Source: CBS

Tyra will not be left behind. While folks have been trying to convince Vogue to expand their brand to Africa, Tyra Banks and CBS Studios International have recognized that the future is in Africa and have subsequently expanded the America’s Next Top Model franchise to Africa.

Africa’s Next top model will launch in Cape Town, South Africa and eventually travel to Johannesburg. The show, will host 12 models from several countries including, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Angola and Tanzania.. Like the original, these models will participate in various challenges over 10 episodes until a winner is chosen.

Internationally renowned Nigerian supermodel, Oluchi Onweagba Orlandi will stand in Tyra’s place as the show’s host and mentor. Orlandi who was discovered at the age of 17, has appeared on the covers of Elle and Italian Vogue. She;s also been featured in Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret.

Orlandi believes the show will become a cultural phenomenon following in the footsteps of the original.

In the CBS press release, Orlandi said: “I am excited to be hosting Africa’s Next Top Model and it is great to be part of the successful America’s Next Top Model franchise that Tyra Banks created and has hosted for an impressive 20 cycles thus far in the U.S. The African version of the franchise is long overdue and I expect the show to be a smashing success across the continent.”

Africa is the fourth continent to get a top model franchise. The show airs in 36 countries including Brazil, Canada, China and Italy.

This is some exciting news! We might not be able to watch it live on the tube but I personally will be trying to peep it the internet I know it’ll be beautiful.

Source

Source: WENN

Tyra Banks

CALLING: Model and mogul

WHY WE’RE SALUTING HER:

Tyra Banks ushered in a new type of model when she hung up her angel wings and showed the world you can have a nice body and an even more stellar brain in the modeling industry.

Tyra began pursuing a career in modeling when she was just 15 years old. She was rejected by six modeling agencies before eventually being signed by Elite Model Management at age 16.  Not long after, Tyra  got the opportunity to model in Europe so she put college on hold and moved to Milan. In her very first runway season, she was booked for 25 shows during the 1991 Paris fashion week, walking the runways for Chanel,Valentino, and Fendi. Tyra was also featured in advertising campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, and Nike, and covered several magazines. She was the  first African American woman to cover GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and in 1997 she became the first-ever African American chosen for the cover of the Victoria’s Secret catalog.

Tyra modeled as a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1997 to 2005 before hanging up her angel wings and focusing more on television and film. Tyra started her own production company, Bankable Productions, which produced The Tyra Banks Show, America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) and the 2008 movie The Clique. ANTM is now in it’s 19th season and airs in 170 different countries and regions internationally. From 2005-2010, Tyra also hosted the daytime talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, which won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2008 for her work and production, and a second one in 2009 for outstanding, informative talk show.

In 2011, Tyra became a New York Times Bestselling author after publishing her first novel, Modelland.  That same year, she enrolled in the nine-week Owner/President Manager Program at Harvard Business School’s open-enrollment extension school, where she earned a certificate after completing the Executive Education Training Program in February 2012.

Harvard Certificate under her belt, Tyra is now focusing on building up her TZONE program, which  she started in 1999. Aimed at leadership and life skills development, Tyra placed her office headquarters within the Lower Eastside Girls Club’s new Center for Community so that teens and adolescents could see the businesswoman hard at work. The television mogul is also working on a new sitcom, Fivehead, based on her life as an awkward teenager growing up in Inglewood. 

For never taking herself too seriously, but being serious about the business of uplifting young girls, we salute Tyra Banks.

Click here to meet all of our salutes

As much as we know about Naomi Campbell, from the diva status she has incurred over the years, to her penchant for violence in the past, if she were an everyday sista that lived around the corner from you, you would probably not have very many nice things to say about ‘ol girl. But there’s something so awesome about Naomi Campbell when she steps in front of a camera that makes you forget all about her past drama, at least for a second, and say, “Now THAT’S a bad chick!” And at 42? To look this fabulous, you have to give the woman props, whether you’re a fan of her or not.

The iconic model sat down with ELLE magazine’s Mickey Rapkin to talk about her new reality TV show, The Face, her admiration of Tyra Banks (any other opinions about her she’s learned to keep to herself), and her hope to move forward from the negative rep she has due to past anger issues.

The Face, which will premiere on Oxygen (the same channel which is working so hard for Shawty Lo and his 11 baby mothers), is set to jump in the fashion and modeling reality TV ring, bringing in some of fashion’s biggest names right now, including Campbell, model Coca Rocha, and Karolina Kurkova. While always looked at as a diva, Campbell wants people to know that the show is about mentoring up-and-coming models so that they can compete against one another for a modeling contract. Clearly these young women will be learning from the best. When asked why she wanted to take part in the program, Na Na had this to say:

“Because it was done for me! When I first got Yves Saint Laurent Couture, I didn’t know how to take off a cape. I would ask Katoucha and Dalma—the real divas of the runway—‘Can you show me?’ I’ve never been afraid to ask for help. I care for my girls. Every single one of them. I’m not here to put anyone down.”

