‘America’s Next Top Model’ cycle 22 contestant recommended by cycle 20 alum

“America’s Next Top Model," or "ANTM,” cycle 22, a show created and hosted by Tyra Banks, is set to premiere on The CW on August 5, featuring both male and female contestants for the third time. One of the 14 contestants revealed that a cycle 20 contestant sent his photos to the producers, which resulted in his casting on the reality show.

After graduating from Hallandale High School in 2007, Michael Heverly, 26, was reportedly frequently told he should pursue a modelling career. Eventually, his friend Renee Bhagwandeen, 25, took photos of him and sent it to the “ANTM” producers, Sun Sentinel has learned.

Heverly hails from Hollywood, Florida while Bhagwandeen is from South Florida. The latter finished fifth on “ANTM” cycle 20, which for the first time featured both male and female contestants. Bhagwandeen lost to Jourdan Miller from Bend, Oregon.

Having undergone several interviews and photo shoots, Heverly waited for quite some time before he received a late-night phone call from producers of “ANTM” cycle 22, asking him to go to Los Angeles. Heverly joins six other male contestants, which include Nyle DiMarco, Bello Sanchez, Stefano Churchill, Justin Kim, Devin Clark and Dustin McNeer.

The seven male contestants will compete against Hadassah Richardson, Mame Adjei, Ashley Molina, Courtney DuPerow, Delanie Dischert, Ava Capra and Lacey Rogers for the “ANTM” cycle 22 title. The previous cycle was won by Keith Carlos, the show’s first male winner.

On Banks attended the premiere party for “ANTM” cycle 22. Aside from cycle 22, Banks is also set to star in a new lifestyle chat show titled “The FAB Life.” She will co-host the show with Chrissy Teigen, who also co-hosts Spike TV’s “Lip Sync Battle” with LL Cool J.

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