Top Model's Toccara Sounds Off!
In our slightly cynical hearts, we always sensed Toccara Jones wouldn't be named America's Next Top Model (Tuesdays, 9 pm/ET on UPN). Still, the zaftig catwalker's fans held out hope until Tyra Banks and the judges suddenly booted her last week. Inevitably, we heard cries of "She was robbed!" Miss Jones agrees, but the 22-year-old Ohioan — who recently relocated to New York to be closer to industry action — hasn't given up.
TV Guide Online: You landed in the bottom two with Ann — and she survived. I was shocked.
Toccara Jones: You? I was speechless. I was truly, truly robbed. But just like
Janice Dickinson said, I gave those skinny bitches a run for their money.
TVGO: Still, how did Ann beat you?
Toccara: Could you believe that? This was Ann's third time down there [in the bottom two]. She herself makes remarks like, "I have a bad book. If I take a bad picture, I'm going home." And the judges sit there and say she wants it more than
me? Unbelievable.
TVGO: Did you buy the judges' reasons for kicking you to the curb?
Toccara: The panel said I lost my momentum and my personality — I am appalled that they would say something like that. I
never lost my momentum and I never gave up. So I'm shocked, but I think they'll regret it. I think they're regrettin' it already!
TVGO: Why are you so sure they'll regret their decision?
Toccara: (Laughs) Because! If Toccara's not
America's Next Top Model, then
who?! Who possibly could be? I won Cover Girl of the Week four weeks in a row. The world loves me. That's the viewers at home voting for that. That's what matters to me, because those are the consumers who will go out and buy my magazines and the clothes and makeup that I might be endorsing. There's no black plus-size supermodel out there — now they have Toccara.
TVGO: Why do you think the world needs you?
Toccara: Not only am I plus-size, but I have curves. Most American women have curves.
Cassie was on the show worrying about toning up her booty. I'm like, "Girl, booty is a good thing! We like booty!" Then you have
Norelle pointing to her li'l hip bone.
Embrace that. It's a shame we see these false images of women and think we have to conform. That's not normal.
TVGO: By the way, so many of Model's contestants have quirky names. Where does "Toccara" come from?
Toccara: Originally my mother was going to name me Tazara Zolika Elaine. I think she made Zolika up. Then she switched it — thank God — after seeing a perfume by Avon called Toccara. They discontinued that fragrance, but they should bring it back out!
