The CW's AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL: BRITISH INVASION to Premiere 2/29

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 pack
Age: 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 PARTICIPANTS

Name: Laura
Age: 20
Hometown: Scotia, New York
Height: 5'10 1/2
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 3/4 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 1/2
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

"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.