A.J. Stewart, born Amanda Jean Stewart, was a prominent contestant on Cycle 7 of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), which originally aired in 2006. Known for her edgy look and high-fashion potential, she finished in ninth place after being eliminated in the sixth episode. Despite her relatively early exit, she remains a frequently discussed figure among the show's fanbase for her unique "alternative" aesthetic and her complex relationship with the competition's requirements.
The Introduction of Amanda Jean "A.J." Stewart
When A.J. Stewart first appeared on the casting specials for Cycle 7, she immediately caught the attention of both the judges and the viewing audience. At the time, reality television was increasingly looking for archetypes, and A.J. filled the role of the "edgy," non-traditional beauty. Hailing from Sacramento, California, she entered the competition at age 20 with a look that deviated from the "girl next door" or "glamour queen" tropes that had dominated earlier cycles of the show.
Her initial appeal was rooted in her bone structure and her ability to translate high-fashion concepts into photographs without appearing to try too hard. Tyra Banks and the scouting team noted her "cool factor," which was essential as the show transitioned from the UPN network to the newly formed CW. Cycle 7 was a pivotal moment for the franchise, and A.J. was positioned as a frontrunner from the very first episode.
Performance Highlights and Key Challenges
A.J.’s journey on America’s Next Top Model was marked by early success and a sudden decline. To understand her impact, one must look at the specific challenges where she excelled and those where she struggled to maintain the "passion" the judges demanded.
The Runway Dominance
One of A.J.’s most significant moments occurred in the third episode of the cycle. The contestants were tasked with a difficult runway challenge that involved walking on a narrow, wobbling surface over water. While many of the other models—including eventual winner CariDee English—struggled with their balance and composure, A.J. delivered a confident, professional walk.
She won the challenge, earning a high-end clothing prize and solidified her status as a technical threat. This victory was crucial because it proved that she wasn't just a "pretty face" for photos; she had the physical coordination and presence required for high-fashion runway work.
The Photo Shoots
Throughout her stay, A.J. produced several memorable images. In the "Hair Wars" shoot (Episode 3), she managed to handle an avant-garde hairpiece with grace. In the "Circus" shoot (Episode 4), where she portrayed a "Strong Woman," she received praise for her intensity.
However, it was the "Cobwebs" shoot in Episode 5 where her potential seemed most evident. Posing in a stylized set with elaborate costumes, A.J. showed a level of sophistication that Nigel Barker often praised. The judges frequently commented that she looked like a "real" model who could step off the screen and onto a Parisian catwalk.
The Iconic Makeover: Defining the Edgy Look
Makeover day is a hallmark of the ANTM experience, and A.J.’s transformation remains one of the more successful in the show’s history. Before the makeover, she had longer, somewhat nondescript hair. The stylists gave her a short, choppy, "rock n' roll" haircut with dark tones that emphasized her eyes and sharp jawline.
This makeover was designed to lean into her "alternative" persona. Unlike some contestants who broke down in tears over losing their length, A.J. embraced the change. The new look successfully bridged the gap between commercial viability and high-fashion edge, a balance that Tyra Banks often emphasized was necessary for a "Top Model." This transformation is frequently cited in retrospectives as a "perfect" makeover because it didn't change who she was but rather amplified her existing strengths.
The Elimination: The "Lack of Passion" Narrative
A.J.’s elimination in Episode 6 (the "Scary/B&W" shoot) was one of the most controversial moments of Cycle 7. The shoot involved wearing uncomfortable, opaque contact lenses that essentially blinded the models while they tried to portray various "scary" personas. A.J. struggled significantly during this shoot, both with the physical discomfort and the creative direction.
The Critique
During the panel, the judges—specifically Tyra Banks and Nigel Barker—accused A.J. of losing her drive. The "passion" critique became a recurring theme for A.J. toward the end of her run. The judges felt that she was becoming indifferent to the competition and that her "cool" demeanor was transitioning into "boredom."
The Final Stand
In the bottom two against Jaeda Young, A.J. was sent home. Tyra’s reasoning was that while A.J. had the look and the talent, she didn't seem to want the title as much as the other girls. This "wanting it" factor was a subjective metric used frequently throughout the series to eliminate contestants who were performing well but didn't provide the high-energy reality TV personality the producers desired.
A.J.’s departure shocked fans, as she was statistically performing better than several models who remained in the competition. Her exit highlighted a common tension in the show: the conflict between being a technically proficient model and being an engaging television character.
