"America's Next Top Model" new presenter Rita Ora encouraged the show's bosses to employ her. She is replacing TV personality and former model Tyra Banks as the host and main judge of the show, an announcement that shocked many.
Recently, Ora told Paper she was actually the mastermind behind the panel shake up by approaching the show's judges namely Ashley Graham, Law Roach and Drew Elliot. Iggy Azalea's "Black Widow" collaborator said she plans to bring a different vibe to the competition this year.
"I'm lucky to have friends in this industry," Ora told the publication. "And I thought maybe if I call them and we create a credible panel and give a different perspective of 'America's Next Top Model,' I could actually be the host."
Ora wants to make the hosting job a little less "host-y" and more sisterly. She plans to bring to the modelling competition a different kind of perspective, defining her role on the show as a "big sister and mentor."
For the "R.I.P." singer, modelling is something beyond taking a photo or walking down a catwalk. She does not want to tell the model contestants what to do but to show them they can do it, just like herself. Aside from being known for her great style and performance, the Kosovar Albanian singer is also a designer and a businesswoman.
"We focus on how you're going to create a fan base on social media, how you're going to make people want to imitate you," Ora said. "America's Next Top Model" will return to New York City to feature several female supermodel aspirants. It will premiere on Dec. 12 10 p.m. for cycle 23, after new episodes of "Love & Hip Hop."
Banks who fronted the modeling competition for 22 series will make surprise appearances throughout the season. She executive produces the show along with Ken Mok, according to VH1.
Check how Banks praises Ora as the new "America's Next Top Model" host: