NAILS Next Top Nail Artist concluded its seventh season via Instagram Live on June 26. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, NAILS and its sponsors chose to forego the in-person finale event usually held at Premiere Orlando.  Fans tuned in to celebrate as NAILS Next Top Nail Artist producer, Beth Livesay, and CND co-founder, style director, and head NTNA judge Jan Arnold made the announcement live on social media during a virtual cocktail hour that allowed fans, sponsors, and contestants to tune in and toast to the finalists. Canada’s Giselle Caballero (who had won the final CND Last Chance challenge) took top honors. "Even if you face difficulities, just keep pushing because you don't know what's on the other side of the mountain," said Caballero upon accepting news of her wonderful win via the LIVE. "Just remember what got you in the game in the first place and just keep going."

This NTNA season was the toughest call of them all. Without the judges ever seeing the contestants or nails in person, judging was based on video submissions, Facebook Lives, written descriptions, and final photos from Top 3 contenders Allison Goertzen, Giselle Caballero, and Stella Sampson.

Going into the finale, Sampson had seven wins and Goertzen had two under their belts. But when it came to the finale, it was Canada’s Caballero (who had won the final CND Last Chance challenge) who outscored the rest. Caballero will receive a Swarovski trophy,  a cash prize of $8,000 and the opportunity to collaborate with CND.

The finale challenge was to create five sets of press-on nails for the following themes: Symbol of Strength, Beauty Changes Lives, Dream Client, Porter Pose (nails for Billy Porter), and a Janicure (nails for Jan Arnold). Caballero’s sets featured corset nails inspired by Frida Kahlo, bee nails that dripped with gems, nails for RuPaul, and a mix of Harajuku and punk nails for Jan Arnold.

Stella Sampson of Greece was named first runner-up, while Canada’s Allison Goertzen was named second runner-up. Sampson will receive a cash prize of $5,000 while Goertzen will receive a cash prize of $3,000. All three contestants will be receiving an exclusive new product innovation from CND first, as well as various opportunities to work with the brand, and a CND gift basket. 

Join NAILS, CND, and our sponsors En Vogue, Gel II, Glitz Accessories and Such, KUPA, LeChat, Orly, Swarovski, Ugly Duckling, and Wildflowers in congratulating our winner!

Watch the winner announcement here.