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November 17, 2012

Laura James is America's Next Top Model!

The 21-year-old student from Paul Smith's College was named Top Model's Cycle 19 College Edition champ Nov. 16, beating out finalists Kiara Belen and Leila Goldkuhl for ultimate bragging rights.

Bucking the trend of stick-skinny models, curvy James -- the daughter of Dynasty actor John James -- went into the finale confident that she could prove to female viewers that strong is sexy. "I'm not your average model," James admitted on Friday's finale, revealing that her parents did not want her to go into modeling in the first place. "I was very insecure my whole life and I feel I've gotten to know that my body's beautiful and I'm beautiful."

Taking part in a Nine West photo shoot and a runway show at Jamaica's Rose Hall on the finale episode, James admitted that she was "scared to be sexy" on the catwalk. (Indeed, during her final critique, the model was told she looked "awkward" on the runway, presumably resulting from her nerves.)

Named America's Next Top Model after Goldkuhl -- who took a nasty fall on the runway during her final show -- and Belen were eliminated by judges Tyra Banks, Johnny Wujek, Kelly Cutrone and Rob Evans, James could barely contain her excitement. "Oh my God! I'm America's Next Top Model!" she gushed. "I think it's amazing that I'm now representing girls who are healthy and strong, [proving] it's OK to have a butt and a figure."

VIDEO: Tyra jokes her eggs will be "scrambled" by the time she has kids

Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/tyra-banks-dont-hate-me-for-letting-men-compete-on-americas-next-top-model-20121910#ixzz2CUjAAfif

A longtime supporter of female empowerment, ANTM's Banks applauded the show's new winner for the message she sends young girls. "Your healthy body image and determination make you an inspiration for girls around the world!" Banks told James.

For her efforts, James has won a feature in Nylon magazine, a contract with L.A. Models and New York Model Management, a campaign with Nine West and Smashbox Cosmetics, $100,000 cash and a spokesmodel gig to promote Top Model's branded fragrance. Having won three challenges during the season, James also pocketed $30,000 in scholarship money.

Tell Us: Did Laura deserve to win America's Next Top Model: College Edition?

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: America's Next Top Model: Laura James Wins!

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I am very imprest!

Posted by Roadrunner won't goof up! November 18, 2012, 10:17 am

Dont watch the show, don't know who she is. But she doesnt look like a model to me

Posted by Swisher.Sweet. November 17, 2012, 10:11 pm

I concur with this decision.

Posted by juiceman November 17, 2012, 8:55 pm

Thts hot am not gonna lie. Am jealous.

Posted by lyav November 17, 2012, 8:18 pm

John James' pretty dang gorgeous his own self! Congrats.

Posted by ripetomato November 17, 2012, 8:00 pm

Kiara should have won....if you watch any part of this show she was a very classy girl and more deserving...Laura just a rich b.... celebrity parents pretty much bought the title for her

Posted by blkbeauty November 17, 2012, 7:19 pm

I can't stand kelly cutrone,she likes to tell everybody how to dress and she looks like crap.

Posted by sâtánika November 17, 2012, 4:56 pm

She is tight. Very impressed.

Posted by Roadrunner won't goof up! November 17, 2012, 3:38 pm

I don't watch that show but I'm wondering how Kelly Cutrone is a judge on ANTM. I remember her as Lauren Conrads boss on The Hills. Its weird that she's so involved in fashion when she always looks like she just rolled out of bed and dresses like a man? Weird.

Posted by j.lee November 17, 2012, 2:26 pm

Hell yes! So happy for her.....hope she has an amazing career.

Posted by chifan92 November 17, 2012, 12:36 pm

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