Thompson competed against thirteen other contestants to win Cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model. She was selected as one of the finalists to enter the 'Top Model house'. Some of the judges criticized her performances and personality as being 'too pageant' and 'fake'. Thompson received a first call-out[5] during the music-themed photoshoot, and won one 'CoverGirl of the Week' title, from the final photoshoot challenge of Cycle 10. She landed in the 'bottom two'[6] a total of four times - more times than any past winner.

In the end, Thompson ended up against Anya Kop and won the title. She was the very first plus-size model to win America's Next Top Model; marking history for the show.

“ "No I'm here because I do feel good about myself, and I want other women in America to feel better about themselves, I honestly think the girls will look up to me and say I can do that I can be that...I'm America's next top model!" ”

Although she is naturally a brunette, Thompson received blonde hair extensions for her makeover on the show.

As part of the ANTM prize package awarded to her, Thompson received a contract with CoverGirl cosmetics and a contract from Elite Model Management. She also received the cover and six-page editorial spread in the July 2008 issue of Seventeen. Thompson's CoverGirl contract includes a U.S. national TV commercial, print advertising, and a billboard in Times Square