Mercedes Scelba-Shorte often feels like the overlooked gem amongst the memorable contestants from America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). While Yoanna House became the face of Cycle 2, April Wilkner represented unwavering professionalism, and Shandi Sullivan captured hearts with her high-fashion appeal, Mercedes deserves just as much recognition, particularly for her exceptional commercial modeling abilities. This isn’t to diminish her other talents, but rather to emphasize where her true strength and lasting legacy lie. Mercedes possessed all the essential qualities of a top-tier commercial model: a strikingly beautiful and conventionally attractive face, a naturally curvaceous figure, a vibrant and engaging personality, and a radiant, infectious smile. She had the charisma to command attention and undoubtedly possessed the skills to excel in the highly competitive world of commercial modeling. Furthermore, her runway walk should not be underestimated. Mercedes demonstrably elevated her runway presence, especially towards the finale, proving her adaptability and versatility beyond initial perceptions. However, the challenges arose when Mercedes ventured into the realm of editorial modeling. While her facial beauty remained undeniable, as evidenced in her stunning beauty shot, conceptual posing seemed less intuitive for her. The seamless connection between Mercedes’ body and face appeared less fluid in this style, suggesting a less natural affinity for the demanding nuances of high-fashion editorial work.
Mercedes encountered her biggest hurdles when pushed beyond her comfort zone, which was evident in the Solstice sunglasses photoshoot. This particular shoot stands out as her weakest performance, and had Camille McDonald not been in the competition, Mercedes might have been considered for elimination at that point. The pose felt generic, lacking the unique brand embodiment that her competitors seemed to achieve effortlessly. However, Mercedes demonstrated resilience and rebounded strongly in the subsequent two shoots, quickly redeeming herself. On the more positive spectrum, Mercedes excelled in numerous challenges, notably achieving first call-out in both the celebrity-themed and Garden of Eden photoshoots. She truly shone in both, yet her portrayal of Billie Holiday remains her most impactful photograph. Mastering a character is commendable, but transforming a potentially kitschy concept into a breathtakingly gorgeous image is truly remarkable. Mercedes perfectly captured the poignant melancholy and stoic dignity of Billie Holiday, while simultaneously producing a photograph that could easily grace the pages of a high-end makeup or skincare advertisement. It was an absolutely beautiful and powerful image, solidifying her commercial appeal.
Often, commercial models don’t receive the full appreciation they deserve, especially within the context of modern ANTM, where the term can sometimes be unfairly associated with early eliminations. Models like Mercedes Scelba-Shorte are vital reminders that a phenomenal commercial model can genuinely challenge and even surpass high fashion counterparts in various aspects of the industry. Armed with a stunning face and an endearing personality, Mercedes was undeniably a deserving finalist in her cycle, even if she placed third overall. Had her impressive runway walk ultimately secured her the victory, it would have been a well-deserved outcome, as she demonstrably proved in the final weeks that she could indeed rival the most celebrated models of that season.
