Tyra Banks Passes The Smize Torch, Appoints Rita Ora As New Host Of ‘ANTM’

It is the absolute end of an era, people. 
Queen of Smize Tyra Banks has officially announced the end of her reign on the back-up-and-running reality show ‘America’s Next Top Model‘, and she’s confirmed her replacement/protégé is Rita Ora
“Rita Ora?!” you are more than likely crying, in deep emotional pain. “But she doesn’t even have any goddamn modelling experience, she’s a musician!”
Yes, shhh, we know, it’s okay. *pats head comfortingly*
Ora has no doubt dipped her toe into the modelling world, having posed for Calvin KleinLui Magazine, and Tezenis, but she definitely doesn’t have any kind of ‘icon’ status like Tyra
And many would argue that that was one of the fundamental parts about the show – the supermodel could and would hand down decades of experience to girls entering the industry. 
BUT FINE I GUESS, WHATEVER.
The new panel of judges includes plus-size model Ashley Graham, stylist Law Roach, and PAPER magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliott (the fella behind Kim Kardashian‘s iconic ‘Break The Internet’ cover). 
Photo: Jean Claude Dhien for VH1.
Tyra, who will stay on as executive producer this season, gave a statement about the new season, saying, 
“It’s no longer just about having the highest cheekbones and best pout and the best hair. 

My goal is to really get into these girls’ heads that I’m not looking for some successful model and I’m not 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 season will debut on VH1 in the USA later this year – no word yet if it will air in Australia, but we’ll keep you in the loop.
Photo: Don Arnold & Anthony Harvey / Getty. 

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