UPDATE! 10:23 P.M. EST: There is NO bad blood between Tyra and Rita, as Miz Ora will use this opportunity to focus on her music career!
Mizz @ritaora, you exemplify Business Boss Brand to the fullest! Thank you for all the amazingness you brought to ANTM 💋
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) March 16, 2017
@tyrabanks Thank you Tyra! Was such an honour and pleasure being on your show. Everyone welcome Tyra back!!
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) March 16, 2017
I love you!!! https://t.co/yYJ5YC9Vv9
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) March 16, 2017
Love to you all for amazing ride! Cannot wait for you all to hear my new music ❤️🎶😊
— Rita Ora (@RitaOra) March 16, 2017
Words can’t describe how much FUN I had hosting this show for you – it was such an honour – I grew up watching and loving the show it was a dream come true and I can’t wait for you to hear my new album! It’s TIME PEOPLE!!! Love the whole ANTM cast and crew and good luck for the future!! Love you @tyrabanks ├ó┬¥┬ñ├ó┬¥┬ñ├ó┬¥┬ñA post shared by Rita Ora (@ritaora) on Mar 16, 2017 at 3:30pm PDT
Tyra Banks made major headlines when she stepped down as host of America’s Next Top Model.
But apparently being a producer on the show wasn’t enough — she’s now stepping back onto the catwalk as host!
Um, sorry, Rita Ora. It was fun while it lasted.
Related: Tyra Is Hosting America’s Got Talent Too! Wha???
Exec producer Ken Mok explained the changeup — along with a kind goodbye for Rita, who replaced Tyra for the inaugural VH1 season of the longrunning show:
“Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize. We’d like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro. She infused this new iteration of ├óΓé¼╦£ANTM’ with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.”
No statement from Rita tho. Hmm…
No word yet on whether Ashley Graham, Drew Elliot, or Law Roach will be back, but it doesn’t look good. The press release did say additional panelists would be announced “at a later date.”
Related: Ashley Graham’s Exes Sound Like The WORST!
Tyra herself said in a statement to fans:
“I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ├óΓé¼╦£ANTM’ fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ├óΓé¼╦£ANTM’ is woven into my DNA.”
Or in short…
I missed my ANTM baby so Mama’s back! #ANTM #ANTM24
— Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) March 16, 2017
Are YOU smizing at Tyra’s return??
[Image via VH1.]
a peek
