America's Next Top Model: British Invasion debuts February 29th

It's time for a new Cycle of America's Next Top Model, and this time, the theme is U.S. vs. Brits. The show will feature former contestants from Britian's Next Top Model and a new crop of American models. The show will premiere on Wednesday, February 29th, on The CW.

There are some big name stars signed up to be guest judges; Kelly Osborne, reality star Kris Jenner, pop star Estelle, Marchesa co-founder Georgina Chapman, TV host Cat Deeley 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 American hopefuls and the British favorites will battle for a prize package that includes: a modeling contract with NY/LA Models, a spot as a guest correspondant on the television show "Extra," a spread in Vogue Italia and a cover and spread in Beauty in Vogue, the face of the new America's Next Top Model cologne, "Dream Come True," a single to be released on CBS, and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl cosmetics.

It's interesting that they're giving away the prize of being the face of the "Dream Come True" cologne, as that was the prize that Lisa D'Amato won as the winner of Cycle 17. Are they gonna kick her to the curb and install the new model? Interesting.

As previously reported, André Leon Talley is out, and Kelly Cutrone, founder of the marketing and public relations firm, People's Revolution is in as a judge. Nigel Barker is back, and Jay Manuel (Mr. Jay) will be back as creative director, with J. Alexander (Miss J) as the runway coach.

The models that are participating in Cycle 18 are listed below, with their brief stats.

Name: Laura

Age: 20

Hometown: Scotia, New York

Height: 5’10 ½

Favorite fashion label: Calvin Klein

Favorite musician: Mickey Avalon, Ani Difranco and Ed Sheeran

Favorite model: Mosh

Name: AzMarie

Age: 24

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Height: 5’9 ¾

Hobbies: Taking photos, playing basketball and writing

Favorite musician: Patti LaBelle

Favorite model: Grace Jones

Name: Eboni

Age: 18

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Height: 5’9

Favorite movie: Ray

Favorite musician: Nacho Picasso

Favorite model: Chanel Iman

Name: Kyle

Age: 20

Hometown: Magnolia, Texas

Height: 5’10

Hobbies: Modeling, wake boarding, going to the beach

Favorite musician: Kings of Leon, Jay Z and Belle Epoque

Favorite model: Adriana Lima

Name: Candace

Age: 22

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Height: 5’9

Hobbies: Going to events like art galleries, dance competitions and lounges, watching movies

Favorite musician: Lil Wayne, T.I., Adele and Evanescence

Favorite model: Tyra Banks and Milla Jovovich

Name: Mariah

Age: 20

Hometown: Pendleton, Oregon

Height: 5’ 10

Favorite Musician: Drake

Favorite Model: Irina Shayk

Favorite Fashion Label: Betsey Johnson

Name: Seymone

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

Name: Louise

Age: 25

Hometown: Essex, England

Height: 5’9

Hobbies: Running, gym, walking my dog, seeing new places

Favorite musician: Emeli Sande

Favorite model: Crystal Renn

Name: Jasmia

Age: 24

Hometown: London, England

Height: 5’8 ½

Favorite fashion label: Louis Vuitton and Burberry

Favorite musician: Drake, J Cole, Movado, Beres Hammond

Favorite model: Lilly Cole and Naomi Campbell

Name: Annaliese

Age: 24

Hometown: London, England

Height: 5’7

Hobbies: Trampoline, gymnastics and dance

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite model: Eva Marcille

Name: Catherine

Age: 22

Hometown: Folkestone, England

Height: 5’9

Favorite movie: Terminator 2

Favorite musician: Marilyn Manson

Favorite model: Milla Jovovich

Name: Sophie

Age: 21

Hometown: Oxford, England

Height: 5’9

Favorite movie: Devil Wears Prada, Mean Girls, Factory Girl

Favorite musician: My boyfriend’s band, Bob Dylan, Pulp and Britney Spears

Favorite model: Kate Moss

Name: Ashley

Age: 22

Hometown: Armadale, Scotland

Height: 5’8

Hobbies: Tae kwon do and kickboxing

Favorite musician: Rihanna and Beyonce

Favorite model: Tyra Banks and Kate Moss

Name: Alisha

Age: 20

Hometown: South London, England

Favorite movie:Roots
Favorite musician:Rihanna & Mavado
Favorite model:Jessica White

This should be an interesting Cycle, with plenty of drama. It's a bit funny that several of the British girls aren't even 5'9. Maybe they don't have a height requirement to get on their version of the show? I also find it funny that one of the British girls lists ANTM Cycle 3 winner Eva Pigford (now Marcille) as her favorite model. Maybe that is because she herself is only 5'7, and Eva was just under that herself?

As soon as I get official photos of the girls, I'll post them on the site.

Stay tuned for the premiere on February 29th, on The CW, at 9:00 pm ET/PT.

Revisit episodes of America's Next Top Model Cycle 17: