1. Old & New

Season five is a mix of fresh new faces and a few familiar ones. Welcome back Halley Fortenberry (S. 3), Trish Johnson (S. 4), Dana Cecil (S. 4), and Liza Waitzman (S. 4). Read about all of the Top 12 here.

2. New Sponsors

This included our first-ever pre-challenge sponsor, Swarovski. See the sparkling looks the Top 24 and Top 18 made.

3. New judges

This year's guest judges represent the cream of the nail industry crop. Big names include Jan Arnold, Allie Baker, Elaine Watson, and S. 4 champion Tracey Lee.

4. The return of Lauren Wireman

Season 1 of NTNA introduced us to Cape Coral, Fla.-based Lauren Wireman, an ambitious nail tech who was named first runner-up. Fast-forward five years and her company, Wildflowers, is one of the hottest in the industry, specializing in art effects (what else?). Wireman returns to NTNA along with Wildflowers as the penultimate challenge sponsor and judge, meaning their challenge will help determine the Top 2.

5. A Premiere Finale

NTNA has been moved back to a winter start date in order to conclude at Premiere Orlando in June. This means that the Top 3 will be flown to the biggest nail show in the country, concluding at the NAILS Nail Tech Networking Event! 

The nail games begin January 22, with CND's challenge. Vote here to keep your favorite competitor in the running.