones.

I'm sure these post-show interviews have to be difficult for Saleisha. She is aware of the controversy going on--there's no way one can't be aware of it. The contestants in the past haven't generally been restricted to what they could say, except for stuff that wasn't shown on the show or stuff that has happened between the time the show ended and up to present. When the moderator stepped in to say Saleisha couldn't answer a question, that would have applied to any of the girls, not just Saleisha.

My thought would be Saleisha has been prepped not to go into great detail about the controversy--but acknowledge it if asked directly--just so she isn't "attacked" during interviews. However, I think she could have turned the tides and gotten "sympathy" if she had expanded on questions such as:



She had the opportunity to address the acting and commercial she made for damage control. She totally ignored that when asked of her, which I found odd. Not admitting those makes her appear she is hiding something, especially since people already know about it, and it's documented.



She didn't mention any struggles or challenges she's had in the past, which lead her to T-Zone. I still don't know why she went in the first place. Granted, it's up to her to disclose that, but knowing how she has struggled and overcome can really make a sympathetic Cinderella story. This could have also been the time to say, yes, she met Tyra, and whether or not she thought it had any effect on giving her the label of "the predetermined winner."

Her answers were very lacking in general. Did we learn anything about her we didn't already know? Did she make us want to like her more after this interview? She was not able to portray that perky, bubbly personality during this interview. She was quite reserved (from what we've seen on the show). Chantal couldn't contain her excitement in contrast to Saleisha's interview. Saleisha was pleasant and tried to be enthusiastic. I think it was just a very tough situation for her with all the negativity surrounding her win, and she did the best she could considering the circumstances.

Of the final three interviews, Jenah displayed the most personality (and you really got a sense of who she is), which is quite ironic in and of itself.

I agree with you, I think it was a great opportunity for Saleisha to tell us more about herself and maybe even change some minds about her. Unfortunately she didn't do that even when there were openings to. Some of the questions asked were really great but I would have liked to see a bit of prodding when she gave a lackluster answer, specifically on T-Zone and past experience, rigging, etc. questions. She seemed semi-open to talk about it at least, not bringing it up herself but not denying or refusing to answer. I just wish more specific areas of interest were focused on and not have the interview so all over the place, which wasn't SV's fault. Most of those questions from other people were crap.

Anyway your questions were by far the best SV and I've thought that in all these group interviews. And thanks for asking mine! At least we found out it was her mom who got Saleisha involved in T-Zone to start with.