In a season finale unlike any other, 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. 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.

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. 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. Caballero will receive a Swarovski trophy, $8,000 cash, the opportunity to collaborate with CND, and the position of weekly judge in NTNA Season 8.

Stella Sampson of Greece was named first runner-up, receiving $5,000 and Canada’s Allison Goertzen was named second runner-up, winning $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.

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!

See all of NTNA Season 7 here.

The final challenge of Season 7, sponsored by CND, asked contestants to make five sets of press-on nails.

Congrats to Kelsey Waldo for winning the Fan Favorite award for the second year in a row!

NAILS Next Top Nail Artist Season 7 has been one of the most memorable. Despite interruptions from COVID-19, the nail community has rallied behind the Top 12 artists of the season to watch their videos, vote, and cheer them on from all over the globe.

Congratulations to Stella on winning her seventh challenge this season! Your design definitely put the judges in a good mood!

Challenge 10, sponsored by Wildflowers, asked the Top 3 to portray a mood or emotion on a set of nails without saying what that mood is. This week’s guest judge was Lauren Wireman of Wildflowers Nails.

Congratulations to Stella on her sixth NTNA win of the season! The judges thought this design was pure magic!

Challenge 9, sponsored by KUPA, asked the Top 4 to carve nail art inspired by a KUPA MANIPro Passport.

Challenge 8, sponsored by Swarovski, asked the Top 5 to create crystal nail art fit for a Swarovski 2021 trend report.