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Born in Los Angeles, California in 1985, Eva Marcelle Pigford had a tough childhood that was surrounded by violence and tumultuous family relations. Despite the odds, she managed to graduate high school with flying colors, and then relocated to the East Coast to study at Clark Atlanta University. Dubbed "Eva the Diva" ever since she was a little girl due to her over-the-top, flamboyant attitude, Eva was doing some small modeling gigs (when school would permit) when she heard the casting call for the third cycle of America's Next Top Model. The 'dramality' series, which aired on UPN and featured Tyra Banks as host, pitted 14 wannabe models against each other in a series of high-stress assignments. Each week, a panel of judges eliminated one contestant, until a final 'top model' remained. Eva submitted her application for the series and was granted acceptance. Though considered the underdog throughout the show (at 5'7", she was the shortest of all the contestants), Eva lasted through each competition thanks to her physical assets and tough attitude. In America's Next Top Model's emotional and grueling final episode, Eva beat out Camara "Yaya" Da Costa Johnson for the win. In victory, Pigford claimed a contract with Ford Models, a $100,000 modeling deal with CoverGirl and a fashion spread in Elle magazine. With this head start, she is sure to have a promising future.