Gossip Friday: Oprah Gossip Mania and Who Does Tyra Think She Is?

According to the June 1st cover of The New York Times Magazine...

Oprah and Martha!

Scheduled to hit the newstands tomorrow, this cover is already causing tongues to wag as is it seems Tyra is being compared to media queens, Oprah and Martha Stewart.

Is she next in line to hold the title of Queen of Media?

Speaking of the queen of media, Oprah got her fare share of gossip this week:

Oprah's beloved Stedman tells of Oprah and Gayle's gay antics.

Oprah's dad writing a tell all book on Oprah and she didn't even know.

Oprah ain't leaving Stedman a penny of her billion dollar empire when she kicks the bucket.

Tyra needs to be careful what she asks for. The tabloids will have a field day with you once you've made it to the top.

Have a great weekend!

Naomi To Replace Tyra On ANTM?

Not quite. But according to last week's poll, it seems BONTV readers would prefer Naomi Campbell to fill Tyra's shoes if she were to leave the reality competition over some other notable black supermodels.

A whopping 14 readers voted in my last poll: What Supermodel You Feel Could Best Replace Tyra on ANTM?

57% of voters felt Naomi would be the best pick with Iman coming in second with 42% of the votes.

Naomi Campbell [ 57% ]
Iman [ 42% ]
Veronica Webb [14%]
Alek Wek [7%]

I don't know about this. The show seems to require a lot of traveling and given Naomi's track record I would hate for her to lose any luggage during the taping of an episode.

Click here if you been living under a rock and don't know what the hell I am talking about.

America's Next Top Model can be seen on Wednesdays on CW11 at 9 PM EDT.

Tyra Quitting ANTM?

So rumor has it after 10 cycles, Tyra is quitting her successful reality competition, America's Next Top Model.


I read about this here and there last week on the net but it wasn't until seeing it reported on CW11's news last night that made me think there must be some validity to the story.

It seems Tyra hasn't been seeing eye to eye with the creative director as of late and may be quitting the show to focus more on her widely successful daytime talk show.

So how do we feel about this?

Personally, I think the show is on the decline anyway, so Ms. Banks is probably jumping ship before the show gets cancelled all together. Which would probably be for the best because I don't know if I can tolerate another season of the 'fierce' drama:

But wait, also reported is that the show may go on without Tyra as she may be replaced by another supermodel. My pick for her replacement?


Naomi!
Who do you think could best be her replacement? Be sure to vote on our poll.

Catch cycle 10 of America's Next Top Model on Wednedays at 8:00 PM EDT.

'Tocarra Have Some Class!'

So it seems Tocara has taken a page from Tyra's handbook on how to lose your mind on reality TV:

In this clip of VH-1's Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp Tocarra has had enough of being put down by judges for loving her curves citing:

"All of yall can kiss my ass if yall don't like the fact that I like who the fuck I am,"

Wow.

But doesn't this outrage sound a little familiar:


So what do you think? Is Tocarra really upset in that clip? Or is she trying to get an Emmy nod for the 'Best Crazy Black Woman To Go Off In A Reality TV Drama Series'?

Celebrity Fit Club: Boot Camp can be seen on VH-1 on Thursdays at 9/8c.

Strike A Pose!

The Queen of Fierce is at it again!

Tyra Banks plans to take us down the road of fierce for the 10th time around as America's Next Top Model is set to premiere next month.

And without further a due let's meet our cycle 10 black contestants:

Interestingly enough, I seem to recall Marvita from the last cycle but she didn't make it past the first round. Maybe she can come back and take the title alla Jaslene.

Anyhoo...

No major mentions out there just yet about this cycle other than the show being taped, once again, in the fashion capital of the world, New York City. Also, it seems Twiggy doesn't care too much for the city life. Supermodel of yester-year, Paulina Porizkova, is slated to take Tiggy's spot as a judge this go round.

America's Next Top Model is set to premiere on February 20th on CW11.

Tyra Talks Politics: Hillary Clinton

Democrat presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, sat down with the Queen of Fierce, Tyra Banks, to chat up some serious topics surrounding her campaign:

Not!

