Kahlen – America’s Next Top Model

By starrymag | January 12, 2014

Kahlen is the 13th Eliminated Contestant in the episode that aired Wednesday,
May 18, 2005
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on UPN

Q) Who is your favorite designer?

A) I love Alexander McQueen’s stuff and I also like Rebecca Taylor. Rebecca Taylor is a little more girly with fun colors.

Q) Why did you decide to apply for the show?

A) Actually, they found me and I had never seen the show before. They came into the restaurant I was working at and they asked me to audition. I thought modeling is something that I want and obviously this is a great opportunity and if I don’t take it I would be a fool.

Q) What was it like meeting Tyra Banks?

A) I still get star struck to this day and we were around her the whole time! She’s such an intelligent woman and she knows the business inside and out. That’s why I feel like she is so special. It’s not just because she is a pretty face, but also because there is so much more to her. She’s so down to Earth and I still get star struck around her. I keep thinking, “Kahlen, calm down. She’s your friend!”

Q) What did you like most about living in the loft?

A) It was fun to live with all of the girls because we actually all got along pretty well. It was a lot of fun and not to mention it was an absolutely gorgeous place to live!

Q) What did you learn most about modeling from the show?

A) I learned most that you have to be confident within yourself and you have to be true to yourself. You can’t be fake!

Q) What was your favorite competition and why was it your favorite?

A) My favorite competition was probably the runway because I love doing runway.

Q) What was your favorite part of life in South Africa?

A) South Africa was a place I’ve always wanted to see. It was actually my favorite place. The landscape was so gorgeous and the kids were my favorite. They were absolutely amazing,beautiful kids. They were all so full of life! I loved it so much and it was so great to be around them. I got to play jumbo with them and there was a photo shoot and I said, “Can I stay for five more minutes?”

Q) The judges at the finale said that it was like you failed the final, but had rocked all year long. Do you feel this is a good comparison?  

A) I do believe that! When it came down to the last photo shoot and the commercial I felt yes, I did make progress, but at the same time I felt at the very end I was just tired and couldn’t do it anymore. I still wanted it, but at the same time the girls were also progressing so much that I thought that maybe they were surpassing me a little bit.

Q) Did you go out and celebrate with Naima when she won?

A) Yes! Naima and me are still great friends today. She supports me and I support her. She’s absolutely amazing and gives it 110%. She’s a great inspiration to me as well. The passion she has, the drive and always giving it 110% no matter how tired she is. She’s amazing. She’s fearless and I respect that a lot!

Q) How did you get through the grave photo shoot after you had suffered the loss of your friend?

A) With the seven deadly sins shoot, I felt it was really hard not only because it was stressful from the competition, but also it was emotional for me personally. It was also a challenge for me and to me; it was almost like a test to see do you really want it because you can leave right now. Can you handle it? Is modeling something you really want? I stuck it out because it was and it makes me see that I can believe in myself more and I’ve overcome hardships in my life.

Q) What was the most surprising comment you received when the group was told to critique each other’s photos?

A) When we had to critique each other, it wasn’t that bad. Out of four girls, I got picked that I had the most potential. I felt they were honest and I didn’t take anything to heart because I realized we all have to do it and we all had to be honest. It was so we could show how much we had actually learned about the business.

Q) How did you get rid of your butterflies at the last photo shoot?

A) As weird as it sounds, I don’t know how to meditate, but I just tried to center myself. I prayed a lot. My grandmother passed away right before I did the show. I could kind of feel her presence with me.

Q) What was it like getting to walk on water?

A) Let’s just say, I’m not Jesus and I don’t know I want to ever do it again! It was very hard walking in high heels on water. One actually slipped off one time and I was like, “Good! Nobody saw!” It was great because it was not like any other runway show that I’ve ever seen. It was something different and a lot of runway shows aren’t like that. It was great to have this new experience.

Q) What advice do you have for contestants who try out in the future?

A) When you go to try out, just go for it! Tyra is all about second chances so even if you don’t make it to the final round then there is always another season coming around. I also think that you have to be yourself otherwise they’ll see right through you. If this is something you want, then don’t give up! I almost did and I would have missed out!

Q) Do people recognize you when you are out on the street?

A) I live in Oklahoma, in Broken Arrow, and I am friends with a lot of people there so it is not so weird. We were in New York for the finale and people who are my age and little kids were stopping me. They wanted my picture and autograph. It is very surreal!

Q) What are you going to do now that the show is over?

A) I am moving back to New York City and I am looking for representation. I’ve made a lot of contacts through the show and I’m hoping things will work out for me!

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of you and the show?

A) Thank you for sticking through it with me, whether I was a goofball or whether had an off week or not. Just seeing how people react and have supported me, it’s really crazy, but I wouldn’t be anything without them so thank you!