Tyra Banks Appoints Rita Ora As The New Host Of ‘America’s Next Top Model’

Incoming Tyra Mail! America's Next Top Model is slated to return on VH1, and with a new channel comes new changes. Tyra Banks has just tapped Rita Ora as the show's new host and announced a fresh panel of judges that includes model Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott from Paper magazine, and stylist Law Roach.

“It’s no longer just about having the highest cheekbones and best pout and the best hair,” said Banks. “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.”

VH1 and Logo president Chris McCarthy said that no one could ever replace Banks, but that the network wanted to infuse more style, fashion, and pop culture into the program this time around. Given her background as a judge on BBC's The Voice and Britain's The X Factor, Ora is definitely qualified for the job.

“The approach I wanted to have as a host and judge to the girls is what my career stands for at this moment in time, which is being a businesswoman and being able to do multiple things at the same time, whether it’s music or shooting (magazine covers) and being in movies and designing clothes,” said Ora.

All scandals aside, a lot has happened since the singer was on our March 2015 cover. After Ora walked away from Roc Nation, not only did she sign a new deal with Atlantic Records UK, but she also released another dope collaboration with Adidas. (It's her 14th collection with the brand to be exact.) Additionally, she recently finished shooting the Fifty Shades of Grey sequels. 

Needless to say that we'll definitely be tuning in for the premiere. No word on an official date, but we do know that this season is based in New York and consists of 14 episodes with all-female contestants.