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‘America’s Next Top Model’: Brenda says Angelea was ‘intimidated by me’

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The “America’s Next Top Model” house is definitely missing a den mother with Brenda leaving the show last week. With the house divided into two groups in the last episode, I called one “Team Brenda” and the other “Team Angelea.”

“Angelea really did try to stir the pot,” says Brenda, 23. “I’m really patient, but if you keep pushing, as you saw, everybody saw a different side of me and I just finally snapped.”

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House drama wasn’t Brenda’s only problem. She not only got one horrific ‘Ty-over,’ but two. And it seemed she never quite bounced back from them.

How did you feel about your ‘Ty-overs’?
On the first makeover, it did take me a day or two. When you’ve had long hair for so long, you know, you’re in shock. I realized, OK, I’m not going home over this. Then, Tyra said in my pictures, I still wasn’t showing the right amount of fierceness with the edgy haircut. Then, I got my second makeover. I liked my first one a lot better than my second. So, when I got my second one, I was just like, oh no! The buzzed sides looked great on Simone, but I wasn’t embracing it like I should have.
What did your family think about your hair?
I have a 5-year old daughter. When she saw me, she kind of hesitated just to make sure I wasn’t some stranger and then she ran to me and the first thing out of her mouth was, “Mommy, was it you that cut your hair or did the show cut your hair?” [laughs] I was just like, they did. I was a little worried about what my fiance -- I had just gotten engaged and I was a little worried at what he thought. But he said he loved it and didn’t mind, so that made me feel a little more comfortable.

Did any of the other women intimidate you?
I have to be honest. Raina’s face is so amazing, so striking, that when I first met her in L.A. I was very intimidated by her. That doesn’t mean I’m going to hate on her or be rude to her. If anything, I want to be close to her. I don’t know. I’m just like that. But, yeah, I was extremely intimidated by Raina’s face and Jessica’s age. She’s 18 and full of life. It made me feel a little more mature. But, yeah, of course I was intimidated by a couple of the girls. But you can’t show it.

What was life like with Angelea constantly pushing your buttons?
I’m really a patient, patient person. Like you saw, I would be in the kitchen just eating my yogurt or talking to one of the girls, and she would see us talking and just interrupt and be like, “How does it feel to be bottom two, Brenda and Raina?” And just make really unnecessary comments. I do have a backbone and I’m going to stand up for myself. Ever since Day One, she has been really intimidated by me. I think that’s a compliment, right? [laughs]

How do you feel about ‘Team Brenda’ having to go without their captain?

I did worry for them, only because Jessica is so nice and she’s very naive and innocent. I just think that Angelea is going to take advantage of me not being there to help them out. I worry for them. I don’t know. We’ll see.

Simone had a very similar ‘Ty-over’ to yours and she felt it really gave people the wrong impression. Did you feel that way?
Yeah, and I think it’s unfair of people to assume just because somebody forces, well not forces but decides a haircut for you, that you have to naturally say, OK, I’m throwing out all my dresses. I’m throwing out anything feminine or girly. I’m going to be the punk rocker moshing. Even Sally Hershberger told me if I don’t wash my hair for a couple of days it would look better. She goes, “The grunge look.” And I just died, because that’s not me. I like to be clean.

You were very confident after your final shoot, yet you were eliminated. What made you feel that it went so well?
I did feel very confident about the shoot. They didn’t show it because they didn’t have time, but Jay was like, “Wow. You came in with a great energy. You’re awake today.” He gave me such great feedback that when I went back to the house I felt so confident and calm. I thought I had it in the bag. I just feel like when Tyra cut my hair she wanted me to assume this edgy, fierce, a lot tougher personality than let’s say the girly. It just didn’t match. I did my best and they just figured they’d give Alasia another chance. Yeah, I was definitely really, really shocked.

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The judges kept saying that you photographed older. Have you been able to figure out what they meant by that?
At first I was like, what do you mean? I think here’s the problem. When I had the long hair, in my opinion, I felt very girly and young and fresh. Then, when they cut it off, shorter hair is always going to be a more mature look. I felt as soon as I got that short hair, I automatically felt five years older. I can’t help it, because I was given that haircut. As far as my bones, I don’t know. Tyra has always said I have amazing bone structure in my cheeks and I had great lips. So I think it’s just a matter of opinion, and I’m in the middle of growing out my hair to chin length and we’re just going to see what clients think of it. I’m excited to find out everybody’s input in the fashion industry.

Who are your top three contestants for the win?
Of course I have to go with Raina, because she has the most amazing face. Since Day One, she really hasn’t had a bad picture. And then I’m also really rooting for Alexandra, because she’s the only plus-sized model and I know she has to work harder than other girls. I would say Jessica too. She’s really killing it in her photos and she has the personality to match the photo. She’s a great person inside. Those three are my top picks.
— Jethro Nededog (follow me on Twitter @TheRealJethro)

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Top photo: Brenda, last week’s eliminated contestant on “America’s Next Top Model.” Credit: Jonathan Mannion / Pottle Productions

Bottom photo: From left, Tinsley Mortimer, Alexandra, Brenda and Jessica. Credit: Barbara Nitke / The CW
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