Every cycle of America’s Next Top Model finds the finalists jetting around the world, with exotic international destinations acting as the backdrops for photo shoots and backstabbing. Now host and creator Tyra Banks is bringing some international talent to North America.
The CW announced Thursday that seven American models will face off against seven imports from the U.K. in America’s Next Top Model: British Invasion.
Debuting on Wednesday, Feb. 29, the cycle sees former contestants from Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model combat U.S. talent for the grand prize: a modeling contract with LA/NY Models, a correspondent’s gig with Extra, a fashion spread in Vogue Italia, a gig as the face of ANTM’s Dream Come True perfume, a music single through CBS and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl.
Guest judges for Cycle 18 include Kelly Osbourne, Kris Jenner (that wily Kardashian clan is in everything), pop star Estelle, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, So You Think You Can Dance host Cat Deeley, former Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta and fashion designer Barney Cheng.
The permanent judging panel boasts a new face – New York Times best-selling author and fashion PR expert Kelly Cutrone joins Banks and photographer Nigel Barker, now that Andre Leon Talley has exited the show. Once again, Jay Manuel is the creative director and Miss J Alexander is the runway trainer.
The finale of last season’s America’s Next Top Model, which was an all-stars edition, was marred when it had to be re-edited after finalist Angelea Preston was disqualified for reasons that weren’t made clear to viewers.
Rumours on the Internet suggested Angelea won the competition and then leaked it on her Facebook account, which would be in violation of her contract. Either way, she was excised from the competition and Lisa D’Amato was crowned the winner.
Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model concluded its seventh cycle last summer, when Jade Thompson claimed the top prize. Judges on BITM include former supermodel Elle Macpherson, fashion designer Julien Macdonald, stylist Grace Woodward and model Charley Speed.
America’s Next Top Model returns Wednesday, Feb. 29, at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.
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