What Do the Past Winners of America’s Next Top Model Look Like Today?

Nicole Linkletter won Cycle 5 in 2005 after steadily rising through the competition. She wasn’t always the loudest in the room, but her look photographed beautifully — soft features, commercial appeal, and versatility. By the finale in London, she delivered when it counted, beating out fan favorite Nik Pace.

Winning gave her immediate access to major representation and campaigns. She fulfilled her CoverGirl contract and leaned into commercial modeling, where her approachable look worked in her favor. The show shifted her from college student to working model almost overnight.