America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 Premiere: Amazing New Prizes, Top Talent

"Cycle 15 is a cycle unlike any other in the history of America's Next Top Model," declared Tyra Banks during her first scene with the contestants. This Cycle has a huge volume of amazing prizes, including a spread in Italian Vogue the cover and a spread in Beauty in Vogue, in addition to the routine $100k contract with Cover Girl. ANTM Cycle 15 promises to be that much more competitive, extreme and high fashion.

Anyone who regularly follows America's Next Top Model, especially the last five Cycles, is likely aware of the formula which seems to be emerging reliably every season. The cast almost always includes the aggressive, loud Diva who jumps at every opportunity to attack someone. Then, viewers will be introduced to the opposite end of the spectrum by way of the awkward, soft-spoken wallflower. Without a doubt, one cast member will have obtained moderate success-normally reserved to local venues-who is overconfident and reluctant to part with her ways. Add in the "returning contestant," a girl who didn't quite make the cut in a previous ANTM Cycle, and you have the fundamental formula for the drama in the ANTM house.

This cycle of ANTM once again has sisters in the cast list. Chris and Terra White were the first two contestants introduced in the Cycle 15 premiere. Amanda and Michelle, a pair of twins from California, appeared in Cycle 7. Both Chris and Terra made the final cut and entered into the coveted final 14. Both of the girls are stunning; Chris has a more outgoing, outlandish demeanor with softer features, whereas Terra's face is more angular and her manner subdued. It will be very interesting to see which girl goes further in the competition!

ANTM Cycle 14 pioneered a new breed of "I don't really want to be here" contestants. Ren, who was hand selected by Tyra in New York to complete the premiere ensemble, quickly made it apparent that she didn't really care about being on the show-or modeling. For Cycle 15, Jordan picks up where Ren left-off: "Consumerism-materialism-is the opposite of everything I represent; it's petty bull(censored)," she stated during her on-screen introduction. Fortunately, Jordon failed to make the final 14-contestant cut, leaving the girls who truly want the title of America's Next Top model to compete.

Kacey, the 20 year old from Palmdale, California, is the "returning contestant" for Cycle 15. Originally appearing on Cycle 11, Kacey didn't make the final cut and make it onto the show. "I feel more comfortable with myself. I feel more mature," she explained in the opening scenes of the ANTM Cycle 15 premiere. Fortunately for Kacey, she managed to impress the panel enough for ANTM Cycle 15 to make it as one of the final 14 contestants.

Ann is posed the quiet, reserved cast member for Cycle 15 despite her 6'2" frame. A 19 year old student from Dallas, Texas, Ann is soft spoken, terribly skinny, and definitely a wallflower to watch. This Cycle's girl with a degree of success, and an inflated ego, comes in the way of Vanessa. This 18 year old from Lakeville, Minnesota declared "here comes the competition!" while arriving on the ANTM bus. She was named Miss Teen Minnesota, which may explain her opinion that she is "one of the most attractive girls here." Much to her shock, Vanessa did not make the cut into the final 14.

During the initial meet with the panel, Rhianna seemed to impress Tyra and Mr. Jay the most. She said that she takes most of her inspiration from nature, and the panel instructed her to pose as a cactus, a weeping willow and tumbleweed. "I love the willow," declared Tyra, watching the demonstration. "This girl has so much potential," was the compliment from Miss J.

Every cycle of ANTM, I select two contestants I feel will go the furthest in the competition based solely on their "Meet the Models" promotional photo and information. This year, the two girls who stood out to me the most are Kayla from Rockford, Illinois, and Jane from Baltimore, Maryland. Having watched the premiere, with the lengthy introductions to each of the girls, I find myself cheering for Ann most of all.

Ultimately, America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 stands to be one of the most prestigious, cut-throat and dramatic Cycles to date. With such a diverse cast, amazing teaser photo shoots and a career-launching prize at the end, I will definitely be tuning in to see the drama unfold.