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Tyra Banks

FASHION IS A BEAUTIFUL THING

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Visit cwtv.com/shows/americas-next-top-modelTyra Lynne Banks (born December 4, 1973) is an African-American television personality, author, actress, singer, executive producer, talk show host, and former supermodel. She is well known for her role as the host and judge of the reality television show America's Next Top Model. Banks is widely recognized as one of the world's premier fashion models, and was one of the original Victoria's Secret Angels. Banks also currently hosts her own daytime talk show The Tyra Banks Show.Tyra Banks was born in Los Angeles, California, USA to Don Banks and Carolyn London. She was raised in Inglewood, California with her brother Devin, and attended Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girl, independent Catholic private school in Los Angeles. Growing up, she was very thin and often teased; she was considered to be "ugly." Banks later said that this was a very difficult period for her and she developed a "very strong self-image problem."In 1991, Banks was about to begin her freshman year at Loyola Marymount University when Elite Model Management gave the 17-year-old her first modeling job. Prior to this entry into the fashion world, Banks had been rejected several times for modeling assignments. In fact, she states that she did not consider her first job to be the start of a long career in fashion: "An agent saw pictures of me and said that I was the only girl she wanted to take back to Paris... I didn't leave thinking I was going to be some big fashion model. I just wanted to make money for college."[3] a leadership program created by Banks for young girls that according to the organization, "reinforces core values of trust and support, challenges teen girls to resist negative social pressures, and enhances self-empowerment—inspiring girls to become confident leaders in their communities." She has also established the Tyra Banks Scholarship, a fund aimed at providing African-American girls the opportunity to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School.Banks retired from modeling in May 2005. She made her final walk down the runway at the 2005 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Banks said the reason she retired from the runway was so she could concentrate more on her television show. She also has admitted to a fear of dolphins, a fear which she attempted to face on her talk show, but said in a chat interview that she hadn't fully conqueredBanks' television career began on the fourth season of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, in which she played Jackie Ames, Will's ex-girlfriend. She also appeared on Felicity. She once starred in an episode of MADtv. Banks has also starred as the fictitious brought to life doll 'Eve' in the Disney film Life-Size, along side Lindsay Lohan. She also appeared on Nick Cannon's Wild 'N Out, as a special guest host / team captain. She also was a Barker's Beauty on The Price Is Right.She is now the executive producer, host and head judge of the hit TV show America's Next Top Model. She also currently hosts The Tyra Banks Show, a daytime talk show which premiered on September 12, 2005 and recently began its second season. The show now draws over 1.9 million viewers. The show features stories about everyday people mixed in with celebrity interviews, much like the early format of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Under the slogan "Every woman has a story", Banks promotes her show using emotional flashbacks to her own childhood and adolescence. Many of the episodes deal with issues facing women todayBanks appeared in Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video in a scene where Glen Chin morphs into her; in George Michael's "Too Funky" video (with fellow supermodel Linda Evangelista); and in a Lionel Richie video. In 2004, she recorded her first single, "Shake Ya Body", which had a music video featuring the America's Next Top Model, Cycle 2 contestants. The video had its world premiere on UPN, but the single was a failure for Banks. On her show, she commented to Carmen Electra, "Girl, that makes the two of us with music videos that people didn't like."[citation needed]Though "Shake Ya Body" was a failure, record producer Darkchild told JET in 2004 that "[Banks] has what it takes to pull it off...she had a hungriness to want to be in the studio all the time. Some people want to be divas in the studio and work for three or four hours. You had to tell Tyra to stop or she will keep you going. She's a consummate professional."[4] As for her voice, Jerkins stated, "People will be shocked. She can really sing, she's like between soprano and high alto. I challenged her vocally. I pushed her, but not too far. I pushed her where vocally it fit the track."