'America's Next Top Model': Tyra Banks Removes Age Limit for Contestants, Returns as Host
"America's Next Top Model" has got its original host back, and she has got big news for aspiring models. Tyra Banks recently took to her social media accounts to reveal that the age limit for the reality competition has been removed.
For the longest time, "America's Next Top Model" has only accepted contestants who are aged 18 to 27. However, continuing her vision of diversity, Banks revealed in a video posted to her social media pages that people older than 27 can now apply to compete.
Additionally, Banks is returning to host the reality show, which now airs on VH1. "America's Next Top Model" has been on the air for 23 seasons, and the legendary model and series co-creator hosted the first 22 of them. British singer Rita Ora hosted the 23rd season.
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"Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize," executive producer Ken Mok said (via Deadline).
Banks left the reality competition after 22 seasons but cited fan support as her reason for coming back.
"I'm overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ANTM fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart," she said, according to Deadline. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn't enough because ANTM is woven into my DNA."
Banks has got quite a busy schedule coming up. The model has also been revealed to be the new host of NBC's "America's Got Talent." However, it just would not be the same without Banks' signature "smize" greeting fans on "America's Next Top Model."
Casting is currently ongoing, and the recent change in age limit is certainly going to widen the pool. However, a minimum age of 18 is required. Aspiring models of all shapes are welcome to apply.
