Tyra Banks may have been successful in her search for the petite America's Next Top Model during Cycle 13, but who's to say she won't push the envelope further? The 36-year-old talk show host has announced that she's cooking up yet another scheme of hers for an upcoming modeling competition. This time, she wants plus-sized teenagers.
Last Monday, the judge of America's Next Top Model revealed on her talk show that she's calling out to women between the ages of 13 and 19 for her teen model search. They must have a dress size of 12 to 20 and are 5'9"- 6'1" tall, according to Us Magazine.
Tyra Banks explained her decision to push through with this competition, once again telling everyone how she hopes to change society's beliefs with this move. Whether or not she'll be able to, it's already good to see her try.
"I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty," the
America's Next Top Model host declared. "Through
America's Next Top Model,
True Beauty and
The Tyra Show, I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out."
Banks went on to say that she hopes to change these teenagers' views of themselves, especially with the "negative connotation" that the term "plus-sized" conveys. She wants these girls to be more comfortable with how they are.
"I want young girls to realize that what's considered plus-sized is the average American woman," Tyra Banks continued. "That woman is healthy, fit and beautiful. Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman's life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out."
When the search is over, the finalists will appear on
The Tyra Show's March 2 episode. On the next day, the winner of the Fiercely Real Teen Model Search will be crowned at last. As usual, the prize is a one-year modeling contract and a fashion spread in a magazine.
Those who wish to register for the contest can visit the Fiercely Real page on the
Tyra Show's
website.
Source:
Us Magazine(Image Courtesy of WENN)