Jaslene Gonzalez may have been a little much for Tyra Banks
and company during casting for lajaslene-gonzalezst season – won by English – but the competitive 20-year-old returned for Cycle 8 won over reality TV critics and fans.

Jaslene’s miraculous turnaround ended last night when she won America’s Next Top Model, beating out Natasha and Renee for the ultimate prize.

Joining Caridee and six other ANTM champs, Jaslene Gonzalez got a celebratory breast squeeze by Tyra Banks.

Just kidding. Jaslene talked to People magazine about her unexpected Top Model victory and all the hectic drama along the (run)way….

Q: What was it like to see your picture on the screen and be named America’s Next Top Model?
Jaslene Gonzalez: I didn’t even look at the picture. I was waiting to hear Tyra Banks say my name. Then I looked! Once I looked at the screen my legs got weak. I couldn’t move. I was in shock. They didn’t show it, but I was actually holding onto Natasha for like 15 minutes.

THG NOTE: Our knees get weak when we see Michelle Ryan. Damn!

Q: You didn’t make the final cut during casting for Cycle 7. How does it feel to come back and win it all?
Jaslene Gonzalez: It means so much. For Cycle 7, things didn’t work out, but I’m glad. I was a little too crazy, a little too much. So, second time around I tried to compose myself and show a cooler swagger. I went back stronger than ever. This is what I wanted and I got it.

Click here for our recap of the season finale of America’s Next Top Model …