Ever wondered what happened to the fresh faces that graced our screens on "america's next top model"? Many captivated audiences, but what truly sets a winner apart is their ability to transform that initial spark into a lasting inferno within the cutthroat world of high fashion and entertainment.

Since its debut in 2003, Tyra Banks' creation, "america's next top model," has launched the careers of numerous aspiring models. The show, originally airing on UPN from May to July 2003, with Banks serving as executive producer and presenter, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The original judging panel included Janice Dickinson, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Beau Quillian, setting the stage for the many cycles to come. The premise was simple: find the next face that would dominate the fashion world. "They are all gorgeous, but only one has what it takes," became the catchphrase, encapsulating the fierce competition.

Category	Information
Show Name	america's next top model (ANTM)
Genre	Reality TV, Modeling Competition
Original Network	UPN (early cycles), The CW
Host	Tyra Banks
First Episode Date	May 2003
Premise	To find a promising new fashion model through a series of challenges and eliminations.
Key Elements	Photoshoots, runway challenges, makeovers, judging panels.
Notable Judges	Janice Dickinson, Nigel Barker, Twiggy, Miss J Alexander
Prizes (typical)	Modeling contract, magazine spread, cash prize
Number of Cycles	24
Filming Locations	New York City (early seasons), various international locations.
Catchphrases	"They are all gorgeous, but only one has what it takes."
Impact	Significant influence on modeling industry and reality TV.
External Link	The CW - america's next top model

The early seasons, including the first three, as well as cycles 10 and 12, were filmed in New York City, setting a glamorous backdrop for the aspiring models. However, the series ventured away from its New York roots until cycle 23, exploring diverse locations to test the contestants' adaptability. The third cycle, which debuted on September 22, 2004, marked a significant milestone with its partnership with CoverGirl, featuring weekly "Beauty Tip of the Week" segments with Jay Manuel and Elsa Bentez, and the "CoverGirl of the Week" contest, integrating the brand directly into the show's format.

Cycle 2 of america's next top model premiered on January 13, 2004, adding to the growing buzz around the competition. Meanwhile, cycle 8 premiered on February 28, 2007, and concluded on May 16, 2007, showcasing another group of hopefuls vying for the top spot. The judging panel remained consistent, with Tyra Banks returning for her eighth time, Nigel Barker for his seventh, and Twiggy and Miss Jay for their fourth, providing continuity and familiar faces for loyal viewers.

Each cycle introduced its unique elements and personalities. "america's next top model" (cycle 5) was the fifth season overall and brought in Twiggy and J. Alexander as part of the cast. Cycle 11, which premiered on September 3, 2008, was the fifth to air on The CW network, with "Feel the Love" as its promotional catchphrase, aiming to bring a different vibe to the competition.

The prizes for winning "america's next top model" have varied over the years, but typically include opportunities to catapult a models career. For example, cycle 5 offered a contract with Ford Models, a cover and spread in Elle Girl magazine, and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics. Cycle 11 offered a modeling contract with Elite Model Management and a fashion spread and cover in Seventeen magazine, demonstrating the consistent goal of providing winners with significant industry exposure.

Throughout the shows run, there were several memorable moments, including the location shoots and the high-pressure challenges. In St. Johns, Antigua, contestants in one cycle met Jaslene Gonzalez, the winner of cycle 8, during a beach photoshoot, offering them a glimpse of what their future could hold. After each shoot, selections were made, narrowing the field to the most promising contestants.

In cycle 14, the catchphrase was "Work It Out," which encapsulates the intense effort and dedication required to succeed in the competition. The changes in prizes and the introduction of prominent fashion industry guest judges and photographers in cycle 15, which premiered on September 8, 2010, and was the ninth cycle to be aired on The CW, underscored the show's effort to emphasize high fashion.

The series has also seen its share of firsts and unusual occurrences. In episodes 6 and 8 of one cycle, multiple contestants won the reward, which was a first for the show. In episode 6, Heather won an additional reward via random drawing of names. Episode 7 was dedicated as a recap episode, giving viewers a chance to catch up on the drama and competition. In episode 12, Heather was voted CoverGirl of the Week after being eliminated, another unprecedented event.

Several winners have emerged from "america's next top model" to achieve varying degrees of success. Adrianne Curry, the winner of cycle 1, set the bar for future contestants. Known for being a tomboy with limited fashion knowledge, she formed strong friendships with Elyse and had rivalries with Robin and Shannon, which Tyra dubbed "the Christians vs." Adrianne's journey wasn't without its challenges; she developed food poisoning in episode three and was nearly eliminated. However, she overcame these hurdles to win the title. After her win, Adrianne modeled for several years and appeared on TV shows like "Ballbreakers," "The Surreal Life," "Celebrity Family Feud," and "My Fair Brady." However, she also later revealed that she had not received all of the prizes she was promised, shedding light on some of the behind-the-scenes realities of the show.

Yoanna House, the winner of cycle 2 in 2004, also had a memorable journey. At 23, she was working as a nanny in Jacksonville, Florida, and had lost 50 pounds before auditioning for the show. Her win marked another milestone in the series' history. Naima Mora, who won cycle 4 in 2005 at the age of 21, added to the list of successful "america's next top model" alumni. In cycle 20, Jourdan Miller, born on October 6, 1993, won the first "Boys vs. Girls" edition of the show, showcasing the evolving format of the competition.

Caridee English, who won cycle 7, demonstrated resilience and determination. Similarly, Jaslene Gonzalez was crowned as the winner of cycle 8, marking another success story. Ann Linkletter, who graduated from Grand Forks Red River High School in 2003 and attended the University of North Dakota and St. Cloud State University as a marketing major, won cycle 15 on December 1, 2010. Before her win, she had worked at Victoria's Secret and Target, gaining experience in the retail and fashion industries.

McKey Sullivan, after winning cycle 11 of "america's next top model," embarked on a career that included runway and print work for brands like Mada van Gaans, Ready to Fish by Ilja Visser, and Addy van den Krommenacker, showcasing the opportunities that the show could unlock. Each winner's path highlights the blend of talent, hard work, and luck required to succeed in the competitive modeling world.

However, not all contestants found smooth sailing after their stint on the show. Jourdan Miller, despite her early success, faced financial difficulties, receiving a bankruptcy judgment in early 2016, highlighting the "ups and downs of the industry." Marvita Washington failed to make the final cut in her cycle, a reminder of the tough decisions made during the competition. Chelsey, while a strong competitor, came in second place in her cycle, underscoring the narrow margin between success and disappointment.

The impact of "america's next top model" on the fashion industry and popular culture is undeniable. It has not only launched careers but also provided a platform for discussing issues related to body image, diversity, and the challenges of the modeling world. The show's longevity and the continued interest in its alumni demonstrate its lasting influence.

From Adrianne Curry's initial struggles to McKey Sullivan's runway success, the journeys of the "america's next top model" winners and contestants provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of modeling and the impact of reality television. Each cycle has added its own unique flavor to the series, ensuring that "america's next top model" remains a significant part of television history.

Cycle 15 of america's next top model wrapped up on 12/1/2010 and Ann won cycle 15 of ANTM! Blonde highlights and edge added. She is the winner of cycle 5.