The New Season of 'America's Next Top Model' Is Looking for the Next 'Boss'
New host Rita Ora. Photo: Courtesy of VH1
"America's Next Top Model" is back for its 23rd cycle, and if Monday night's season premiere is any indication, we're in for another nonstop season of smize. "'America's Next Top Model' is brand new, and all about being a boss," said Rita Ora — the somewhat questionable successor of longtime host Tyra Banks — who will remain on board as executive producer of the show.
Format-wise, the show is largely unchanged. You're still going to get your familiar ANTM fixtures, including the dramatic model makeovers, challenges and unconventional photo shoots. But more so than any previous season, Ora and the panel of judges — comprised of Ashley Graham, Paper Chief Creative Officer Drew Elliott and stylist-slash-image architect (yes, actual title) Law Roach — aren't just looking for the next pretty face. "This competition is revamped," said Ora. "The model today has to be a boss; has to be able to act, move, have a following." And what exactly does it mean to be a boss? It's a word that was uttered approximately one million times during the season premiere, and only represents one-third of the trifecta of qualities the ANTM winner is expected to possess and project: business, boss, brand. Things have certainly changed in the era of the "Instagirls," haven't they?
Previous cycles offered prizes including a modeling contract with Next Model Management, a spread in Nylon and a $100,000 campaign with a major fashion brand. However, Cycle 23 is aiming to secure exposure outside of the fashion industry with a prize of $100,000, a Rimmel London commercial, a Paper magazine editorial and a one-year talent deal with VH1 (ANTM's new network). Tune in Mondays at 10PM ET/PT to see who comes out on top.
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Homepage photo: Courtesy of VH1
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