The twenty-third cycle of America's Next Top Model premiered on December 12, 2016, on VH1.[1] It was the first cycle to air on the network following the series' cancellation by The CW. As opposed to the past three cycles, this cycle followed the series' original format of an all-female contest.
The cycle was presented by British singer Rita Ora, who took over from former model and businesswoman Tyra Banks. The judging panel was fully revamped, consisting of model Ashley Graham, Paper magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliott, and celebrity stylist Law Roach, replacing the previous panel consisting of Banks, fashion publicist Kelly Cutrone, and runway coach J. Alexander.[2][3] Banks still served as the series' executive producer.[2][3]
The winner of the competition was 20-year-old India Gants from Seattle, Washington, with Tatiana Price placing as the runner up.
Twenty-eight semi-finalists partook in their first photo shoot and went on go-sees for Philipp Plein and LaQuan Smith. The contestants then had one-on-one interviews with the judges, and the episode concluded with the selection of the fourteen finalists.
The contestants received runway training from model and former Canada's Next Top Model judge Stacey McKenzie. Later, the models were introduced to Zendaya, and took part in a runway challenge at the Marquee Nightclub, at the end of which they had to dive into the crowd for their first photo shoot. At elimination, Justine became the first contestant to leave the competition.
The contestants received makeovers and had their photos taken by Ellen von Unwerth during a nude photo shoot in groups. At elimination, Cherish became the second contestant to leave the competition.
The remaining contestants met DJ Khaled for a challenge in teams where they had to film each other wearing Rita Ora's Tezenis lingerie, and Courtney was chosen as the challenge winner. The models were later introduced to the editorial director of Paper magazine, Mickey Boardman, and had to create social media stories using three images from a vip party for their next photo shoot. At elimination, Tash became the third contestant to leave the competition.
Special guests: Mickey Boardman, DJ Khaled, Jasmine Saunders
The contestants had a challenge regarding their personal style, which was won by Tatiana, and later had an avant-garde couture photo shoot wearing designs by Nicola Formichetti at a local supermarket. At elimination, Giah became the fourth contestant to leave the competition.
The challenge this week, which was won by Paige, was to pose while jumping on a trampoline. The contestants later took part in a photo shoot where they had to pose as boxers alongside model Chanel Iman. At elimination, Krislian became the fifth contestant to leave the competition.
Featured photographer: Massimo Campana, Pieter Henket
The contestants had a lesson with choreographer Chris Grant, and later had a dance-themed challenge, which was won by Tatiana. At the photo shoot, the contestants had to star in a music video directed by Director X. At elimination, Kyle became the sixth contestant to leave the competition.
The remaining seven contestants had to perform in music video against the formerly eliminated models, with one of them re-entering the competition immediately following the week's elimination, effectively replacing that week's eliminated contestant. The judges eliminated Marissa and determined that Tash would return to the competition.
The contestants were challenged to create a public service announcement inspired by the Amber Rose SlutWalk Festival, where CoryAnne, Courtney and Tatiana were chosen as the winners. They were later photographed in a shoot where they had to embody several celebrity icons. At panel, Paige became the next contestant to leave the competition.
The remaining contestants had a challenge, won by Courtney, in which they were photographed by paparazzi in the street. On set, the models were photographed in a mock-cover and beauty shoot for Paper magazine. At elimination, Tash became the next contestant to leave the competition.
The contestants had an acting challenge with Adrienne C. Moore, where Courtney was chosen as the winner. They later had a motion beauty shoot before meeting the judges for the next elimination, where Cody became the next contestant to leave the competition.
This week's challenge was a makeup challenge. The challenge was won by CoryAnne. The photoshoot this week was a commercial shoot for Rimmel London. At elimination, Courtney was eliminated before the finals.
The final three shot their Paper Magazine spreads and then walked in a runway show for The Blonds. At panel, Tyra made an appearance as the cycle's final guest judge. CoryAnne was eliminated first leaving India and Tatiana as the final two. India became the 23rd winner of America's Next Top Model.