[4]Banks released a single with NBA star Kobe Bryant, titled "K.O.B.E.", which was performed on NBA TV, and had a single/soundtrack from the Disney movie Life-Size called "Be A Star". She also sang in the musical/movie "Eight CrazyBanks has had minor roles in a few movies over the years. Her debut in movies came in 1995 when she co-starred in the critically acclaimed drama Higher Learning. She also co-starred with Lindsay Lohan in the Disney film Life-Size, playing a doll named Eve who comes to life. She co-starred in 1999's Love Stinks, 2000s Coyote Ugly, and 2002's Halloween: Resurrection – the eighth film in the Halloween franchiseBanks has been romantically involved with a number of public figures (including director John Singleton, investment banker Craig Davis, basketball player Chris Webber, and musician Seal), though she has stated that she prefers to date non-celebrities, as she strongly dislikes and wishes to avoid the intense pressure and media scrutiny that come with being in a relationship with another famous person.On May 8, 2006, Banks was named as one of the world's 100 most influential people by TIME magazine.She has an extreme phobia of dolphins, a fear she faced in her daytime talk show.[5] Banks recently stated that she would not allow any future photographs of herself to be digitally touched up; rather, she will rely solely on makeup and hairstyling to enhance her appearance.[citation needed]Pictures released in late 2006 showed a significant weight gain; Banks said that she was "upset" when rude comments were posted on a gossip website.[1] Because of this, Banks went to People magazine to discuss the weight gain and people's expectations of her;[1] she also dealt with the issue on the February 1, 2007 episode of The Tyra Banks Show. On that episode, Banks wore the same bathing suit in the photo to show that the reason why she looked so fat was because of the angle of the photo and angle of her waistline. She later appeared on Larry King Live to talk about the news. Fans of shock jocks Opie and Anthony and Jim "Monster Rain" Norton, known as Pests Out West, posted a sign calling Banks a "Fatty Pig Fatty" right outside of her studio in California.[6] In addition, several tabloids such as the National Enquirer have begun referring to Banks as "Spare Tyra", a jab at her weight gain.Tyra continues to address fat acceptance on her show, most recently hiring plus-sized actress Danielle Fishel as a special correspondent in February 2007.According to the December 5, 2006 edition of Entertainment Tonight, she wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up.Banks also works as a photographer and a motivational speaker for young girls in her spare time.During her career, Banks always had a wish of becoming a mother, but her professional life didn't allow her to have children; she had little time for herself. She has said that she needs to be in a 'place' in her life where she is balanced and prepared for such a big step
http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics - MySpace Layouts The hit dramality series "America's Next Top Model" features Tyra Banks and gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. The series follows a group of young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes, who live together and vie for a modeling contract.The dramality exposes the transformation of everyday young women into potentially fierce supermodels, as they face weekly tests that determine who can make the cut. With mentoring by supermodel Tyra Banks and exposure to high-profile fashion-industry gurus, the finalists compete in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp, a crash course to supermodel fame.Participants are asked to demonstrate both inner and outer beauty as they learn to master complicated catwalks, intense physical fitness, fashion photo shoots and perfect publicity skills, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the "America's Next Top Model" cameras that chronicle every move.Banks leads the panel of judges for cycle 7 of "America's Next Top Model" which includes living fashion icon Twiggy, runway expert J. Alexander and photographer Nigel Barker, who will conduct regular evaluations to narrow the field from week to week. In addition, special guest judges will appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Anthony Dominici ("Amazing Race"). The dramality series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. "America's Next Top Model" is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.
http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics - MySpace Layouts J Alexander Runway Expert / Judge ''America's Next Top Model''J. Alexander began his career gracing the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier in New York City. After a modeling stint in Tokyo, he eventually decided to settle in Paris, and since 1991, is a preferred contact for casting and coaching runway models for well-known designers, including Valentino, Galliano, Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Nina Ricci.His compassion for beginning models and ability to easily improve elegance and movement on the catwalk, combined with his outlandish sense of style, has put him in high demand in the world of fashion and modeling.Alexander's studio is a frequent stop for television, newspaper and magazine journalists looking to capture his unique talent and secrets of runway success. