Danielle "Dani" Evans (born June 7, 1985 in
Little Rock,
Arkansas) is an American
fashion model. In May 2006, she won
Cycle 6 of
America's Next Top Model
Her prize was a $100,000 contract with
CoverGirl Cosmetics, a modeling contract with
Ford Models and a photoshoot for
Elle magazine.
America's Next Top Model
Evans was thought by the judges to be one of the front-runners in the competition, noted for her striking face. It was not until the second half of the contest that she came under criticism for her heavy southern accent, which the judges felt was problematic, as the competition winner would shoot commercials for
CoverGirl; however, they acknowledged that she could work with a speech coach to eradicate her accent. In the finale, the judges were torn, with some of the judges preferring fellow finalist
Joanie Dodds's versatile portfolio, while others (notably judge
Nigel Barker) preferring Evans's "signature look." However, they felt Evans had the stronger in-person presence and commanded the final catwalk as well as having a stunning portfolio. Evans's charisma and charm edged out Dodds, and she was crowned the winner of the
sixth cycle of America's Next Top Model.
