<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 second season to feature 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 was a factor in eliminations, with public voting taking place on the show's official page . The fourteen finalists were revealed when voting began . </P> <P> 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 of the competition was 26 - year - old Keith Carlos from Bridgeport, Connecticut . He was the show's first 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 america's next top model 21