Tyra Banks: Two New Hosting Gigs
NBC has announced that Tyra Banks, creator and executive producer of “America’s Next Top Model,” will be replacing Nick Cannon as host when the series returns for Season 12. Tyra is also back in as the host of TV’s “America’s Next Top Model.”
“Tyra is the complete package: Out-of-this-world talented, funny, brilliant and all heart. In whatever she has done, she has always connected with audiences around the world,” said Paul Telegdy, president of NBC Entertainment’s alternative and reality group. “Her vivacious spirit will infuse ’AGT’ in a big way.”
The move fills the vacancy after Cannon’s sudden departure from the series last month.
In a lengthy February Facebook post, Cannon announced that he would be leaving “AGT” after a dispute with network executives over a joke in his recent Showtime comedy special.
“I now have to set out on a journey of freedom as an artist,” wrote Cannon. “So I wish ’AGT’ and NBC the best in its upcoming season but I can not see myself returning.”
Banks returns to the realm of reality television after hosting “America’s Next Top Model” from 2003 to 2015, when it was canceled by the CW. When the series was revived a year later on VH1, Banks returned only as executive producer, with Rita Ora replacing her.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible,” Banks said in a statement released Sunday. “I love how ‘AGT’ brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true.”
Now in production, the next season of “AGT” will return this summer.
Rita Ora is out and Tyra Banks is back in as the host of TV’s “America’s Next Top Model.”
VH1 announced March 16th that Banks will return to the reality show next season. Production is also set to begin this summer.
Banks created “America’s Next Top Model” in 2003 and served as both executive producer and host until last year, when Ora was named the new host.
Fellow executive producer Ken Mok said that Banks’ absence was “deeply felt” by the show’s fans.
Banks said they inspired her to “have a change of heart” and return as host.