Singer Rita Ora is taking over as host of the revamped version of America’s Next Top Model set to air on VH1. The reality television series premiered on May 20, 2003 and had its series finale on December 4, 2015. It originally aired on UPN, whose merger with The WB created The CW in 2006. The program was hosted by supermodel and television personality Tyra Banks, who additionally served as its executive producer and presenter.
While Banks won’t be in front of the camera for the series reboot, she will continue to serve as executive producer. Model Ashley Graham, stylist Law Roach and Paper magazine creative officer Drew Elliott make up the rest of the new judging panel, via EW.
Singer Rita Ora previously served on the judging panels for the U.K.’s The Voice and The X Factor. Graham is best known as the first plus-sized model to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition. Roach’s styling credits include Celine Dion and Ariana Grande, and Drew Elliott was the brain behind Kim Kardashian’s “Break the Internet” Paper magazine cover.
Banks unveiled the new judging panel to USA Today and teased the new season, saying, “It’s no longer just about having the highest cheekbones and best pout and the best hair. My goal is to really get into these girls’ heads that I’m not looking for some successful model and I’m not looking for some social-media star. I’m looking for both. I’m looking for a hybrid, because that’s where the world is.”
Deaf male model Nyle DiMarco won cycle 22 of ANTM, the last season to air on The CW, before VH1 acquired the franchise. The 23rd cycle will return to its original format of featuring all-female contestants.
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