KRYTEL - America's Next Top Model swept the reality TV scene with its drama, girly catfights, and tense eliminations—not to mention the fashion! With all the hype surrounding ex-model turned talk show host Tyra Banks' pet project, it's no surprise that a similar competition has now materialized in Second Life.

It's not affiliated with the TV show, but it's run in a very similar way. SL Next Top Model offers an impressive array of prizes, including L$25,000, a modeling contract and a professional photo shoot. Entries are being taken throughout March, and there is a nonrefundable L$10 registration fee for the hopefuls.

“I started NTM for all the the aspiring models on SL, to give them the chance to get into the modeling business,” Hoyer says of the competition. “It's fun and competitive and the girls welcome the challenge to be the last one standing.”

Hoyer did some real life modeling when she lived in New York City, and she is a model in SL as well, having been featured in campaigns for urban gear at Glamoroush and Da Get Fresh Shop. She got started with SL Modeling Agency and her experience with them inspired her to help other models struggling to break into the modeling business. From that, ~SL NTM was born.

With its home base in Krytel, ~SL NTM, events will be held at Flashbacks and Insatiable (both popular clubs in SL) as well as other locations yet to be named. There will be three judges at the events, including Hoyer herself. She says that there will be surprise eliminations and challenges on the way to choosing the top 25 models. The top ten models chosen will each receive a modeling contract with ~SL NTM's agency, and from there the top model will be chosen.

What qualities does it take to be chosen as the top model? “There has to be something about you that stands out from the rest,” says Hoyer. “One of my front runners in the competition now is not [necessarily] the most beautiful, [but she brings] strong photos and nails every photo challenge.”

She says hopefuls should have high appearance ratings, and behavior ratings are helpful as well. She wants to see self-sufficient models who follow instructions and work well with others. Most of all Hoyer wants people with a positive attitude who are serious about the world of SL modeling. It may only be a virtual world, but the requirements and responsibilities are very real.

Hoyer says that the competition is empowering for women, making them feel great about themselves, and challenging them to be the best they can be. She says she loves to see different body types in SL and that everyone should be celebrated as they are.

Contestants seem to view the competition in the same light. “[~SL NTM is] carrying forward the same sort of philosophies [as the reality show] by challenging girls to bring it and be the best they can be, to grow confidence, [and] to be fierce,” contestant Isabella Sampaio says of the competition. “I will be giving 110% until my name is no longer called.”

Interested parties should contact Jada Hoyer in-world or  join the ~SL Next Top Model group to get started in the competition. Entries will be accepted through March 31st.