If you were around for the mid-2000s reality TV boom, you probably remember the "Granola Bar-gate." It’s one of those weirdly specific pop culture moments that sticks in your brain. A girl crying about a missing snack while another girl pours a Red Bull down the sink in retaliation. Pure, unhinged UPN gold. That snack-theft drama basically defined the social dynamics of Nicole Linkletter ANTM Cycle 5 for a lot of viewers.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild how much people still argue about this season. Talk to any die-hard fan today, and they’ll likely tell you Nik Pace was "robbed." They’ll point to Nik's consistent portfolio and that cool, effortless confidence. But here's the thing: Nicole didn't just stumble into that win. She was the prototype for a very specific look that the high fashion world was obsessed with in 2005.
Why Nicole Linkletter Actually Won Cycle 5
Let’s be real. At the time, the industry was pivoting. We were moving away from the "glamazon" look of the 90s and diving headfirst into the "doll-faced" era. You know the one—Gemma Ward, Lily Cole, and those wide-eyed, slightly alien-looking beauties. Nicole had that in spades.
Tyra Banks and the judges weren't just looking for the best reality TV character. They were looking for someone who could actually book a job in Paris without the clients laughing them out of the room. Nicole’s face was basically a blank canvas for high fashion. While Nik was undeniably gorgeous, she had a more "womanly" and commercial vibe that felt a bit like the previous decade.
The Runway Walk That Sealed the Deal
If there is one moment that proves Nicole deserved that crown, it’s the final runway in Bangkok. It was chaotic. There were literal fire breathers, and the girls had to walk on a narrow platform surrounded by water.
Nicole didn't just walk; she stomped.
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She had this clean, sharp, high-fashion gait that looked like it belonged on a Chanel runway. Most of the other girls that season had "pedestrian" walks or were too bouncy, but Nicole looked like a pro. Even Twiggy, who was notoriously hard to please and worried Nicole was too "fragile" for the industry, had to admit she killed it.
The Personality "Problem"
A lot of fans hated Nicole because she came across as whiny. Remember the "birds" incident? Or the constant complaining about her skin? She was 19. Honestly, most 19-year-olds are a little bit of a mess when you lock them in a house with no internet and limited food.
The editors definitely leaned into the "bratty" edit. They even famously cut out the footage of her hugging Nik after the win to make her look more cold. But if you look at how she handled the actual work, she was professional. She took criticism without crumbling—mostly—and she applied what the judges told her immediately.
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What Happened After the Cameras Stopped Rolling?
Usually, ANTM winners sort of vanish into the "Where Are They Now?" abyss of local car commercials. Nicole Linkletter is one of the rare exceptions who actually worked. Like, really worked.
She didn't just do the CoverGirl contract and dip. She moved to L.A. and eventually signed with Elite Model Management. She was huge in Asia for a while, particularly in Singapore and Hong Kong. We’re talking spreads in ELLE, Marie Claire, and Nylon.
- Campaigns: She booked Burberry and Forever 21.
- Editorials: She wasn't just in "shopping mall" magazines; she was doing high-fashion couture spreads in Paris.
- Longevity: She stayed active in the industry far longer than most of the "fan favorites" from her cycle.
She eventually moved into a more low-key life, getting married to Adam Nathanson and raising her three kids. She even started a lifestyle blog for a bit called No Way Mama. It’s a pretty "normal" ending for someone who spent their teens being judged by Janice Dickinson.
The Legacy of Cycle 5
Looking back on Nicole Linkletter ANTM Cycle 5, the season feels like a bridge between two eras of the show. It was the last season to air on UPN before the merger into The CW. It was also the season where the "high fashion" vs. "commercial" debate really became the central theme of the judging panel.
Critics often say Nicole was a "boring" winner, but "boring" often translates to "marketable" in the modeling world. The industry doesn't always want a huge personality; they want a face that can sell a $5,000 bag. Nicole was that face.
Actionable Takeaways for Superfans
If you're rewatching the season or just getting into the ANTM rabbit hole, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Background: Pay attention to how the photographers react to Nicole during shoots compared to the other girls. They often mention her "natural" ability to find the light.
- Compare the Walks: Go back to the final runway and watch Nicole side-by-side with Nik. The difference in their foot placement and shoulder movement is a masterclass in why Nicole won.
- Check the Timeline: Remember that this was filmed right after the London bombings. The cast had to be moved, and the stress levels were through the roof, which explains why everyone seemed so on edge.
Nicole might not have been the most likable person on your TV screen in 2005, but she was arguably the most "model" person in that house. She proved that you don't need to be the loudest person in the room to take the best picture.
Whether you're Team Nik or Team Nicole, you can't deny that Cycle 5 gave us some of the most iconic (and weird) moments in reality history. From the Thai massage challenges to the "secret" deodorant shoots, it was a wild ride. Nicole just happened to be the one standing at the end, and honestly, the receipts of her post-show career show that Tyra actually got this one right.
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To really see the difference, try looking up Nicole's ELLE Singapore spreads from 2009. It’s a completely different level of modeling than what we saw on the show, proving that the "fragile" girl from North Dakota had a lot more grit than people gave her credit for.