By Brittany Titus
Round Table editor

“The first order of business in modeling is rejection. I had been rejected by 6 agencies before I was signed. The road to success is a zigzag line,” said America’ Next Top Model host, Tyra Banks.

The CW’s popular series has returned with more fashion and drama in cycle 16 on which premiered on Feb. 23. The show will run on Wednesday nights at 8 p.m.

Tyra Banks leads the panel of judges, which is also composed of the prominent fashion editor André Leon Talley and photographer Nigel Barker. Jay Manuel serves at the photo shoot creative director and Miss J. Alexander trains the girls in runway technique.

With guest judges such as model/stylist Erin Wasson, stylist Rachel Zoe, fashion model Sonia Dara and Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani, this season is to be better than ever.

“Fourteen model hopefuls will compete for the ultimate career-launching prize package: a contract with IMG Models, one of the top international modeling management companies in the world; a fashion spread in Vogue Italia and an additional spread in the cover of Beauty in Vogue; and a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics,” according to cwtv.com.

In Malibu, the first runway show took place. With a quick photo shoot backstage by the admired Russell James, the girls were ready for their big challenge. The contestants must walk on a 12-inch runway surrounded by water while walking inside a huge plastic bubble.

Who will come out as the winner? Only thirteen girls will continue to have a chance at becoming America’s Next Top Model.