Our favorite model turn mogul, Tyra Banks, has banned the cycle 9 top model contestants from smoking this season.
On last night's episode of ANTM, after having the girls partake in a photo shoot showing the negative aspects of smoking, Tyra made the announcement, citing models are looked at as role models by many of girls aspiring to be models themselves. Therefore, they should not be seen as smokers.
In addition to this cause, Tyra also introduced the girls to their 100% Bio-Diesel bus that would transport them all over town from one challenge to the next.
Last month when I sat in on the taping of The Tyra Banks Show, an audience member asked her if she ever regretted sending an ANTM contestant home. Tyra went on to explain she that she is often at times outvoted by the panel of judges and that she recall not wanting Toccara to be voted off the show. Tyra said she wish she could pull rank sometimes given that it is her show but cited they could be sued if that was to happen.
Poor Toccara. She went from being Tyra's first pick to eating 'cake'.
Oh well. Let's see who will be the next girl to claim the meaningless title of America's Next Top Model.
TV Land, joining forces with Wilhelmina Models, soon plans to give us their carbon copy of ANTM, entitled, 'The Next Great Supermodel'.
In similar ANTM fashion, the competitors selected will live together in a New York City pad and compete in weekly challenges that result in one model wanna-be getting the boot. Sounds real familiar doesn't it? Only one slight twist....
To be in this competition, aspiring models have to be at least 35 years old or older. Which is the equivalent of being a senior citizen in the modeling industry.
Anyhoo...
Enjoy this clip from last season:
Word on the street is either ABC or NBC has been trying to get Tyra Banks to move the show to their networks. The folks over at CW supposedly were not feeling this and offered Tyra some extra change so she can stay put. Extra change to the tune of $20 million! Damn!
CW 11's season 9 of 'ANTM' is all set to kick off on September 19th. While TV LAnd's 'The Next Great Supermodel' will be starting Sept. 29 when judges and host hit major cities, New York, Chicago and Atlanta to scout for 20 competitors. No word yet on who will host and judge on the show.
