From 'ANTM' To Award-Winning Journalist: 5 Shocking Details Of Angelea Preston’s Unconventional Journey

The tumultuous journey of Angelea Preston, a fan-favorite and one of the most memorable contestants from *America's Next Top Model* (ANTM), has taken a dramatic and inspiring turn. As of late 2025, the woman who once fought for a modeling contract on national television is now an award-winning journalist and news producer, a career pivot that has solidified her as one of the show's most successful—and controversial—alumni. Her story is a powerful narrative of resilience, moving from the cutthroat world of reality TV to the demanding field of mainstream media, all while overcoming one of the biggest scandals in ANTM history.

The Buffalo native first captivated audiences with her raw talent and "bitch, please look" attitude on *ANTM Cycle 14*, but her legacy was cemented during the All-Stars season, *Cycle 17*, where she won the competition only to have the title controversially revoked. This incredible setback, which led to a high-profile lawsuit, did not define her. Instead, it seems to have fueled a new, highly respected career path, proving that her life’s narrative extends far beyond the runway drama.

Angelea Preston: A Full Biography and Profile

Angelea Preston’s life has been marked by determination, multiple attempts at success, and a refusal to be silenced, making her one of the most compelling figures to emerge from the *America's Next Top Model* franchise. Her career shift from high-fashion model to respected media professional is a testament to her drive.

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• Full Name: Angelea Preston
• Hometown: Buffalo, New York
• Education: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism, Buffalo State College (Graduated summa cum laude in 2021)
• ANTM Appearances:
  • *America's Next Top Model: Cycle 14* (Placed 4th)
  • *America's Next Top Model: Cycle 17* (All-Stars) (Original Winner, later disqualified)
  • She also auditioned for *Cycle 12* but was unsuccessful.
• Current Profession: Award-winning Journalist, News Producer, and Co-Host.
• Current Employer: Nexstar affiliate in Buffalo, New York (News Producer).
• Notable Work: Co-host of "In The Mix With Twixt," and Associate Producer for "Buffalo, What's Next?" where she focuses on elevating marginalized communities.
• Controversy: Stripped of her *Cycle 17* title; filed a lawsuit against Tyra Banks and ANTM producers.

The Controversial ANTM Cycle 14 Run and the All-Stars Scandal

Angelea's first major appearance was on *ANTM Cycle 14*, which aired in 2010. She quickly became known for her street-smart personality, her candid commentary, and her striking, high-fashion look. While she finished in fourth place, her memorable presence and undeniable photographic talent made her a prime candidate for a return.

Her return for *America's Next Top Model: All-Stars* (*Cycle 17*) was met with excitement. Angelea’s growth and polished modeling skills were evident throughout the season, and she ultimately won the competition. The victory, however, was short-lived and remains one of the most controversial moments in reality television history.

In a bizarre twist, the original finale was scrapped. Tyra Banks announced that Angelea had been disqualified, and the final judging was re-shot, resulting in Lisa D’Amato being crowned the winner. The show never publicly disclosed the true reason for the disqualification, leading to intense speculation among fans and the media.

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The Real Reason Angelea Was Stripped of Her Crown

Years later, Angelea herself revealed the truth behind the disqualification, claiming the producers revoked her title because she had previously worked as an escort—a fact she had disclosed to them before the show. The revelation highlighted the murky ethics of reality television and the treatment of contestants. Angelea did not take the injustice lightly; she filed a lawsuit against Tyra Banks and the show's producers, seeking $3 million in damages for breach of contract, fraud, and emotional distress.

The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court, but the entire ordeal cemented Angelea's status as a symbol of resistance against the exploitative nature of reality TV. Her courage in speaking out about the behind-the-scenes drama and the alleged mistreatment of contestants has made her a powerful voice in the post-ANTM era.

From High-Fashion Model to Award-Winning News Producer

Perhaps the most remarkable chapter in Angelea Preston's story is her successful transition away from modeling and into a career focused on journalism and social justice. This shift demonstrates a profound personal and professional evolution that few reality stars ever achieve.

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After the ANTM ordeal, Angelea returned to her hometown of Buffalo, New York, and dedicated herself to education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Buffalo State College, graduating summa cum laude in 2021. This academic achievement was a significant milestone, as she was the first in her family to receive a bachelor's degree.

Her journalism career quickly took off. She began by working with the NPR affiliate WBFO as a part-time weekend On-Air host and interned at *The Buffalo News*. Today, Angelea is an award-winning journalist and a news producer for a Nexstar affiliate in Buffalo. Her work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and her commitment to her community.

Elevating Marginalized Voices in Mainstream Media

As a news producer, Angelea has focused on covering stories from across Western New York, with a particular emphasis on elevating marginalized voices and focusing on her community’s narratives. She is an Associate Producer for the show "Buffalo, What's Next?" where her background as an East Side native allows her to approach sources with a unique blend of empathy and caution.

This career path is a powerful continuation of the "bitch, please look" confidence that first made her famous. She now uses her platform and her reporting skills to challenge systems and advocate for change, proving that the resilience she showed on the runway is now being channeled into impactful, real-world journalism.

The story of Angelea Preston serves as a masterclass in career reinvention. Her journey from *ANTM Cycle 14* contestant to a controversial All-Stars winner, and finally to a respected journalist, shows that true success lies not in a reality TV crown, but in finding a platform to tell meaningful stories and fight for what is right. Her ability to pivot and thrive in a completely new industry, while maintaining her authenticity, makes her a true inspiration among former reality TV stars.