America’s Next Top Model will debut its eighth cycle beginning on February 28^th with a two-hour extravaganza on the CW. On February 1 Tyra Banks announced the ladies who will be competing for the title. She also mentioned that viewers will see tougher photo shoots and challenges this season. There will indeed be controversy because, as Miss Tyra, the co-creator of ANTM, says, these girls ‘anything but shy.’

Among the group, which ranges in age from 19 to 24, are five college students. Unlike last season, none of these gals hails from California. However, the gals will be rooming together in LA during shooting so they’ll get their chance to become acquainted with The Golden State.

J. Alexander, aka Miss Jay, the runway diva extraordinaire and Jay Manuel, aka Mr. Jay, artistic director of photo shoots, will return to lend their expertise to the series as will the iconic Twiggy and sexy photog, Nigel Barker.

The winner will receive a fabulous prize package that matches the one Cycle 7 Top Model, CariDee English, took home. The prizes include a deal with Elite Model Management, a $100,000 contract with Covergirl cosmetics and a cover (and six-page fashion spread) in Seventeen magazine.

Here are the names, occupations, ages and hometowns of the 13^th contestants who will be vying for the title and prizes on America’s Next Top Model 8:

Brittany
Occupation: Bartender
Age: 21
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

Cassandra
Occupation: College Student
Age: 24
Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Diana
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Garfield, New Jersey

Dionne
Occupation: College Student
Age: 20
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Felicia
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Jael
Occupation: Band Manager
Age: 22
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Jaslene
Occupation: Online College Admissions Advisor
Age: 20
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Kathleen
Occupation: Hairstylist
Age: 20
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Natasha
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Renee
Occupation: Stay-At-Home Mom
Age: 20
Hometown: Maui, Hawaii

Samantha
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Pinson, Alabama

Sarah
Occupation: Photographer
Age: 20
Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois

Whitney
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida