In October of 2005, Reality News Online interviewed Cycle 5‘s Sarah Rhoades following her elimination and appearance on the show. Here is the text from the interview (written and posted by Phil Kural):
“Plan B Is To Marry Rich!”– An Interview With America’s Next Top Model 5’s Sarah”
Sarah, the fourth girl eliminated this season on America’s Next Top Model, will forever be known as the girl who couldn’t walk in heels. Was that really the case though? In this interview with RealityNewsOnline, Sarah talks about her time on the show, her time with Kim, but most importantly, her time in heels! Find out right here what she had to say!
Sarah was probably one of the most “fun” girls this season. I think one of the reasons I liked her so much was because she was at a point in her life where she had never done much traveling and was just really discovering who she was. I had a chance to talk to Sarah about her time on America’s Next Top Model, and she was quite candid when we discussed Cassandra quitting, her relationship with Kim, and what she plans to do if modeling doesn’t work out. I’m sure you’ve seen her quote up top! Relax, she was joking!
RealityNewsOnline: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me today, Sarah. Had you watched previous seasons of the show and what factored into your decision to apply?
Sarah: Well, I had bought the first season on DVD, since I had never seen it, and I saw all of the fourth season. I didn’t see any of seasons two or three. My aunt had encouraged me to apply for the show, and I had done so many other things to get involved in the business that this was kind of like a last resort, but I ended up getting picked!
RNO: What is it about yourself that you believed would make you stick out from the rest of the girls?
Sarah: Well, of course we have my lips! Really though, I just think they saw my personality and how badly I wanted to be a model. I was ready to do whatever it took to be in this competition.
RNO: Did you have any type of modeling experience before being on the show? I know you had stated that you spent money to get into it in the past.
Sarah: Well, I had been to conventions and paid some agencies to make me a portfolio, which Tyra says the conventions were scams. Anytime you have to pay someone to do these things, it’s usually a scam, and I believe her. I tried to get involved with many things, but it just never clicked for me.
RNO: A big chunk of this week’s episode focused on the relationship between you and Kim, whatever that might be. Fill me in on what was going on between you two.
Sarah: Nothing was really shown out of context with myself and Kim. It was what it was. I was at a very weird time in my life, and being sheltered and never really knowing any gay people, it was a change for me. I didn’t even like Kim during the semi-finals, so it’s funny to see how we ended up so close. I’m not sure what it was about her, but I found her to be quite comforting, and everyone was so stressed out.
RNO: So what’s the deal with Cassandra? Did everyone pretty much know she was going to quit, or did it come as a shock?
Sarah: It all happened so fast. I mean, after she received the first haircut, I thought she was going to stick it out. They only wanted to take off another inch or two of her hair, so I don’t understand what the big deal was! She already went though the worst of it, so one or two more inches shouldn’t have been a problem. I think we were all shocked.
Did anyone make any kind of attempt to stop her? Watching the episode, in your opinion, do you think Bre might have encouraged it?
Sarah: I don’t think anyone tried to stop her except maybe one of the stylists might have said something. As for Bre, I saw that too! This is a competition after all, so I guess anytime someone has a chance to talk someone else out of it, helping their chances to win, they are going to go for it. Bre is real like that!
RNO: I know that sometimes it’s hard to understand a situation unless you are in it. Cassandra’s biggest gripe was having all her hair chopped off. Had they wanted to do to you what they did to her, would you have gone through with it?
Sarah: Oh, I’m actually surprised that they didn’t cut mine shorter! I was expecting it, and you have to go into this realizing that they are going to make changes to you.
RNO: Is there a point you think you would have drawn the line, or were you ready to do anything?
Sarah: I don’t want to say “no” because then I’ll sound desperate. However, they never wanted us to do anything that was scandalous or made us feel really uncomfortable, so in that light, there really wasn’t a line to be drawn.
RNO: We saw you stumble several times while doing the runway walk. Had you practiced at all before you went on the show?
Sarah: I didn’t really practice because I didn’t think I was that bad! Of course, if I could relive that moment I would have practiced more before I was on the show. Although, it didn’t help that most of those times I was wearing a size 9 or 10 shoe, and I’m a size seven!
RNO: What was the most challenging aspect of the whole experience? Was it learning the walk, the lack of sleep, or dealing with Jay Manuel and his shoddy advice and diva attitude?
Sarah: Oh, Phil! I wouldn’t say it was the walking, I would say it was the stress. It always seemed like we had to go somewhere or do something. I just needed some moments to be alone and relax, and that was probably the hardest thing to deal with – getting that time!
RNO: You had been in the bottom two twice – once with Ashley, and then with Kim. Did you think or know that you would be the one eliminated either of those times?
Sarah: With Ashley, I had a feeling it might be me because of when I stumbled on the runway. I knew I wanted to be there though, and felt I deserved it more than some of the other girls. When I was up against Kim, I knew it was my time to go. I kind of knew all day. I’ve said it before though – I’m glad it was Kim that I lost to because it was an honor and I wouldn’t have wanted it to be anyone else.
RNO: Looking back at your performance, is there anything you could have done to stick around longer, or do you think your walk did you in?
Sarah: Actually, I don’t think it was my walk that did me in. I think it was more of a confidence issue. I mean, they saw how flustered I got. The walk could always be fixed in time. I had some problems with coping with the stress, and that was my downfall. I think I’m more relaxed and comfortable now though. But now it’s too late!
RNO: What kind of advice would you give to girls who are thinking about applying to future seasons of the show?
Sarah: I would just say that you better be ready to have all your emotions exposed. Your whole life will be exposed to the public and you have to be ready for that, so be comfortable with yourself and who you are.
RNO: So after all that you have been through, is modeling still something you want to pursue? If it doesn’t work out, what’s your plan B?
Sarah: It’s definitely still something I want to do. I’m obsessed with modeling and always have been. I’m going to keep on trying at least 10 more times and then I’ll take it from there. As for plan B, that would be to marry rich! I’m kidding!
RNO: Is there anything you would like to add or say to fans of the show?
Sarah: I just want to say that I had a great time on the show, I learned a lot and I made a bunch of friends. I don’t regret anything and would probably do it all the same if I had to do it over again. Thank you to all the fans and supporters of the show!
RNO: Thanks, Sarah!
To learn more about Cycle 5‘s Sarah Rhodes, visit her bio page here.
Source: Reality News Online
Photo: CW
