Tyra Banks has been on her way out of America’s Next Top Model,
the hit reality show she created, for some time now, and we finally
know who is going to take her place as the Queen of Fierce. The
announcement is a clear sign that the show is trying to appeal to a
younger audience.
Rita Ora will be the new host of the modeling competition series, joined
by model Ashley Graham, Drew Elliot, the creative officer of Paper magazine, and styling expert Law Roach.
Banks, still an executive producer on the show, told USA Today how
the hosting changes reflect the current world of modeling. “It’s no
longer just about having the highest cheekbones and the best pout and
the best hair,” she said. “My goal is to really get into these girls’
heads that I’m not looking for some successful model and I’m looking for
some social-media star. I’m looking for both. I’m looking for a hybrid,
because that’s where the world is.”
The new seasons will be moving to VH1 after being on CW for 22
seasons. “I thought we were done with the brand,” Banks explained.
“But the fact that the brand still has viability, and that VH1 really,
truly sees a strong future with it, how could I say no to that?”
Banks made the announcement that she would no longer be hosting the show
to focus on other business ventures and raising her baby boy.
So far fans on Twitter are taking the news with mixed reactions.
“The approach I wanted to have as a host and judge to the
girls is what my career stands for at this moment in time,” Banks
continued. “Which is being a businesswoman and being able to do multiple
things at the same time, whether it’s music or shooting magazine covers
and being in movies and designing clothes.”
Fans who are mourning the change will be relieved to hear that Banks
will be making “a couple of appearances” on the new season.
