Last year during upfronts, supermodel/author/actress/businesswoman/Mayor of Modelland Tyra Banks announced that there'd be no more "normal" cycles of America's Next Top Model. (I'd counter that Top Model has never really been "normal", but that's neither here nor there.) First up, we had an all-star extravaganza that had one of the more WTF finales I've ever seen on reality TV and then came word that cycle 18 would see the resumption of the American Revolutionary War, only fiercer. Finally, details have emerged about what's being referred to as America's Next Top Model: British Invasion.
Beginning Wednesday, February 29th at 9:00, Top Model will be fusing seven amateur American models with seven Britain's Next Top Model alumni to find out which side of the Atlantic can be on top, for good. Featuring guest judges ranging from Kris Jenner and Kelly Osbourne to Beverly Johnson and Nicholas Tse, Top Model: British Invasion will see the debut of new panel member Kelly Cutrone, brought in to replace the departing Andre Leon Talley. Cutrone, previously seen on MTV's The City and Bravo's Kell on Earth, joins Banks and Nigel Barker as judge and jury of the fates of each new contestant.
At stake in cycle 18, aside from the title of America's Next Top Model, are a modeling contract from LA/NY Models, a guest correspondent role on Extra, a spread in Vogue Italia, a cover and spread in Beauty In Vogue, an endorsement deal of Top Model perfume Dream Come True, a single (!!!) to be released by CBS Records, and a $100,000 CoverGirl contract.
There's no word yet on possible challenges for the 14 contestants to compete in, but knowing Top Model like I know Top Model, there's no way to even speculate on the depths things can go. Just when you think it can't go any more off-the-wall, it outdoes itself, only this time there'll be even more Tyra accents and funny hats to go around.
Are you ready for the next cycle of Top Model? Do you think the British models will dominate the competition or will America hold strong? Would you buy a single from a Top Model?