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling the world for modeling competitions and charity events Nigel BarkerJudge ''America's Next Top Model'Nigel Barker was born in London and educated in the English countryside. His introduction to the fashion industry was in the mid-1980s when he appeared on “The Clothes Show,” a televised model search in England. This launched his successful modeling career, which took him all over the world working for Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Gaultier, Kenzo, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren.After a decade in front of the camera, Barker followed his dream to become a photographer and moved to the other side of the lens. By 1996, Barker had launched his own photo studio, Studio NB, in Manhattan's fashionable meat packing district.Barker's work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Oyster, Interview, Paper Mag, (t)here, Black & White, Instinct, Zink, Angeleno and Playboy, among others. Barker's clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nicole Miller, Gortex and Bulgari, to list a few.Barker has been a great help to many models over the years, carefully nurturing their careers while satisfying clients with his keen eye for casting the perfect person for each project. Because of his background, Barker brings a unique sensitivity to the relationships he forms with his subjects. He plays the role of a director, pouring his energy into coaxing out the inner beauty in every subject he shoots.He currently resides in New York with his wife, Cristen. TwiggyJudge ''America's Next Top Model''A native of North London, Twiggy became a living icon in the fashion world in the mid-1960s. At age 17, Twiggy was internationally known as thA native of North London, Twiggy became a living icon in the fashion world in the mid-1960s. At age 17, Twiggy was internationally known as the world's first teenage supermodel. During her modeling career, she graced the covers of virtually every fashion magazine in the world, including Vogue, Elle, McCall's, Seventeen and Newsweek.After officially retiring from modeling in 1970, Twiggy became an actress in film, stage and television. Her film credits include “The Boyfriend,” “The Doctor and the Devils,” “Madam Sousatzka” and “The Blues Brothers.” Her television credits include “The Little Match Girl,” “Young Charlie Chapman” and her own ITV chat shows “Twiggy's People” and “Take Time with Twiggy.”She won two Golden Globe Awards for her role in Ken Russell's film “The Boyfriend” and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the award-winning Gershwin musical “My One and Only.” She has also recorded several albums from country pop to Broadway musicals. Her latest, “Midnight Blue,” was released in 2004.Twiggy is an ardent supporter of animal welfare, an anti-fur campaigner and is known for her support of breast cancer research groups.She currently resides in London with her husband actor/director Leigh Lawson. They have two adult children. Jay ManuelCreative Director/ Producer of Photo Shoots ''America's Next Top Model''Jay Manuel made his debut on the first cycle of “America’s Next Top Model” as the poignant makeup artist and photo director who offered his sharp tongue, color commentary and industry expertise to help transform the girls from bland to glam.Manuel is no stranger to “the business of managing the aesthetic,” as he calls it. His renowned makeup skills are always in high demand by the likes of Tyra Banks, Alicia Silverstone, Jennifer Lopez, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Mya, Kim Cattrall, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Vanessa L. Williams, Jada Pinkett Smith, Pink, Emily Watson, Bridget Moynahan, Angela Bassett, Natalie Cole, David Bowie, Rupert Everett, Patti LaBelle, Toni Braxton, Rosario Dawson and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon.Manuel's unique vision extends much further, having designed ad campaigns and provided stunning conceptual direction for various fashion editorials. His collaborations with legendary photographers Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz and Francesco Scavullo have enhanced the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire and the Victoria's Secret catalog.
http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics - MySpace LayoutsNew Grand Prize Includes Contracts with Elite Model Management, CoverGirl and Seventeen MagazineIn addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year's prize package will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen Magazine.During this cycle, the 13 participants live together and ferociously vie for the grand prize competing in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp. The participants abilities are tested each week as they strive to master the runway, fashion photo shoots, perfect publicity skills and learn the business aspects of becoming a supermodel, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the "America's Next Top Model" cameras. Throughout the series, supermodel Tyra Banks, art director of photo shoots Jay Manuel and runway guru J. Alexander mentor the participants.Banks leads the panel of "America's Next Top Model" judges, comprised of leading fashion industry experts, including supermodel Twiggy, photographer Nigel Barker and runway expert J. Alexander, who closely evaluate the progress of the models to narrow the field each week. In addition, special guest judges appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

