Hundreds arrive in Jacksonville Beach for "America's Next Top Model" casting call

Male models being introduced for show's 20th cycle

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Hundreds of people arrived at 33 Star in Jacksonville Beach on Sunday to put their best "Smize" forward for a chance to be crowned "America's Next Top Model."

Producers of the hit television show and modeling competition help auditions all Sunday afternoon hoping to find the next big thing.

It's a chance at a career-launching prize, but for Nicole Snyder, it's an opportunity to chase her dream.

"My adrenaline is pumping," said Snyder. "I'm not nervous but I'm just 'woo!'"

In a new twist for its twentieth cycle, male models are being included in the reality television and model competition.

Potential contestants were eager to share why they should be selected for the next season.

"My grandma actually called me yesterday," said Emily Phillips, auditioning for this show's next season. "She was like 'Hey, you should try out.' Why not? It's worth a chance, you know."

Hundreds turned out, but some hopefuls were unfortunately turned away. Producers said applicants had to be 5-foot, 8-inches or taller to be considered and be between the ages of 18 to 27. However, all shapes and sizes were welcome to try out.

Once inside, Snyder said the most grueling part of the process is being in front of a camera, where she makes her best pitch to be "America's Next Top Model."

"Nerve racking, definitely, but it's very good," said Snyder. "I'm glad that they gave us the opportunity to do this and I'm very ready to chase my dreams."

In the show's tenth cycle, Jacksonville's Whitney Thompson won "America's Next Top Model." She was also the first plus-size model to ever win on the show.