The reality show "Top Model in American Style" is a television program in which participants go through several tours with tests as models. Girls are playing the main prize - this is an opportunity to start a model career, earn good fees and become famous.
This multifaceted and large-scale project was conceived by supermodel Tyra Banks. In her show, she not only helps girls understand the essence of the profession, but also gives them a real chance to express themselves in the modeling business. She is not only the producer and judge of the project, but also the main host of the “Top Models in American Style”.
The beginning of a reality show
The first season was released on the UPN channel back in May 2003 and immediately took a leadership position in all ratings.
Participants came from all over America and passed test after test, trying to please both the judges and the demanding photographers of the project. Particularly carefully, future models listened to the rigorous and critical comments of the leading American Top Models.
After all, she is not just involved in the modeling business, she knows from inside all his secrets and problems of the participants. Each of her comments or advice is perceived by girls and guys with great attention. Though sometimes refereeing Tyra Banks can be very tough and uncompromising. But everyone understands that she wants to help them succeed, and this is not easy.
Invited Judges
Many years have passed since the start of the project, and the 23rd season has already been released. During this time, many celebrities from the world of modeling business have visited the judicial places, helping the leading "Top Models in American" conduct and evaluate various competitions. We list the most frequent guests of Tyra:
- Janice Dickinson. This is a very famous and scandalous model, which actually introduced the concept of a supermodel into the vocabulary of people around the world. She is no longer young, but experienced enough to provide useful advice to participants.
- Kimora Lee Simmons. This is a model, actress and fashion designer. This good-natured young woman, in addition to her exotic appearance, also has a very kind heart. All participants constantly felt her support. She tried to always find good features in the participants, to emphasize their strengths.
- Nole Marin. This is the famous owner of modeling agencies. Already more than one hundred girls, he helped break into the heights of this business. Who, if not he, can give practical advice and see a future star. But he was remembered by the participants as a grumpy character, constant skirmishes with Janice Dickinson.
- Nigel Barker This famous English photographer in his youth also began his career with the modeling business. He took part in the project longer than all judges, from 2003 to 2012. He was remembered by the audience for his impeccable appearance, always restrained and stylish, nevertheless, the leading "Top Models in American" Tyra Banks terminated his contract due to a decrease in the ratings of the program.
- Miss Jay. This defile trainer, whose real name is Jay Alexander, attracted the attention of viewers with his unusual appearance. He appeared in every season from the very beginning of the reality show, but played the role of a judge only in the fifth season. Although his behavior often causes a smile both of the participants and the audience, he is really considered a good specialist in this field, gave practical advice to which the participants listened attentively. She and Tyra Banks, the leading American Top Model, are good friends.
Each season, new heroes were added to the jury. These are leading experts in the modeling business, professional models, photographers, owners of fashion magazines, etc. But the leading one was invariably Tyra. Let's get to know her better.
Who is Tyra Banks?
The future catwalk star was born in 1973. Her parents divorced early, but neither she nor her brother felt the lack of love of both father and mother. At school, she was a leader until the time when her height surpassed all the other girls, and the weight drove up. At first, classmates chuckled at the girl, but she quickly pulled herself together and lost 13 kg.
After leaving school, the girl was determined to become a model, although some colleges opened the door for her. The future host of the "Top Models in American", whose name will soon be recognized by the whole world, began her career as a fashion model. Already at the age of 17, she went to conquer Paris, making a real sensation on the catwalks of famous fashion designers. More than 25 designers offered her a job.
Now, in addition to the reality show, Tyra is also the host of the Taira Show. As the ratings show, this project has become very popular among viewers.
Competition program
The first program of the season is a selection of participants from a huge number of comers. Further they are waiting for the conversion. Experts work on their hair and appearance, sometimes changing the appearance of the participants beyond recognition. Often this happens through the tears and tantrums of girls who are completely unprepared for such drastic changes. But is it still waiting for them.
The tests are just beginning. They have to go through difficult competitions, photo shoots in extreme conditions, for example, under water, on rocks, in a cocoon of branches.
Each program was held in a new place. Participants visited Paris and Milan, Venice and Tokyo, as well as other iconic cities. Girls and guys worked with famous photographers and designers, starred for magazine covers with a worldwide reputation.
After each competition, the judges evaluated the work of the participants, their behavior on the site, the ability to obey the requirements of the photographer, and properly defile on the podium. At the end of each show, one participant was excluded, who turned out to be the worst. In the last show of the season, a winner was chosen, with whom a contract was immediately signed with some designer or a photo shoot in Vogue magazine.
Changes
The host of "American Top Models" (the photo of which is presented in the article) is also a producer and author of the program, so the rules of the show constantly changed. For example, new rules have been introduced, when there are only 4 girls left, two participants leave the show at once.
In the 17th season, girls who were already in the program took part. And at 18 two equal teams from Great Britain and the USA competed among themselves.
In the 20th season, diverse teams of girls and guys took part in the competitions. And in some seasons the winner was chosen by the audience themselves.
Not to mention the constant changes in the judiciary. This happened in the last 23 season. Let's take a closer look at what has changed now.
Leading American Top Models for Season 23
In order to somehow increase the transfer ratings, the authors in the 23rd season make drastic changes. Starting with the fact that Tyra Banks remains only the author of the program, and the British singer and actress, who has Albanian roots, will now be the lead. She was born in Yugoslavia.
Are you curious to know the name of the host of Top American Models? This is Rita Ora.
Other judges:
- Ashley Graham - Top Plus Size Model;
- Drew Elliot - Creative Director, Paper Magazine;
- stylist Lo Roach.
23rd Season Winner
The 20-year-old India Gants from Seattle, Washington, walked in all the competitions.
She signed a contract with VH1. Her photo was printed on the spread of the popular glossy publication Paper. She also signed a lucrative $ 100,000 contract with cosmetics company Rimmel London.
Reality shows do not lose popularity to this day. In many countries, including Russia, analogues of the program invented by Tyra Banks saw the light of day.