No one enjoys getting the heave-ho on a reality show, but Rachel Echelberger's departure from "America's Next Top Model" now means a trip to Wendy's and an eventual move to Los Angeles.
Echelberger, 18, of Woodland, recently appeared on Cycle 13 of the CW network's modeling competition. She was eliminated Sept. 16. (Nine contestants remain on the show, which concludes around Thanksgiving.)
"I loved being part of the experience," Echelberger said recently while heading for a junk food-a-palooza with friends in Woodland.
She made the Top 14 in an unusual season of the show in which the contestants' height was limited to 5 feet 7 inches. Echelberger is 5-foot-5.
But, as she says, opportunities end ... but that's where the good stuff begins.
Echelberger talked to The Bee about her stint on the show. She said the burgers could wait.
It was a big deal being in the Top 14 on "ANTM." Was it a huge disappointment to leave?
Initially, on that episode, we (the contestants) thought it was just a challenge. Then they gave us the bad news that one of us was going home. My heart fell, but I've had a lot of time to recoup.
How did you and the other models feel about this cycle focusing on shorter rather than 6-foot contestants?
We did talk about the fact that we're short. But, in the industry, there have been exceptions to the height issue, like Kate Moss (5-foot-7). Shorter models have a tougher time doing high fashion and runway work, but they're more successful with commercial modeling and makeup shots.
One of the earliest episodes featured model makeovers. Any qualms about letting the stylists do whatever they wanted - especially changing your hair color?
In high school I changed my hair color a lot! Brown is my natural color, but I loved the darker shade they chose for me. It gave me a different, more versatile and sophisticated look.
You also were photographed in an outfit made from ropes. Had you stayed on the show, was there anything you would have been afraid to pose with? Like a snake, maybe?
I love spiders and snakes. And I'm very comfortable with my body. I wouldn't have been afraid of heights, either, because I was a flier on my high school cheerleading squad. The shoots I did were always in good taste.
What was it like living in the house with the other contestants? Did you cook for yourselves?
I'm more used to hanging out with guys than girls. There was definitely a group dynamic to get used to. For me, I don't like a lot of drama. I chill a lot. I'm sure when the show boils down to fewer contestants, tensions will run high. As for food, we cooked a lot of our meals. They (the show) did the shopping. There was a lot of health food. I think I lost a few pounds. I'm glad to be back home with my deep fryer!
So what's next for Rachel?
I'm moving to L.A. with a friend. Modeling is still my main focus, but I'm interested in attending acting school. I'm comfortable with who I am. That's my treasure!
Call The Bee's Leigh Grogan, (916) 321-1129.
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