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Television:

America’s Next Top Model (often shortened to Top Model or abbreviated as ANTM) is a competitive reality television show created by supermodel Tyra Banks. The first "cycle" premiered in May 2003 and was one of UPN's highest rated shows. The show's seventh cycle was the first of the shows among regular programming on UPN's successor network, The CW, and thus far is the fledgling network's highest rated series[1][2]. The opening theme is sung by Tyra Banks and is produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Banks co-produces the show with Ken Mok and Anthony Dominici.America's Next Top Model puts contestants against each other in a variety of competitions to determine who will win a $100,000 modeling contract with makeup manufacturer CoverGirl. Most cycles' prizes have also included a photo spread in Elle, and representation by Ford Models; the seventh cycle prize includes coverage in Seventeen and representation by Elite Models.For the premiere season, the show was hosted by Tyra Banks, who also served as one of the four judges with Kimora Lee Simmons, Beau Quillian, and Janice Dickinson (who was always proclaimed as one of the world's first supermodels). By the second season, only Tyra and Janice remained judges. Subsequent seasons' judges have included former fashion model and fashion photographer Nigel Barker and fashion editor and stylist Nole Marin. After season four, Janice (amid rumors of personality conflicts with some other judges) and Marin were replaced by Twiggy, who had attained modeling fame in the 1960s, and Miss J. Alexander, who had been the show's runway coach since the first cycle; Dickinson has continued to make intermittent guest appearances on the show after leaving the judging panel, giving advice to the contestants. The contestants are also coached through photo-shoots by Jay Manuel, a photo stylist. Jay is nicknamed Mr. J as opposed to J. Alexander's Miss J.Each season of America's Next Top Model has from ten to fourteen episodes and starts with ten to fourteen contestants. Generally, one contestant is eliminated per episode (though there have been cases of a double elimination or no elimination) by consensus of the judging panel. Makeovers are administered to contestants early in the season (usually after the first elimination in finals), and a trip to an international destination is scheduled at about two-thirds' way through the season.Each episode of Top Model, covering the events of roughly a week of real time, features a fashion challenge, photo shoot or commercial, judging, and critique of each contestant and her performance by the panel led by Tyra Banks, and the elimination of one or more contestants. Each episode is usually associated with a theme in the world of modeling, such as dealing with the press in interviews, selling a commercial product, or appearing in a runway show.An episode usually begins with the contestants receiving training in an area concurrent with the week's theme. For example, contestants may get coached in runway walking, improvisational acting, or applying make-up to suit various occasions. A related challenge soon follows, such as a mock runway show or interview, and a winner is chosen by a judge. She receives some prize, such as clothing, a night out, or an advantage at the next photo shoot, and she is usually allowed to share the benefits with a certain number of other contestants of her choice.The next segment is a photo shoot, and each contestant's performance will reflect heavily on her judging for that week. Each season features photo shoots such as bikini or lingerie shots, beauty shots, posing nude or semi-nude, posing with a male model, and posing with an animal. Usually one photo shoot per season is replaced with a commercial shoot, though in one episode of Cycle 2, the remaining contestants appeared in Tyra's music video for "Shake Ya Body" in lieu of a photo shoot.The final segment of each episode is judging. During judging, contestants are often given a challenge in some area such as posing, selling a product, runway walking, or choosing a representative outfit or make-up look to satisfy a given prompt. Then each contestant's photo is shown and evaluated by the judging panel. After all photos have been evaluated, the contestants leave the room as the judges deliberate. The elimination process is ceremonious, as Tyra reveals and hands out the photos of the contestants that have not been eliminated one-by-one, each time saying, "You are still in the running towards becoming America's Next Top Model." The last two contestants who have not received their photos are brought up as "the bottom two," and Tyra critiques each one before revealing which of the two has been eliminated. However, there have been two exceptions, as Cycle 4 had a double elimination, and in Cycle 5, both of the bottom two were spared. The format varies slightly when only three contestants remain. In the series finale, the three remaining aspiring models compete in one last photo shoot or commercial, followed by a judging session in which the judges eliminate the contestant they feel to be the weakest. The final two then compete in a runway show in front of the judges, and both their performance there and during the entire competition is considered when the judges declare a winner. The Tyra Banks Show is an American daytime talk show hosted by former supermodel and current America's Next Top Model host Tyra Banks. It premiered on September 12, 2005 and is filmed in front of a live audience at CBS Television City in Los Angeles. While the show covers a variety of topics, there is a significant focus on current issues facing women. The show is aired in many countries, and is also available on XM Satellite Radio's Take Five channel in both the United States and Canada. As of December 18, the show was renewed another two seasons through the 2008-09 season.In the show's first month on-air, a notable episode featured Banks undergoing a sonogram to prove that her breasts are real. In November 2005, Banks went undercover as a 350-pound woman to show people the experience of weight discrimination; she later said that the reactions of people on the street as well as those of three prearranged blind dates made the experience "one of the most heartbreaking days of her life". In March 2006, Banks went undercover into a strip club in an attempt to understand the men who patronize these clubs. She was set to perform but opted out right before her scheduled performance. In May 2006, Banks went to a maximum security prison to meet some of the female inmates to learn about their experiences. As a visitor, she was subjected to all tests and searches that prisoners undergo, including a public and invasive strip search. On the show, she said it was "one of the hardest things she had ever had to go through." Banks also interviewed prisoners who had been released during her day at the prison. In November 2006, Banks put on a "panty party" show in which she stripped down to her bra and underwear, after which the entire audience took off their robes and revealed their own lingerie. 1 In November 2006, Banks held her second annual Plus size model search titled "Thick and Sexy Top Model". Maggie Brown won the contest that included a year contract with Wilhelmina Models, a shopping spree at Lane Bryant and a spread in Bombshell Magazine. Other themes of episodes have included an interview with white and black girls being treated differently and subsequent shows have dealt with similarly racially charged issues. In an episode that aired on November 8, 2005 Banks confronted supermodel Naomi Campbell in an effort to publicly end their 15-year feud. Banks revealed that she was afraid of Naomi and that she shook with fear when they were in the same room. Banks asked the studio audience to leave for the interview so she could face Naomi one-on-one. The pair successfully made up. In one episode, Banks interviewed several workers from a legal brothel, and showed real footage of one of these prostitutes lying in bed with a client discussing price options. Another notable show featured Banks confronting members of Reverend Fred Phelps's anti-gay family to explore the issue of homophobia. When tabloids released a few photographs of Tyra "40 pounds heavier in 2 months", she appeared on the show wearing the same bathing suit as in the photograph and defended that she was not fat (also stating that there is nothing wrong with fat). She ended by saying "Kiss My Fat Ass", extended to those who make these inquires about other women. The second of Tyra's new shows in depicted Banks's experience as she underwent yet another physical transformation through make up and prosthetics to turn her into a man for an undercover assignment. On February 19, 2007 Tyra revealed the photos shot in the Bahamas to celebrate her milestone of being the first black woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated (Swimsuit Edition) in 1997. Tyra infamously touched Katherine McPhee's breasts to see if they're natural. She asked for permission before examining.
Videos by VMIX Member: Tyra Banks Show

