MUMBAI: The competition is heating up in US broadcaster UPNs drama reality show Americas Next Top Model.

13 finalists fight for their fairy-tale ending. This season, an incredible transformation takes place as the finalists face tougher challenges and live the high life of glamorous photo shoots all while living under one roof in a posh Los Angeles mansion. In India the show airs on Zee Cafe.

The prize includes a contract with Ford Models, a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl and a fashion spread in Elle magazine, shot by photographer Gilles Bensimon. During this cycle, the 13 participants live together and vie for the prize competing in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp.

The participants abilities are tested each week as they strive to master the runway, fashion photo shoots, perfect publicity skills and learn the business aspects of becoming a supermodel, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of cameras. Throughout the series, supermodel Tyra Banks, art director of photo shoots Jay Manuel and runway guru J. Alexander mentor the participants.

Banks leads the panel of judges, which consists of fashion industry experts, including supermodel Twiggy, photographer Nigel Barker and runway expert J. Alexander, who closely evaluate the progress of the models to narrow the field each week. In addition, special guest judges appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

The winner of the show will have the opportunity to be managed by Ford Models. She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl. Finally, the winner appears in a fashion spread in Elle magazine.