Tyra Banks just gave us yet another reason to tune into the 24th (low whistle) cycle of America’s Next Top Model. Not only will the queen of the smize reassume her role as host of the OG modeling competition, the models she presides over will (potentially) be more diverse than ever before. On Saturday, TyTy took to Instagram to announce that America’s Next Top Model’s dated age limit is no more. In the past, models over age 27 were banned from auditioning. Now, any and all aspiring models over age 18 are welcome.
“You know I’ve stood for diverse beauty and erasing cookie-cutters when it comes to what is deemed beautiful. There have been 23 cycles of America’s Next Top Model and every single cycle, we say, you have to be 27 years old or younger. Know what I hear all the time? ‘Tyra, come on! Why have an age limit?’ So you know what? I’m taking that age limit off. You want to audition for America’s Next Top Model? I don’t care how old you are, honey, you just need to know how to smize and be open to learning how to work the runway like a supermodel,” declared the booty tooch enthusiast.
The Fall 2017 season was more age-inclusive than any in recent history. Older models feature in more and more big-name campaigns. There now exists at least one modeling agency that exclusively represents models over age 45. It stands to reason that, in the nation that typically leads the diversity charge, a reality program tasked with finding the next top model would strive to be inclusive. Here’s hoping that, this time around, older (and plus-size!) contestants are not only considered, but cast — no excuses. The industry needs fresh, diverse faces, not more of the same.
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