NEW YORK: Cable network UPN's reality show America's Next Top Model is going from strength to strength. The hit dramality series featuring world-renowned supermodel Tyra Banks, returns for a second cycle of 10 episodes.
 

As was the case with the first cycle women will fiercely compete for their chance at a grand prize package that includes a modeling contract. The show kicks off on 13 January 2004. An official release informs that the first cycle was UPNs highest-rated programme last season among all adult women.

The show was created by Banks, who serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok. It aims at exposing the transformation of everyday young women into potentially fierce top models. They live together in a New York loft and vie for the grand prize. Cameras catch each moment as participants face weekly tests that determine who makes the cut. With mentoring by Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion industry gurus, the finalists compete in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp -- a crash course to top model fame.

The 12 participants will struggle to demonstrate both inner and outer beauty. They do their level best to master complicated cat walks, intense physical fitness, fashion photo shoots and perfect publicity skills. The group will also take an overseas trip to a destination that is one of the modeling industry's most competitive cities in the world.