"America's Next Top Model" is a modelling competition created by former supermodel Tyra Banks. (Photo : Reuters)
"America's Next Top Model" is ending after 12 years and 22 cycles. The CW modelling competition created by Tyra Banks is known for accepting various types of models. Here are 10 of the first times in the competition:
1. First finalist to faint in front of a judges' panel: Rebecca Epley
Experiencing a relapse of her childhood balance disorder, Epley fainted while her photo was being evaluated in "ANTM" cycle 4 episode 3. She shared the eighth and ninth place with Tiffany Richardson in the cycle won by Naima Mora in 2005.
2. First twin finalists Amanda Babin, Michelle Babin
In 2006, Amanda and Michelle placed fourth and fifth on "ANTM" cycle 7, respectively. The latter is also known for coming out as gay in the show.
3. First to return and win: Jaslene Gonzalez
In 2006, Gonzalez auditioned for "ANTM" cycle 7 but she only made it to the semi-finals. She returned to "ANTM" cycle 8. It must be noted that "ANTM" cycle 2 winner Yoanna House, is the first Hispanic winner and not Gonzalez.
4. First winner who never landed in the bottom two: Gonzalez
The "ANTM" cycle 8 winner is also the first winner of The CW modelling competition who never placed in the bottom two. In July, Voto Latino released a statement announcing that the Latina model will speak at the 2015 Sigma Lambda Gamma sisterhood retreat.
5. First plus-size winner: Whitney Thompson
After winning "ANTM" cycle 10 in 2008, Thompson became a spokesperson for Right Fit brand of Fashion Bug and National Eating Disorder Association ambassador. She has modeled for the Faith 21 line by Forever 21 and starred in a CoverGirl opposite Rihanna.
6. First trans woman contestant: Isis King
Assigned male at birth as she claimed, King was born in Annapolis, Maryland. She placed 10th in "ANTM" cycle 11 in 2011 and 12th in "ANTM" cycle 17 in 2011. Recently, she told Teen Vogue that she is "the Kate Moss of the trans models."
7. First male winner: Keith Carlos
Before winning "ANTM" cycle 21 in 2014, Carlos had a career as an NFL player. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and with the New York Giants in 2013.
8. First contestant with vitiligo: Chantelle Brown-Young
Also known as Winnie Harlow, the "ANTM" cycle 21 sixth placer appeared in the music video of Eminem's "Guts Over Fear" featuring Sia Furler.
9. First Asian American to land in top 3: Adam Smith
In 2014, Smith joined "ANTM" cycle 21, the second cycle of the modelling competition to feature both guys and girls. The Malaysian-Caucasian model finished third.
10. First deaf contestant: Nyle DiMarco
The "Switched at Birth" season 4 actor is one of the models who are still in the running to become America's next top model in the on-going "ANTM" cycle 22, the last cycle of Banks' modelling competition set to air its last episode on Dec. 4.