My Blog

15 Rules You Should Ignore.

"15 Rules You Should Completely Ignore" ...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:10:00 PST

Is It Okay To Have Sex On The First Date.

Is it Okay To Have Sex on the First Date? The first rule of dating is never have sex on the first date. And the second rule of dating? Never, ever have sex on the first date. But after the ladies fr...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 04:08:00 PST

Americas Next Top Model Merchandise.

..> America..'s Next Top Model Black Cap ..>   America's Next Top Model Rhinestone Tank  America's Next Top Model "I am Woman" T-Shirt  America's Next Top Model Reversible Tote ...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 05:16:00 PST

ANTM Cycle 9 Opening Photos.

  ...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 06:27:00 PST

ANTM Casting Dates

..> ..>       ..> CASTING CALL INFORMATION DATE LOCATION August 25, 2007 Chicago, ILCrowne Plaza HotelChicago-Metro733 West MadisonChicago, IL 6066111:00am - 4:00pm*...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:42:00 PST

ANTM Cycle 9 Girls.

Name: AmbrealOccupation: College StudentAge: 19Hometown: Dallas, TexasName: BiancaOccupation: College StudentAge: 18Hometown: Queens, New YorkName: ChantalOccupation: StudentAge: 19Hometown: Austin, T...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 02:40:00 PST

Are You A Teen Who Needs a Tailored by Tyra Room Makeover

"Are You A Teen Who Needs a "Tailored by Tyra" Room Makeover?" ...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:45:00 PST

Do You Want What Tyra Wears?

I know a lot of you like the clothes I wear on the show, so if you see a dress you like that i wear on the Tyra show, then go to TYRASHOW.COM, and get it....
Posted by Tyra Banks on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:09:00 PST

ANTM Cycle 9 Sneek Peek.

  Shooting the girls at the great wall, in china. ...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 04:46:00 PST

ANTM Casting Dates, Cities, Times.

GO TO CWTV.COM TO DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS. ..> CASTING CALL INFORMATION DATE LOCATION August 3rd, 2007 Pittsburgh, PAMall at Robinson100 Robinson Centre DrivePittsburgh, PA 1520512:00pm - 6...
Posted by Tyra Banks on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:26:00 PST