Yes, if anyone can get Hillary to talk about hip hop dancing it certainly would be Tyra. But dancing wasn't the only topic of discussion for the hour long segment. Tyra delved into the past and brought up Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton's infidelity. Hillary explains she had to “…dig down deep and think hard about what was right for me, what was right for my family,”

Hillary is no fool. Since tearing up in New Hampshire was a sure fire way of getting women voters, I'm sure she figured telling Tyra's huge young female audience just how she dealt with a cheating husband would pull women voters just the same.

But I have to admit, I am impressed with Tyra snagging interviews with the presidential hopefuls. She does have a knack for bringing out the non-political side to these normally stiff individuals. Remember her interview of Barack Obama last year?



Yeah, we know Obama likes Jay-Z. According to The New York Post, a Jay-Z track entitled, '99 Problems', was being played at a recent victory party in Iowa for Obama. The hook to the track raps, "I got 99 problems, but a bitch ain't one."

OUCH!

You can catch Hillary Clinton on The Tyra Banks Show this Friday at 5 PM on UPN.

Is Reality TV The New Retirement Home For Has-Been Models?

Tyra Banks certainly was on to something back in 2003 when she turned the world on to a new reality TV modeling competition called America's Next Top Model.

Since then there has been countless reality TV competitions centered around the fashion industry. And since most of these shows require a recognizable host with good looks who better to cast than a has-been supermodel?


The latest supermodel to be admitted into the retirement home for models is none other than Tyson Beckford.

Tyson along with Niki Taylor will act as hosts and judges on Bravo's Make Me A Supermodel. Here, 14 supermodel wanna-bees will compete for a chance to win a $100,000 contract with New York Model Management. And in traditional modeling competition format, the contestants will share a New York City apartment which as we all know serves as the backdrop for all the drama luring viewers to tune in.

But Tyson says differently. Apparently unlike ANTM, drama isn't what they are after. Here is what Tyson had to say in an interview with about.com.

"I've been on America's Top Model and I've done some of the judging for them. And it's totally different." Tyson said during a conference call. "It's two different shows because whereas we push the kids into a real work environment. Theirs is kind of made up, you know, so it's more ...they want more drama. We want less drama. We want more on the runway. We want more in the photo shoots."

For more on this interview click here.

Make Me A Supermodel airs tomorrow at 10/9 c on Bravo

America's Next Top Model Is.....

Saleisha!
Tonight is the season finale of cycle 9 of America's Next Top Model and we are down to the final three and I, of course, am placing all bets on 'black'.

Since the season premiere, I have been rooting for the 21 year old receptionist from Los Angeles. Earlier in the season, Saleisha struggled because while she is a great commercial model the judges questioned her ability to take high fashion and edgy photos.


But her last few photos to date certainly have proven otherwise.

Last year, Latina magazine covergirl, Jaslene, took the title. Which makes me wonder if Tyra and the gang will give the win to Chantal. Chantal's pretty (white) face, bangin' body, blue eyes and bubbly (yet somewhat ditzy) persona could snag her the win.

This wouldn't be the first time either. Remember on cycle 5 when Nicole won over Nik? I am still pissed to this day. Nik deserved that win.

Anyhoo...the only way to find out what's going to happen will be to tune in tonight at 8 PM on CW11.

America's Next Top Model Quitter!

She Got Had The Goods!
Yes, ladies and gentleman, America's Next Top Model black contestant, Ebony decided to ditch the competition citing 'It's not for me.'

On tonight's episode, Ambreal was to get the Tyr'axe' but not before Ebony, who shared the bottom spot, saved her by announcing she wanted to go home. Tyra quickly dismissed Ebony but not before calling her a 'quitter'!

When asked, on an interview on CW11 News at Ten, 'What happened?', Ebony admits she just 'cracked under the pressure'. She had never modeled before and found it very hard to be away from family and just cracked. She also revealed her true passion which is to be a nurse.

I must admit at first I was upset at Ebony for quitting but then after hearing her admittance to cracking under the pressure, I understood. And Tyra can't front because she has admitted to cracking too in her modeling days causing her mom to have to travel with her.



It's just sad because while Ebony had the personality of a dead fly, even Nigel Barker said she was the prettiest girl of the bunch!