Campbell also talked about the other modeling reality shows that are out, and when that conversation came up, she shut down any questions about Tyra Banks before they could be asked (the author pointed out that she never asked her anything about her formal rival). Coincidentally, she’s working with Nigel Barker on the show, who used to be a judge on America’s Next Top Model:

“I don’t watch the other reality model shows. I’ll never have anything to say. If you ask me about Tyra Banks. I’m proud of her as a woman of color. She’s given girls opportunity, and God bless her.”

And as for her cell-slinging past, Naomi acknowledges that she made a mistake and would like to move forward, however, she like most people, knows that it’s something that’s going to affect the way people look at her from now on, no matter what she tries to do to get past it.

“I’m never gonna get away from it. It’s part of my history. I was remorseful and regretful. I’ve served. I did that time. And I never want to be in that position again.”

You can actually check out the full interview where Campbell talks about the blood diamond scandal people tried to pull her in (she allegedly accepted diamonds from the former president of Liberia), as well as her bucket list, inspired by the likes of the late Alexander McQueen. Also, check out more fierce photos from her ELLE shoot on the next piz-age.

Source: Jezebel.com

Consider this your “Don’t do drugs” PSA for the day.

A former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant who we haven’t seen in a long time is headed back to our television sets, but this time the reason is not so pleasant. Jael Strauss, who participated in the 8th cycle of Tyra Banks’ model competition, is set to appear on an intervention-style episode of “Dr. Phil” tomorrow when her family confronts her about her addiction to methamphetamine

The biracial tough-girl from Detroit has been addicted to meth for six years, which means she was doing drugs while she was apart of the ANTM cast in 2007. The 28-year-old was even informed that one of her friends had died of a drug overdose while taping the show, but the sad news wasn’t enough to curb her own addiction as viewers will learn when they watch her on the “Dr. Phil” show tomorrow.

From the clip, it appears Jael still may not be ready to face her demons as she hesitates, and possibly even refuses, to come on the stage and discuss her issues with her family and Dr. Phil in front of the audience. Let’s hope a detox clinic and a drug-free lifestyle is in her future as Jael realizes not only how drugs have affected her physically, as we all can tell, but also mentally and emotionally.

Do you remember Jael from ANTM?

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Some…most reality television stars are a dime a dozen. Producers find these people on the streets, on the Internet or audition rooms, and no matter if they have talent or not, they are suddenly on your television screen, intruding into your home, and forcing you to ride along on their journeys to be models, singers or millionaires.

But for those few who are talented, and manage to extend that 15-minute window wide, they achieve true celebrity, earn real money and garner awards for their talent. Notorious celebrities from “The Apprentice,” “Flavor of Love,” “America’s Next Top Model” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” have been taking strides to remove the word ‘reality’ from the title ‘Reality Stars.’

eurweb.com

Nene Leakes

The Queens, New York native initially gained fame in 2008, cumulatively earning more than 3 million as a lead player on the show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” –and was further popularized on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Nowadays, Leakes is busier than ever, achieving a reoccurring role as Coach Roz on the hit television show “Glee” and pushing shoes and wine. She recently turned down a featured spot on “Celebrity Apprentice All Stars,” but will be appearing on a new sitcom this fall on NBC called, “The New Normal.” Recently featured in The Wall Street Journal, Leakes has also just had a grandchild and is looking for a possible spin-off reality show under the patented name, “I Dream of Nene.”

Source: Zap 2 it and overoll.com

We knew things were going to be mixed up on the next season of “America’s Next Top Model” when Tyra gave everybody and their makeup artist pink slips, but adding Tyler Perry and Alicia Keys to the mix seems a tad odd even for the eccentric Tyra Banks. TV Guide says it’s happening though.

In true supermodel fashion, Banks will be accompanied by some famous guests — Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys will be a mentor to the aspiring models in one episode, and Tyler Perry will also make an appearance.

“Tyler Perry comes on and gives the contestants an acting challenge,” says Banks. “The winner of that acting challenge is actually going to be in a Tyler Perry movie.”

I feel the Madea hate brewing already.

Though I don’t recall Alicia dabbling in modeling much, if at all, perhaps she can give the ladies some advice on staying level headed in the industry. Lord knows that’s a lesson it’s never too early to learn.

The next cycle of ANTM airs in a couple of weeks on Friday, August 24. Will you tune in?

