The CW's hit series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL returns for cycle 12 with 13 finalists from across the country fighting to make their dreams of becoming a top model a reality on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET).

The reality series exposes the transformation of everyday young women into potentially fierce supermodels, as they face weekly tests that determine who can make the cut. With mentoring by supermodel Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, the finalists compete in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp, a crash course to supermodel fame.

Participants are asked to demonstrate both inner and outer beauty as they learn to master complicated catwalks, intense physical fitness, fashion photo shoots and perfect publicity skills, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL cameras that chronicle every move.


AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 12 PARTICIPANTS:

Name: Allison
Age: 20
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Occupation: Artist

Name: Aminat
Age: 21
Hometown: Union, New Jersey
Occupation: Student

Name: Celia
Age: 25
Hometown: Cynthiana, Kentucky
Occupation: Designer Fashion Sales

Name: Fo
Age: 19
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Occupation: Student

Name: Isabella
Age: 19
Hometown: Barboursville, Virginia
Occupation: Aspiring Model

Name: Jessica
Age: 18
Hometown: Bradenton, Florida
Occupation: Student

Name: Kortnie
Age: 24
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Occupation: Non-Profit Organizer

Name: London
Age: 18
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Occupation: Student

Name: Natalie
Age: 19
Hometown: Palos Verdes, California
Occupation: Student

Name: Nijah
Age: 18
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California
Occupation: Aspiring Model

Name: Sandra
Age: 19
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland
Occupation: Student

Name: Tahlia
Age: 18
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Occupation: Student

Name: Teyona
Age: 20
Hometown: Woodstown, New Jersey
Occupation: Loss Prevention Representative



The hit reality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL features Tyra Banks and gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. The series follows a group of young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes, who live together and vie for a modeling contract.

Banks leads the panel of judges for cycle 12 of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL, which includes supermodel Paula Porizkova, runway expert J. Alexander and photographer Nigel Barker, who will conduct regular evaluations to narrow the field from week to week. Jay Manuel returns as the creative director and producer of all photo shoots. In addition, special guest judges will appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment, in association with Bankable Productions. Tyra Banks is the creator and executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Daniel Soiseth ("Hell's Kitchen").