But I can't help but wonder if Ebony went home because she ran out of lip balm and needed it because she couldn't stop sucking her damn upper lip!

Sorry...I couldnt help it.

Tyra Goes Green While Models Go Smoke-Free

"This is a no-smoking cycle."

Our favorite model turn mogul, Tyra Banks, has banned the cycle 9 top model contestants from smoking this season.

On last night's episode of ANTM, after having the girls partake in a photo shoot showing the negative aspects of smoking, Tyra made the announcement, citing models are looked at as role models by many of girls aspiring to be models themselves. Therefore, they should not be seen as smokers.


In addition to this cause, Tyra also introduced the girls to their 100% Bio-Diesel bus that would transport them all over town from one challenge to the next.

And Here's Your Best Photo

Tonight catch the Queen of 'Fierce' kick off the 9th cycle of America's Next Top Model:

8 PM ET on CW11
Last month when I sat in on the taping of The Tyra Banks Show, an audience member asked her if she ever regretted sending an ANTM contestant home. Tyra went on to explain she that she is often at times outvoted by the panel of judges and that she recall not wanting Toccara to be voted off the show. Tyra said she wish she could pull rank sometimes given that it is her show but cited they could be sued if that was to happen.

Poor Toccara. She went from being Tyra's first pick to eating 'cake'.

Oh well. Let's see who will be the next girl to claim the meaningless title of America's Next Top Model.

Tyra's Not Following Oprah's Footsteps

I can't say that I'll publicly be endorsing a candidate, but it's something I'm thinking about.

In today's New York Post, Tyra Banks explains she doesn't anticipate 'publically' endorsing anybody for the upcoming elections unlike her idol, Oprah Winfrey.

I love Oprah using her power, because she has the influence to change what she feels is necessary.

She also goes on to say:

If you look at a lot of people in the field we're in, they're just constantly endorsing everything - from a new purse to a new hotel. This is just another thing.

But Tyra really is no fool. She knows it's too early in her talk show career to start taking sides. Plus, I am sure she is after Hillary Clinton too. Clever girl that Tyra!


In related news, Oprah will be throwing presidential candidate Barack Obama a fund-raising bash this weekend. Read more on this here.

While no word yet on when it will air, Obama will be interviewed by Tyra on Sept. 27th for The Tyra Banks Show.

Chris Brown Crashed My Date With Tyra

Well I hoped for a celebrity guest for the taping of today's Tyra Banks Show and I certainly got it.

Chris Brown!
Chris Brown gave a good fun interview. I have to admit I enjoyed his antics as well he gave a great performance! But he made too many advances towards my date who kept saying "Boy, I am old enough to be your.....mommma auntie."

But enough about him.


Tyra Banks is FINE!
Yes, I witnessed first hand the face, the hair, the body, and the moves and I see why this woman is a supermodel.

So let's cut to the chase. Here are my top five worthy mentions about yesterday's taping:

1. Tyra really is a fool. In pretending to be a Chris Brown fan, Tyra splits her pants right down the crack of her derriere and wears a shirt wrapped around her waist for the duration of the show. Classic!

2. Tyra understands the power of the internet. During the show I was surprised to see how much Tyra roped the internet into the overall scheme. First, using an IMac laptop of sort, Chris Brown fans were able to ask him questions while viewing him on their computers at home. In turn, we the audience was able to watch the fans on a huge monitor in the studio. Second, Tyra asked Chris Brown a question but before answering she cut him off letting the viewers at home know they must sign on to tyrashow.com to get his answer. After breaking for commercial, Tyra proceeds to allow Chris to answer the question which will only run on her site. Very clever girl! (See below for the question and answer.)

3. I am convinced Tyra enjoys mocking Beyonce. Of all the female artist Tyra chooses to mimic for Chris Brown to pretend to pick up, she chose Beyonce. Her booty shaking and weave pattin' was funny as hell. She had the audience in stitches.

