Project Runway Finale Ends Season 8 in Surprising Fashion

Who won the Project Runway finale for Season 8? Most everyone thought the Project Runway finale would close Season 8 with easy results last night. Although the finale was extended to two hours, many fans figured the judges wouldn't need that long to choose Mondo Guerra. Since the competition came down to Mondo and Gretchen Jones, the results seemed to be even more obvious. But the Season 8 finale ended with the favorite going down, which inspired a lot of Internet backlash.

Warning: Spoilers follow

The finale took up a full two hours, although the extra half hour was used for a reunion show at the beginning. Usually, reunions are saved until the season is officially over, but they switched the order around this time.

The next 90 minutes would answer who won the Project Runway finale, although many viewers had made their choice. Mondo Guerra had become the top favorite, while fans were much more divided, at best, over Gretchen Jones. The backlash over her behavior made Jones cry at the reunion, saying people didn't like her for speaking her mind.

Nevertheless, Gretchen, Mondo and Andy South put on one last show, as they had to create a 10-look dress. With Jessica Simpson as the guest judge, the group was divided between Mondo and Gretchen, while Andy appeared to be the third wheel.

When it was finally time to announce the finale results, Heidi Klum called it the toughest decision in show history. Since the fanbase largely had no problem choosing Mondo over Gretchen, that was a sign for a possible upset.

Indeed, Gretchen was selected as the winner, although not everyone who watched was pleased. Entertainment Weekly columnist Missy Schwartz claimed that "Project Runway has betrayed me," while there were Twitter responses like "If Gretchen's finger is on the pulse, the body must be a corpse."

Nowadays, reality competition shows often go against the projected favorite, like in the last few years of American Idol. By being the popular choice, Mondo was really behind the eight-ball, as at least a few people weren't turned off by Gretchen.

Although most everyone else was shocked at the Season 8 Project Runway finale, Mondo is still happy that he won "so much more" from the show. As for Gretchen, she will get to work designing clothes for both guest judge Simpson and her sister.

Now that Season 8 is over, the fanbase will have several months to recover before next year. The show has already taken a share of hits after moving to LA, and moving to Lifetime, and some clearly see this as another betrayal.

Sources

Entertainment Weekly- "Project Runway recap: A Stunning Season Finale"

TV Squad- "Project Runway Season 8, Episode 14 Season Finale Recap (VIDEO)"

Buddy TV- "Project Runway Season 8 Finale: Catty Win Over Cool"