Project Runway Winner Is 'Proud' of Runner-Up

Barbara Nitke/Lifetime

Although two of the four judges argued against her collection on Thursday's heated season finale of Project Runway, winner Gretchen Jones isn't offended.

"At that point, I was just pretty elated that I even got to present on national TV," she tells PEOPLE. "I feel proud that Michael Kors and Nina Garcia fought for me and could see my potential. They're both huge industry leaders, and it means a lot to me."

Kors and Garcia went head-to-head with host Heidi Klum and guest judge Jessica Simpson, both of whom fought hard for fan favorite Mondo Guerra, who presented a youthful, colorful runway show. "His collection was really true to Mondo," Jones says. "It really showed his potential as a designer, and I'm proud of him for staying true to himself, because that is more important than anything else. He's going to go far."

Jones, an early favorite, was somewhat vilified as the season went on, and at times, saw her fellow designers turn against her. "I knew there was a risk . . . you can be portrayed however the producers care to do it. It's TV – we all need an antagonist, an underdog, in order to fulfill our desire to watch."

And even though the results of one group challenge prompted normally mellow mentor Tim Gunn to call Jones a "bully," she takes the bad press in stride. "It hurt my feelings, but in a way it helped me to have more exposure, because I was talked about, whether you liked me or not," she says. "I know in my heart I'm a good person."

With the Season 8 win under her stylish belt, Jones plans to move to New York City soon to "move forward with the opportunity that will hopefully present itself," she says. "I'd love to get a mentorship with someone the likes of Michael Kors, someone that can guide me into being the designer I want to be."

The move will also allow her to leave a tough recent past behind, one that included an empty bank account and broken relationship.

"I've really embraced this transitional time. Having a true 'phoenix rising from the ashes' moment is not something many people get," she says. "I don't have anything holding me back, and in actuality, that is a luxury. It'll make me a brighter version of myself, and that will translate into my future designs."

Randy Travis and Wife Divorce

Lib and Randy Travis

One of country music's longest-lasting couples have called it quits.

After 19 years, Randy Travis, 51, and his manager/wife Elizabeth "Lib" Travis have ended their marriage."The divorce was finalized as of this morning," spokesperson Maureen O'Connor confirmed to PEOPLE on Friday.

The couple filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in Santa Fe, NM. The court papers say a "state of incompatibility exists between the two parties," the Associated Press reports.

In a statement, the rep says, "Elizabeth and Randy Travis have agreed to part ways. Elizabeth will remain Mr. Travis' personal manager. They do not intend to comment any further and ask for your respect for their privacy during this time."

The pair married in secret in 1991 after dating for more than a decade.

Elizabeth has been credited with turning around both Randy's life and career.

She saved him from a five-year prison stint for breaking into a convenience store. Convincing the judge to release him into her custody, Randy lived with Elizabeth and her then-husband.

Already unhappy in her former marriage at the time, Elizabeth has said, "Randy might have given me the courage to leave a bad situation, but Randy did not break up the marriage."

Elizabeth further guided Randy's career, with Randy once saying, "She is energetic, witty, intelligent – and very kindhearted."

Miley Cyrus's parents Billy Ray and Tish to divorce

Couple Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus ask for prayers in difficult time

Miley Cyrus is dating actor Liam Hemsworth

Miley Cyrus's parents have announced their separation after 17 years of marriage.
Billy Ray Cyrus, 49, and Tish Cyrus filed for divorce on Wednesday in Tennessee.
They have cited irreconcilable differences.


'As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family,' reads a joint statement.
'We are trying to work through some personal matters. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers.'
Billy and Tish got married in 1992.
They are parents to Hannah Montana actress Miley, 17, Braison, 16, and Noah, 10.
Tish is also mum to Brandi and Trace from a previous marriage. 

SHOCK! Katie Waissel wants to leave The X Factor after death threats

X Factor finalist Katie Waissel is considering pulling out of show because of hate campaign

Katie Waissel is being mentored by Cheryl Cole on The X Factor 2010

X Factor finalist Katie Waissel has been receiving death threats.
The singer's dad Maurice says she's being bombarded by online hate mail.
'I've had Katie sobbing on the phone to me every night,' he explains.
'She's had death threats sent to her over the internet, and we've had to ask the police to intervene.'
Katie - who is being mentored by Cheryl Cole, 27 - is even considering pulling out of The X Factor now.  
'Only the other night, Katie said to me, "Dad, what's the point in going on if everyone hates me?"' Maurice tells The Sun.
Fans have rounded on Katie, 24, after she was picked ahead of Gamu Nhengu, 18, during the judges' homes stage, despite breaking down during her performance.

Prince Harry wants to meet Cheryl Cole on The X Factor

Royal Prince Harry said to be a huge fan of Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole is mentoring the girls on The X Factor 2010

Prince Harry loves to watch Cheryl Cole on The X Factor and he's reportedly asked to meet her behind-the-scenes for a bit of a chat.
'Weirdly they have a friend in common and Harry requested the direct email address of one of her management,' a source reveals.
'He fired off a series of missives, requesting time with Cheryl and some tickets to The X Factor...
'A visit to the Fountain Studios in Wembley, where the show is filmed, has been arranged.'
Cheryl, 27, is thought to be excited about being introduced to royalty. 
'She is massively flattered and naturally keen on meeting the Prince,' a source tells the Daily Mirror.
'She thinks he sounds like a really good guy.'