Remember this:

4. The Tyra Banks Show is all smoke and mirrors. The studio really is no bigger than a New York City apartment. In Chelsea! There was about 120 folks in the audience with a make shift VIP area where a handful of Chris Brown fans were able to cheer on his performance. While the performance was taping we could see the camera footage on a monitor. On film it looks as though the studio was three times the size with just as many people. And the VIP section looked damn near like a club. After the show one producer informed me that their California studio was even smaller. That's the art of TV. You gotta love it!

5. Tyra Banks really is fierce.

And for you Chris Brown fans, Tyra asked him to reveal a secret he has never told anybody. Answer: Because he is an obsessive neat freak, he discards his underwear after one wear.

Wow. Fruit Of The Looms must be very happy.

Check tyrashow.com for details on when this show will air. The new season kicks off September 10th.

And for you music lovers, vote on our new poll: What Music Artist Would You Like To See Star In A Reality TV Show?

Eva Gets 'Fierce' On Smallville While Tyra Crashes 'Divo' Medina

TV Guide reports Eva Pigford Marcille will be guest starring on the third episode of the CW11's third season of Smallville this Fall.

It's good to see that the third cycle winner of America's Next Top Model and my personal favorite is still getting work.

Eva will be playing a beauty queen villain with super powers named Tyler. The episode was entitled 'fierce' to pay tribute to Tyra Banks.

And speaking of Tyra, it's been reported that she has crashed her manager, Benny Medina, growing tired of his 'diva mentality'. You can read more on this here.

Eva can be seen on the third episode of the new Fall season of CW11's Smallville airing on October 11th.

TV Land Bites Tyra's 'Top Model'

Everybody wants a piece of the America's Next Top Model success!


TV Land, joining forces with Wilhelmina Models, soon plans to give us their carbon copy of ANTM, entitled, 'The Next Great Supermodel'.

In similar ANTM fashion, the competitors selected will live together in a New York City pad and compete in weekly challenges that result in one model wanna-be getting the boot. Sounds real familiar doesn't it? Only one slight twist....

To be in this competition, aspiring models have to be at least 35 years old or older. Which is the equivalent of being a senior citizen in the modeling industry.

Anyhoo...

Enjoy this clip from last season:

Word on the street is either ABC or NBC has been trying to get Tyra Banks to move the show to their networks. The folks over at CW supposedly were not feeling this and offered Tyra some extra change so she can stay put. Extra change to the tune of $20 million! Damn!

CW 11's season 9 of 'ANTM' is all set to kick off on September 19th. While TV LAnd's 'The Next Great Supermodel' will be starting Sept. 29 when judges and host hit major cities, New York, Chicago and Atlanta to scout for 20 competitors. No word yet on who will host and judge on the show.

Tyra Wants To Get Into Your Girl's Bedroom

And not for a menage-a-trois.
Tyra Banks plans to give a lucky female teen a 'Tyra-inspired' bedroom makeover. Yes, for all the girls out there who have been dreaming of a 'Tyra-Inspired' bedroom now is your chance. Because not only do you get the bedroom makeover, you also get to appear on The Tyra Banks Show.

For details on how to enter the contest, click here. Submissions still being accepted through Sunday.

But wait, there's more. Tyra plans to sit down with presidential contender, Senator Barack Obama. Wow...Tyra is doing it big this coming season. Barack is certainly no fool either. He knows winning the votes of Tyra's young female audience is important to his campaign. This segment tapes on Sept. 27th.

Tyra Is 'Fearless' In New York

As everyone already knows, Tyra Banks, decided to move the third season of The Tyra Banks Show to New York City.

Tyra has been seen all over Manhattan as of late either filming the show or new promotions for this coming season. Tyra can be seen in this photo (pic cred: Sandra Rose) sporting a two-piece mini. But she isn't revealing nearly as much as the co-starring model who is apparently nude for the promo shots. Hence this season's theme: Fearless!

No word yet on whether Tyra plans to shoot her other big gig, America's Next Top Model, in the Big Apple. Word on the street has it she moved her daytime talk show here in the first place due to a budding relationship with fifty year old, New York businessman, John Utendahl. [Read more on this rumor here.]

Whatever the reason, I, for one, am glad I now get the chance to see Ms. Banks here in all her glory. I already have plans to sit in on a taping of The Tyra Banks Show later this month and can't wait!