<P> The 21st cycle of America's Next Top Model (subtitled as America's Next Top Model: Guys & Girls) premiered on August 18, 2014 and it is the 15th season to air on The CW . It was the 2nd season in a row to feature both male and female contestants . Tyra Banks and Kelly Cutrone retained their positions on the judging panel . Runway coach J. Alexander returned to the judging panel, replacing former judge Rob Evans while Johnny Wujek, creative director since Cycle 19, was succeeded by photographer Yu Tsai . In keeping with the last two cycles, social media is a factor in eliminations, with public voting taking place on the show's official page . In contrast to seasons past, the fade out for the series was illustrated by Irish artist Vincent Devine . This is the first time the fade out photo has been illustrated by an artist . </P> <P> The semifinalists were revealed on the America's Next Top Model Instagram page while the fourteen finalists were revealed when voting began . The international destination for this cycle was Seoul, South Korea . Five of the episodes were filmed in Seoul, one of which featured James of Royal Pirates, and the finale had guest appearances from K - pop girl group 2NE1, boy band BTOB, actor and model Lee Soo - hyuk and fashion designer Lie Sang Bong . </P> <P> The winner was 26 - year - old Keith Carlos from Bridgeport, Connecticut, the show's first ever male winner . </P> <P> Eighth - placing finalist Mirjana Puhar was shot and killed on February 24, 2015 in her boyfriend's home in Charlotte, North Carolina . </P>

Who won americas next top model cycle 21