Mercedes Scelba-Shorte, a prominent figure from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 2, remains a talking point for fans years after her season aired. Often remembered as the runner-up, Mercedes’ journey on ANTM was far from straightforward, marked by both undeniable talent and moments of controversy. While her sweet demeanor charmed many, a closer look reveals a more complex narrative, one that sparks debate about her true personality and the judges’ often-discussed favoritism.
Throughout Cycle 2, Mercedes presented an image of innocent charm, a persona that resonated strongly with both the audience and the judging panel. However, beneath this façade, instances of less-than-angelic behavior surfaced. From attempts to distract fellow contestant Shandi during a crucial photoshoot to an unprovoked outburst calling Yoanna House, the eventual winner, a derogatory name during the final runway, Mercedes’ actions occasionally contradicted her carefully crafted image. Furthermore, her role in instigating conflict between Yoanna and Camille McDonald after their reconciliation seemed unnecessarily provocative to many viewers.
One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against Mercedes’ time on ANTM is the perception of preferential treatment from the judges. Numerous instances fuel this argument. For example, despite demonstrably struggling with choreography in a “Shake ya booty” themed music video challenge – a challenge that led to Sara Racey-Tabrizi’s elimination for being deemed “too sexy” – Mercedes not only avoided elimination but received a second call-out. Another point of contention arose during a photoshoot where, by some accounts, Mercedes underperformed and expressed a lack of enthusiasm, contrasting sharply with April Wilkner’s dedicated effort. Despite this, the judges allegedly selected a photograph flattering to Mercedes while less so to April to justify saving Mercedes, ultimately sending April home. This pattern of overlooking Mercedes’ shortcomings while highlighting perceived flaws in other contestants contributed to the narrative of judges’ favoritism, suggesting a predetermined path for Mercedes to reach the finale, irrespective of consistent performance.
Yet, to solely focus on the controversies risks overshadowing Mercedes’ genuine modeling capabilities. She possessed undeniable strengths that warranted her place in the competition. Mercedes was a strong contender in photoshoots, consistently delivering compelling images, even if some fell short of her overall high standard. Crucially, runway walking was where Mercedes truly excelled. Widely considered the strongest runway model of Cycle 2, arguably only matched by Catie Anderson, Mercedes consistently impressed in this area. Her runway prowess justified her presence in the final runway show, even if her journey to that point was viewed by some as paved with undue advantages.
Considering Mercedes’ ANTM performance holistically, she embodies a compelling case study. While her portfolio may exhibit some inconsistencies, her runway walk was undeniably exceptional. Initially, placing her higher in retrospect, perhaps even at the runner-up spot in a ranking of all ANTM contestants seemed plausible, echoing the judges’ high regard. However, acknowledging the overall strength of the Cycle 2 cast, despite its uneven distribution of talent, positions Mercedes appropriately at the #4 spot in this particular assessment. This ranking reflects a balanced perspective, recognizing both her modeling strengths and the complexities surrounding her journey on America’s Next Top Model.
