Controversial skinny teen wins America's Next Top Model

The 6'2 tall model from Dallas was declared the winner of the programme, landing a modelling contract, a spread in Italian Vogue and a USD 100,000 contract to advertise Cover Girl cosmetics, reported New York Post online.

Ward was overcome with emotion after judges including designer Roberto Cavalli, Vogue magazine's Andre Leon Tally and host Tyra Banks told her she had beaten 22-year-old finalist Chelsey Hersley from Idaho.

However, Hersley, who says she has wanted to be a supermodel since she was three-years-old, did not take her loss well."I feel cheated. I feel I have the whole package. And I don't think Ann does," she said after the results were announced.

The final episode saw the girls take part in a photo shoot in Italy, film a commercial for Cover Girl cosmetics and hit the catwalk for a Roberto Cavalli runway show in Milan.
Back in August, Ward's slim appearance caused controversy when her audition was shown in a trailer for the 15th season of the show.

Her waspish waist shocked the judges with judge Miss J Alexander putting his hands around her waist, to find they touched on either side.The show's producer and host, former supermodel Tyra Bands, was forced to issue a statement after public outcry over the clip