Comparative Analysis: A.J. Stewart vs. Cycle 7 Competitors
To understand A.J.’s standing in the competition, it is helpful to compare her performance and archetype with her peers.
| Contestant | Archetype | Final Placement | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Stewart | The Edgy/High-Fashion Model | 9th Place | Technical runway skill and bone structure. |
| CariDee English | The Relatable/Commercial Winner | Winner | Personality and "smizing" (eye expression). |
| Melrose Bickerstaff | The Perfectionist/Pro | Runner-up | Knowledge of the fashion industry and work ethic. |
| Eugena Washington | The High-Fashion "Look" | 3rd Place | Long-term potential and natural beauty. |
| Anchal Joseph | The Classic Beauty | 7th Place | Extraordinary facial features and symmetry. |
As shown in the table, A.J. was among a very strong cast. While CariDee and Melrose dominated the narrative with their rivalry and extroverted personalities, A.J. represented a more "editorial" segment of the industry that the show often struggled to integrate into its reality TV format.
Life After America's Next Top Model
Following her stint on the show, A.J. Stewart (who often reverted to using her full name, Amanda Jean) did not pursue the high-profile modeling career that many fans expected. While she did some test shoots and smaller modeling jobs, she largely stepped away from the spotlight.
The reasons for her quiet post-show career are consistent with her portrayal on the show: a person who appreciated the craft of modeling but was perhaps disillusioned by the industry's—and the reality show's—ancillary demands. Over the years, she has occasionally surfaced in "Where Are They Now?" features, usually appearing happy with a life away from the cameras.
In the context of 2026, looking back at the mid-2000s era of television, A.J. is often seen as a "precursor" to the more diverse and alternative models that would eventually find success in the 2010s. She represented a shift toward a more modern, less "pageant-like" standard of beauty that would later become mainstream.
Technical Analysis of Her Modeling Style
From a technical standpoint, A.J. Stewart possessed several attributes that are still taught in modeling schools today. Her "three-quarter" profile was her strongest angle, as it showcased the bridge of her nose and the sharpness of her cheekbones.
- Proportion: Standing at 5'10", she had the height requirements for major European markets.
- Movement: Unlike many "alternative" models who can appear stiff, A.J. understood how to use her limbs to create lines. This was evident in her "Circus" shoot, where she created a rigid, powerful silhouette.
- Expression: A.J. had a "resting" model face that appeared expensive. She didn't have to do much with her features to convey a mood, which is a trait highly sought after in editorial photography.
The "downfall" in her technique during her final episode was largely attributed to the contact lenses, which hindered her ability to connect with the camera lens. In the fashion industry, "eye contact" through the lens is paramount, and without that connection, even the best bone structure can fail to save a photograph.
The Legacy of A.J. Stewart in the ANTM Franchise
A.J. remains a "fan favorite" in the cult-classic sense. In online communities and forums, she is frequently cited as one of the "biggest robberies" in the show's history. This term is used by fans to describe contestants who were eliminated prematurely due to "personality" issues rather than a lack of modeling ability.
Her presence on the show also served as an early indicator of how the fashion industry was changing. She didn't fit the hyper-feminine "bombshell" look of the late 90s, nor did she fit the "waif" look entirely. She was a modern, edgy woman who looked like she belonged in a music video or a high-end streetwear campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cycle of ANTM was A.J. Stewart on?
A.J. Stewart was a contestant on Cycle 7, which aired in 2006. This cycle is famous for its "model stereotypes" theme and was the first cycle to air on The CW network.
Why was A.J. Stewart eliminated?
A.J. was eliminated primarily because the judges felt she lacked "passion" and drive. Although her photos were generally strong, her performance in the Episode 6 "Scary" shoot was lackluster, and her indifferent attitude during the judging panel ultimately led to her being sent home over Jaeda Young.
What was A.J.'s makeover on the show?
A.J. received a significant makeover where her hair was cut into a short, edgy, choppy style with dark tones. It was designed to enhance her "alternative" look and was widely considered one of the most successful makeovers of the season.
Did A.J. Stewart model after the show?
Yes, A.J. (using the name Amanda Jean) did some modeling after the show, including several editorial shoots and small-scale runway work. However, she did not pursue a long-term, high-profile career in the fashion industry, opting for a more private life.
Who won the cycle A.J. was in?
The winner of Cycle 7 was CariDee English, who became one of the most successful winners in the show’s history, landing various modeling contracts and hosting television segments.
Final Recommendation for Fans and Aspiring Models
For those studying A.J. Stewart’s time on America’s Next Top Model, the takeaway is twofold. First, her journey proves that technical skill and natural bone structure are enough to get you through the door, but in a competitive environment, "presence" and "perceived passion" are equally important.
If you are an aspiring model with an "alternative" look, A.J.’s performance in the first five episodes of Cycle 7 serves as an excellent masterclass in how to pose for edgy editorials. However, her elimination serves as a cautionary tale: in any professional setting, maintaining a visible level of enthusiasm and adaptability is crucial to longevity. For fans looking to revisit her best work, focusing on the Episode 3 runway challenge and the Episode 5 Cobweb photoshoot provides the best evidence of why she remains a standout figure two decades later.
