Breaking ground as one of the most successful African-American supermodels of all time, Tyra Banks has relied on more than just a pretty face to build her brand and secure a place in the media.
Millions of supermodels have taken that leisurely stroll down fashion runways. But not all of them become media tycoons. Who would have thought that a few trips down a catwalk wearing lingerie could catapult a model into supreme stardom? Such was the case for former Victoria’s Secret model, Tyra Banks.
Modeling and acting seem to go hand in hand. But Tyra also parlayed these skills into many lucrative avenues. She is the creator, host, and den-mother on the CW network’s cult phenomenon, “America’s Next Top Model.” The hit program showed women everywhere exactly what it takes to make it in the modeling industry. The show also served as a platform to showcase Tyra’s other hidden talent; many were shocked to realize that the reality show hostess also has an impressive set of singing pipes. But instead of diving into an already saturated music industry, Tyra decided to lend her voice to a greater cause.
In an era where everyone seems to be popping up with a talk show, Tyra Banks cornered the market – securing a thriving base of young female fans wither her daytime hit, “The Tyra Banks Show.” The niche she carved out was firmly based on her dedication to mentoring teen girls; her organization TZONE focuses on helping girls from lower-income families.
Those who sat on Tyra Banks’ talk show sound stage, got the feeling that they were chatting it up with an old girlfriend; this was no accident. She effortlessly fused her experience in the industry with the uncanny ability to make an example of herself. She may have a string of modeling endorsements under her fashionable belt. But by shedding some of the pretenses of the entertainment world, Tyra has successfully managed to convert her name into a sturdy marketing tool.
If there are institutions that consistently produce winners–say, Harvard among universities or Goldman Sachs for investment banking–Victoria’s Secret would be that institution for the modeling industry. The $5.6 billion brand has churned out dozens of supermodels. Everybody knows their faces, their bodies, their names, and some have graduated from modeling into credible acting or entrepreneurial careers. A notable few, such as Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks, have done so with astonishing success. Check out the Victoria Secret Hall of FameClick Here
Well it look like Tyra Banks is calling it quits on the Tyra Show after next season. She recently stated that “This will be the last season of The Tyra Show,” Banks told People.com. “I’ve been loving having fun, coming into your living rooms, bedrooms, hair salons for the past 5 years.”
Banks had been among the names mentioned as potential heirs to the throne being vacated by talk show empress Oprah Winfrey, who announced in late November that she is abandoning The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2011, after 25 years.
Quite honestly I can see her doing well as the new host of the Oprah Show. She would have to change up her formate a bit and her presentation, but the young energy she would bring to the show would be refreshing and could really carry the production into a new era.
According to sources, Tyra Banks’ CW beauty contest (which is experiencing the lowest ratings of its 13 seasons) will get a helping hand from, Kimora Lee Simmons, who Tyra has recruited to serve as a judge next season.
Apparently, the divas have remained friends despite rumors that Kimora was fired after her appearance on the show’s first season.
Kimora, who will fill the seat occupied by celebrity guest judges like Kim Kardashian, Chanel Iman and Jessica White, won’t be the only Type A personality on the bench: Word is that fan favorite J. Alexander is getting bounced back to his original role as runway coach and will be replaced by Vogue editor at large Andre Leon Talley.
According to MSNBC Tyra Banks pulled in $30 million this past year making her the leading lady in prime time television. Banks has proven to be an intelligent business women as she builds a brand thats being recognized worldwide.
“America’s Next Top Model’s” Tyra Banks, who lands atop our list with estimated earnings of $30 million during the 12-month period. The supermodel turned super-personality serves up her unscripted model competition series on the CW as well an eponymous daytime talk show (also on the CW) and frequent cameos (most recently, on “Gossip Girl”). Off camera, Banks acts as a producer on a host of shows, from ABC’s “True Beauty” to the CW’s since-canceled “Stylista.”
Also check out pics from Tyra’s most recent photo shoot; it has to leave you wondering if getting back into supermodel mode. See pics when you read more..
The Clip below is an aerial view of the thousands of young women who came out to New York audition for there chance to become America’s Next Top Model. The over excited crowd turned violent and six people were injured and three arrested. Aside from the melee I couldn’t help but trip off how big this show has become that crowd was enormous. The Next Top Model brand has to be one of if not the biggest reality show on tv today.
The Americas Next Top Model franchise has released a new clothing and accessories line based on the top model show. The line is sold at most Walmart stores. The line includes from fashion bags to cosmetic products up to hand bags. They have also licensed the name of the show to be ran in too many countries to name all over the world, ANTM is in its 13th season and is the CW Network’s highest rated show. Tyra Banks has defiantly leveraged her platform with the show which has taken her to unparallel success in the fashion world.
Alexis Diaz has always been a natural born Actress. From the start of a young age she had participated in plays and competed in talent shows. Always driven she had attended Temple university in Philadelphia, where she received her Bachelors of Arts Degree in theater.MORE
Breaking ground as one of the most successful African-American supermodels of all time, Tyra Banks has relied on more than just a pretty face to build her brand and secure a place in the media.
