'Skinny' teen is America's Next Top Model

Ann Ward, 19, who is 6”2 and from Dallas, started a controversy with her ultra slim physique when she first made her appearance on the show.

Now she has been declared the winner of the programme, landing a modelling contract, a spread in Italian Vogue and a $100,000 contract to act in advertrisements of Cover Girl cosmetics.

She 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. 

‘Honoured’

“I’m so honoured right now. All those comments about being tall and just not normal. They’re going to look back and feel ‘I should have been so nice to that girl’,” the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

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.

“You have the smallest waist in the world. Look at that waist!” Tyra had told Ward then.