Everybody (or at least we presume it was everybody) collectively mourned the loss of America’s Next Top Model when it Tyra Banks and The CW announced that it would end after its most recent cycle. The show lasted through more than 20 cycles, a dozen or more judges on the panel, multiple made up words from Tyra, and the chance to see exactly what happens when you stick a group of aspiring models in a house together and turn up the competitive heat. By the time the original iteration of ANTM finished, the show may have outlasted the reality television era that it had thrived in towards the beginning of its run.
If that was the case though, VH1 clearly doesn’t care either way as the network picked up the show for a reboot and a second life. Which would mark the third network that the show has appeared on following its stints on original home UPN (hashtag gone too soon) and The CW. With that reboot, and the news that Tyra would probably not be following the show to a new channel, talk immediately began of who could take her place at the head of the table.
Now that replacement has been chosen, and the final choice is pop singer Rita Ora. Putting aside for a minute the unstated truth that nobody can replace Tyra in anything she does, this seems like a great choice. Ora can be fierce when she needs to be, peppy when she needs to be, and has her own unique style that is anything but bland. Plus, lest anybody thinks Ora isn’t famous or relevant to usher ANTM into the next era of its existence, not to worry. She’s such a trendsetter she even beat Taylor Swift to the current favorite trend of disliking Calvin Harris. Rita is excited about the opportunity, telling USA Today,
“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, 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.”
Tyra isn’t abandoning us forever though! The high-forwarded one will still make her mark as an executive producer on the show (AKA will still get a percentage of the show’s revenue) and stop by from time to time to advise the contestants on how to smize. Because if there’s one thing Tyra loves, it’s surprising people when they least expect it. Other judges will included Ashley Graham, Law Roach, and Drew Elliott, one of whom is at least a model. The show will definitely look different than the one we’ve come to know and love, but we are rooting for it.
(via Vulture)
