Upon her announcement of the new "America’s Next Top Model" cycle, Tyra Banks took to Instagram on Saturday, April 1st to declare the removal of the 18-27 age limit contestants were to abide by in order to compete in the longest running fashion reality TV show in history.
Standing up for 'Diverse beauty'
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel announced this change in a video posted on the social media platform while simultaneously opening doors to applicants for the newest cycle of the show.
In her video, Banks enthusiastically states, “You want to audition for ANTM, honey?
I don’t care about how old you are, you just need to know how to 'smize' and be open to learning how to work the runway like a supermodel…”
As a four-time ranked individual on Time magazine’s list of most influential people, Tyra has constantly used her voice to advocate for seeing beauty in all shapes, sizes and ages. This is exemplified by her Instagram feed consisting of a wide variety of unique beauty. From freckled faces to youngsters, the model and businesswoman emphasizes her advocation for beauty in all of its forms.
The actress and talk show host also says in her Instagram video, "I've stood for diverse beauty and erasing cookie cutters when it comes to what is deemed beautiful".
ANTM: a history of inclusion and iconic moments in television
This substantial change in "America's Next Top Model's" age limit simply highlights a theme of inclusion which has been a major part of the show. Since it's start with multiple contestants of various ethnicities, sizes, and walks of life, ANTM has continuously showcased beauty in every form possible.
Along with diversity in the show's casting, the judges participating on panels have demonstrated a wide variety of backgrounds as well. From former models such as Kimora Lee Simons to musicians including Rita Ora.
Bank's show has also paid homage to modeling icons of the past by maintaining a pattern of involving judges such as runway coach and former model J.
Alexander (Alexander Jenkins) and Czech model Paulina Porizkova, who both began their modeling careers in the 80's.
In this day and age, Tyra Banks' mission to present the world with beauty in all of its forms is nothing short of a breath of fresh air and revolutionary.
