Now you can add “Judge” to Ashley Graham’s “Been there, Done that” list. The Sports Illustrated and Cosmopolitan cover model just landed a major gig as a judge on America’s Next Top Model.
Announced on Friday (7/22) via USA Today, the show will return this fall for its 23rd cycle on a new channel (VH1) with a new host and new panel of judges. Tyra Banks, the show’s creator, will continue on behind the scenes as executive producer.
Graham joins new host Rita Ora and stylist Law Roach and Paper magazine chief creative officer Drew Elliott on the judging panel.
Tyra Banks told USA Today that new format reflects “how the modeling game has changed”:
“It’s no longer just about having the highest cheekbones and best pout and the best hair. 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.”
The new show format will also include a weekly pop culture challenge, which explains how Ora seemed like the perfect choice to be the show’s host and why the addition of Graham was important.
VH1 and Logo president Chris McCarthy told USA Today:
“While there never will be a Tyra replacement, what we wanted to do was really infuse that panel with style fashion and pop culture experts. Together, they collectively have the power of what is driving fashion and pop culture today.”
Ashley Graham’s career seems to continue to flourish and this has definitely been HER year. We’re looking forward to seeing how her presence on the panel will contribute to the show and its new format.
America’s Next Top Model returns later this year on VH1 and will take place in New York with all female contestants.
Read more at VH1.com here.