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Source: topnews.in

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Source: antm411.com

Back in the day we used to have jokes on Zack, the lone black Mighty Morphin Power Ranger on the kids TV show, but the reality of there only being room for one black star on the show isn’t so funny when it’s a blatant racist practice. That’s what “America’s Next Top Model” contestant and aspiring actress Sundai Love alleged when she sent out this tweet earlier this month:

That’s a bold claim, right? Once you get past the shock of realizing the Power Rangers is still a viable franchise, that emotion quickly turns to anger and frustration over the alleged discriminatory practices of the television show. But as Oh No They Didn’t points out, its pretty much par for the course for the show’s original producers,  Saban Entertainment:

“As many of you have heard before, back in the original season of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, fans questioned why the Black Ranger had to be African-American and the Yellow Ranger had to be Asian. Saban seemed to try to rectify that by switching the roles in season 2 of MMPR, but it didn’t go unnoticed. There is a good chance that this [is] unintentional on their part. Mistakes do happen. And, the Power Rangers franchise itself has seen a lot of change in the casting of different actors from different backgrounds in various roles.

“But, this recent incident sparks the question as to why there needs to be a certain quota of certain races in the cast of multi-colored spandex heroes. Being told that you have not been chosen because you weren’t right for the specific part or that another actor seemed a better fit for the role is one thing, its a part of the trade. You’re vying for a spot on a show against hundreds of other actors. Only one person can take that role. But, to be told that you were good but were not cast because there is another person on-board who is of the same race as you is completely wrong and inexcusable.”

Saban would likely never cop to the “only one negro allowed” quota, neither would BVS Entertainment or SCG Power Rangers, LLC, the companies that have since taken over production of the show, but sometimes you don’t need anyone to confirm what’s already in front of you. The proof is already in the non-diverse actor’s pudding.

What do you thin about Sundai Love’s claim or why she didn’t get the Power Rangers role? Is it likely true?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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Back when “America’s Next Top Model” debuted on UPN (yes, UPN…THROWBACK!), it was something fresh and fun for those just getting into the whole reality TV thing. The year was 2003. Almost 10 years later and the show has become a tad bit stale, so much so that they had to fire three fan favorite cast members recently to keep the fire going. But when it was hot, it was very entertaining. My only real issue with the show would be the fact that even the winners of the show (with the exception of Eva Pigford) would pretty much fall into obscurity when they were supposed to turning into the “Top” of the top models. What’s that about!? Either way, we found out what a few of them were doing and thought we’d share. And yes, we’ve done something like this before last year, but we’ve got some different faces off of the milk carton. And as always, be ready to click-ity click.

Source: fanpop.com

Naima Mora

Sadly, it might be easy to forget Naima Mora. Though she was the winner of Cycle 4, the model, who is African American, Irish, Native American and Mexican, was pretty quiet and the perfect example of an introvert. Don’t let that mohawk fool you. But that didn’t keep her from being a fan favorite (winning fan voted “CoverGirl of the week” EVERY week) and impressing the judges to take the fancy CoverGirl contract, contract with Ford Models and spread in Elle. Since then, Mora did some TV work (“Veronica Mars”), she’s  done her share of print work in big name magazines (US Weekly,  IN Touch, and Teen People among many others), and done some independent film work. But for a few years now, Mora has taken a break from all the posing and giving good face to show off her vocal talents as the lead singer for the bands, Chewing Pics (which disbanded in 2009) and Galaxy of Tar. I don’t know if those names would intrigue me enough to go to listen to their music, but do your thing boo!

Source: myfilmtrailer.eu

We were so upset over the news that “America’s Next Top Model” wasn’t going to be keeping our friends (in our minds, of course) judge Nigel Barker, creative consultant Jay Manuel, and fabulous cat walk expert and judge J. Alexander. But this new addition might soften the blow! In place of English photographer and judge Nigel Barker will be the popular male model, Rob Evans. We’ve been talking about this guy’s looks for months now (check out our past “Evening Eye Candy” on him), so it’s going to be nice to see the fresh faced Brit model doing his thing with Tyra and co. Evans has a great catalog of work, including walking in fashion shows for big fashion houses like Givenchy, and he’s got mad body thanks to his years as a boxer. On the show, he will be not only judging the models on their challenges and photographs, but he’ll also be getting to know the contestants a little better by taking them out. He told E! News, “Because I’m young and I’m a model and I’m gonna be the same age group as some of the girls, they want me to take the girls out, have fun with them.” Well all right.

On top of the addition of Evans in Nigel’s spot, stylist Johnny Wujek will be the new creative consultant on the show in place of icy-blonde Jay Manuel. Wujek has been the stylist for singer Katy Perry for years, and now he’ll be coaching the models and helping with contests and shoots on the show. Banks seems pretty geeked about her new additions, as she tweeted recently: “Welcome the fab Johnny Wujek & fine Rob Evans to the CW’s ANTM! Excited for some cuh-ray-zee challenges. Start practicin’ ur booty tooch!”

In the meantime, check out more photos of fine a** Mr. Evans.

Source: http://www.mostbeautifulman.com

 

Source: lipstickalley

Source: defglam.com

Do you think these new castmembers and way of voting will help the show?

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