BURBANK, CA — A fierce new edition of "America's Next Top Model" returns with Cycle 18 and its first-ever "British Invasion," featuring former contestants from "Britain's Next Top Model" and an all-new crop of American model hopefuls competing for the grand prize. "America's Next Top Model," hosted by Tyra Banks, premieres Wednesday, February 29 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on The CW.

This cycle will feature a variety of seasoned women from across the pond that will do whatever it takes to make it as a model in America. They will compete against not only each other but a group of aspiring American models. Emotions run high, the women are divided and the competition is intense as they vie for the grand prize.



Lending their expertise as guest judges this cycle are actress and singer Kelly Osbourne, reality star Kris Jenner, pop star Estelle, Marchesa fashion designer Georgina Chapman, television host Cat Deeley, actor and musician Nicolas Tse, former Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle, former Pussycat Doll Jessica Sutta, model Beverly Johnson, fashion designer Barney Cheng and fashion photographer Jez Smith.

The British favorites and American women battle it out to earn the prestigious title of "America's Next Top Model." They will compete for a career-launching prize package: a modeling contract with LA/NY Models, a chance to be a guest correspondent on the hit newsmagazine "Extra," a fashion spread in Vogue Italia and the cover and spread in Beauty In Vogue, the face of "America's Next Top Model" perfume Dream Come True, a single to be released with CBS and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics.

Banks leads the panel of judges, comprised of New York Times best-selling author and fashion public relations maven Kelly Cutrone and noted photographer Nigel Barker. Jay Manuel serves as creative director while Miss J. Alexander returns as the runway trainer.

"America's Next Top Model" Cycle 18 Contestants

Laura LaFrate
Age: 20
Hometown: Scotia, New York
Height: 5'10½"
Favorite fashion label: Calvin Klein
Favorite musicians: Mickey Avalon, Ani Difranco and Ed Sheeran
Favorite model: Mosh

AzMarie Livingston
Age: 24
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Height: 5'9¾"
Hobbies: Taking photos, playing basketball and writing
Favorite musician: Patti LaBelle
Favorite model: Grace Jones

Eboni Davis
Age: 18
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Height: 5'9"
Favorite movie: Ray
Favorite musician: Nacho Picasso
Favorite model: Chanel Iman

Kyle Gober
Age: 20
Hometown: Magnolia, Texas
Height: 5'10"
Hobbies: Modeling, wake boarding, going to the beach
Favorite musicians: Kings of Leon, Jay Z and Belle Epoque
Favorite model: Adriana Lima

Candace Smith
Age: 22
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Height: 5'9"
Hobbies: Watching movies and going to events like art galleries, dance competitions and lounges
Favorite musicians: Lil Wayne, T.I., Adele and Evanescence
Favorite model: Tyra Banks and Milla Jovovich

Mariah Watchman
Age: 20
Hometown: Pendleton, Oregon
Height: 5'10"
Favorite musician: Drake
Favorite model: Irina Shayk
Favorite fashion label: Betsey Johnson

Seymone Roth
Age: 19
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
Height: 5'11"
Hobbies: Cheerleading, track, dancing and all things music and fun
Favorite musician: Michael Jackson
Favorite model: Tyra Banks and Adriana Lima

Louise Watts
Age: 25
Hometown: Essex, England
Height: 5'9"
Hobbies: Running, going to the gym, walking my dog, seeing new places
Favorite musician: Emeli Sande
Favorite model: Crystal Renn

Jasmia Robinson
Age: 24
Hometown: London, England
Height: 5'8½"
Favorite fashion label: Louis Vuitton and Burberry
Favorite musicians: Drake, J Cole, Movado, Beres Hammond
Favorite model: Lilly Cole and Naomi Campbell

Annaliese Dayes
Age: 24
Hometown: London, England
Height: 5'7"
Hobbies: Trampoline, gymnastics and dance
Favorite musician: Drake
Favorite model: Eva Marcille

Catherine Thomas
Age: 22
Hometown: Folkestone, England
Height: 5'9 Favorite movie: Terminator 2
Favorite musician: Marilyn Manson
Favorite model: Milla Jovovich

Sophie Sumner
Age: 21
Hometown: Oxford, England
Height: 5'9"
Favorite movies: "Devil Wears Prada," "Mean Girls," "Factory Girl"
Favorite musicians: My boyfriend's band, Bob Dylan, Pulp and Britney Spears
Favorite model: Kate Moss

Ashley Brown
Age: 22
Hometown: Armadale, Scotland
Height: 5'8"
Hobbies: Tae Kwon Do and kickboxing
Favorite musicians: Rihanna and Beyonce
Favorite model: Tyra Banks and Kate Moss

Alisha White
Age: 20
Hometown: South London, England
Favorite miniseries: "Roots"
Favorite musicians: Rihanna and Mavado
Favorite model: Jessica White


"America's Next Top Model" is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. Tyra Banks also hosts the series, which recently completed airing its 17th cycle in the United States. Currently, "America's Next Top Model" is under license in over 100 markets around the world and has 20 local versions in production. "America's Next Top Model" and the "America's Next Top Model" format are licensed internationally by CBS Studios International.