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VIDEO: Strike a Pose to Win Tyra’s First Fiercely Real Teen Model Search

01/25/2010 at 06:01 PM ET

Today, Tyra Banks announced her newest challenge to the modeling market: her first-ever plus-sized modeling competition for teens. Dubbed Tyra’s Fiercely Real Teen Model Search, the contest will hunt for curvy catwalk contenders aged 13-19 and between 5′ 9″ and 6′ 1″. So why tackle this ignored segment of the fashion market now? “I’ve always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty; through America’s Next Top Model, True Beauty and The Tyra Show I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out,” she explains of the decision. “Plus-sized tends to have a negative connotation and I want young girls to realize that what’s considered plus-sized is the average American woman. That woman is healthy, fit and beautiful. Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman’s life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out.” Think you might have what it takes to conquer the catwalk and earn a one-year contract with Wilhelmina, magazine cover and more? Click over to tyrashow.warnerbros.com to learn how to enter — and learn more from the supermodel herself on how to pose for your audition only at tyra.com!

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Showing 56 comments

Genesis on January 25th, 2010

Beauty comes in different height as well so it’s like you are contradicting your opinion about beauty. I love you tons Tyra, but I believe that there shouldn’t be a height requirement in agencies and for this contest!

From Genesis , a 5’5 petite model.

Courtney on January 25th, 2010

yeah i dont get the height either

anna on January 25th, 2010

Look i know tyra is amazing in lots of ways but she just rubs me the wrong way! I kind of wish she would get her a$$ out of the public eye (like thats going to happen)

ash on January 25th, 2010

Tyra did a show for girls under 5’8 last season she gives every body type a chance on ANTM.

Larissa on January 25th, 2010

I don’t understand why she does this. She always chooses to do one thing she doesn’t make a show for everything such as height and weight. Why can’t she make a show for teens that are both plus size and petite and who are at any height.

Rebecca Coyle on January 25th, 2010

TYRA ROCKS!!! This has me psyched and submitting now…So nice to see a contest for ME for once! Thanks,Tyra!!

Trish on January 25th, 2010

I like Banks. I realize she can be a little over the top sometimes, but I think her heart is in the right place.

ModelFierce on January 25th, 2010

I just dont agree with the height! I mean, so many girls awere looking forward to finally having a modeling competition for them when she announced it on the show. But now, it’s. Just crazy that so many of those girls are let down because they might not be tall enough! This competition says that you dont have to be a skinny little thing to live your modeling dreams! Well, where in the book does it say that you have to be tall either?!?!

A on January 25th, 2010

It’s Tyra’s gig, she can run it as she sees fit.

Jackie on January 25th, 2010

Tyra, I am Jackie and I love to model and want to be in this contest so bad but I am like 5’0 and I want to enter so bad so do you think you can lower the height limit because I love to model and I think I can win this with no probelms so please consider my request and thank you, and have a good day.
Yours truley, Jackie

No way on January 25th, 2010

yea tyra way to go with this one.
Encourage these young kids to be obese but then again what can i expect she’s black and blacks love to be unhealthy and obese

Amanda on January 25th, 2010

I love the new idea, but i just wish she would involve all types of girls. Including Petite models. I am personally tired of all these requirements.

Denana on January 25th, 2010

I live in Canada and would love to be in this contest…:(

Victoria on January 25th, 2010

About the whole height thing, that is not Tyra’s fault, models are usually from 5’9 to 6′. And, she did do a petite cylce. So for all you complainers out there, stop.

agelove on January 25th, 2010

Is this true??

GIGI on January 25th, 2010

I have always wanted to be a model but I am EFFING 5’2”!! COMMON NOW – STOP DISCRIMINATING!

Keely on January 25th, 2010

PEOPLE EDITOR/MODERATOR:
Please delete the comment by “No way”. It is offensive and off-topic.

laurel on January 25th, 2010

This is great! Please have one for 5’9 5’10 too who are 120-130 lbs sometime. that won’t cost alot to try out for. Thanks

Rachel S on January 25th, 2010

Perhaps she put the height requirement on there because no one wants to see some short size 20 girls on their TV screen?! At least the tall girls will distribute the weight!

Sammy on January 25th, 2010

Tyra Banks! u are great keep up the good work, thank u for giving the plus size teens the change to be models for one day

womex on January 25th, 2010

As far as I am concerned Tyra is a scam artist.
She held a competition with her buddy Niki Taylor for women entrprenuers. I know someone who won a finalist position, and they never even followed through with the deal, or even contacted them again. It was as if they used the people just for content material so they could do the show.
After many letters, neither one of them had the courtesy to follow up with the person I know or the other runners up ladies.

She is a self centered ass. So I would not get too excited about this and I hope these girls are not let down by this BH.

S on January 25th, 2010

I think size US 12+ IS normal for that height range, so stop hitting on her like that. She doesn’t want SEVERELY obese models who, honestly, are probably very, very unhealthy. She’s not condoning obesity, sh wants REAL teens. Besides, like Crystal Renn, she’s comfortable at Size 14 and looks great, any larger and you’ll start looking really, really unhealthy.

Ally on January 25th, 2010

It’s kind of sad that there is a height requirement for a teen search, because most teen girls are not that tall. I feel bad that my gorgeous 13 year old sister would not be able to participate because she is ‘only’ 5’7″. I know this is something she would love to do.

Lousie on January 25th, 2010

Tyra can’t push for plus sized petite models. Lets face it, the modelling industry is harsh and if you’re short AND curvy, they don’t make clothes for that. It has to be one or the other and I applaud her for pushing for each of them seperately.

A on January 26th, 2010

I USE TO LIKE TYRA, BUT I NOW THINK THAT SHE IS TOO FAKE.

LUV YOURSELF THE WAY YOU ARE SHE SAYS!!

“KISS MY FAT ASS” SHES SAYS THAT SHE LOVES THE WAY THAT SHE LOOKS, BUT ENDS UP LOSING WEIGHT TO BE “HEALTHY” RIGHT TYRA!

YOUR BEAUTIFUL DON’T CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK YET WHO HAS HAD RHINOPLASTY??? BY THE LOOKS OF THINGS ALSO MORE THAN ONCE. hmmmm

SHE SAYS THAT SHE LOVES HER NATURAL HAIR AND WANTS TO SHOW THAT IT IS OKAY TO WEAR YOUR OWN HAIR. YET!!!SHE STILL THROWS IN A TRACK OR TWO.

PLEASE TYRA GIVE US A BREAK……

happyhbmom on January 26th, 2010

A 5’9″ 13 year old is “real?” Get real!

How about some teens that are in the normal range for height and weight?

Robin M on January 26th, 2010

Sure, Tyra…now you finally want to acknowledge that plus size teens are beautiful. I used to always want to be a model but you–and every other model–wouldn’t give people like me the time of day. Now, you finally do and it’s only for teens. Ugh…well…now am I not only too heavy to be a model, I’m too old too. Just perfect…ugh. Just another indicator that modeling is superficial.

up on January 26th, 2010

To whom it may concern:
When someone opens a door for you, it is your job to put in every effort to not only walk through it, but to break down walls that you feel are in the path of your dreams. Tyra has generously opened yet another door for a certain type of “real” person to walk through. if she cannot open a door for you, then you try to open the door your damn self. stop whining in this blog about what someone else needs to do for you. it is pathetic, and tells me that you do not need to be in any competition to begin with. this definitely goes out to womex-you snob. i guess when you do not have the will to do, then you insult others (really sad womex).

Me on January 26th, 2010

Oh the jealousy of short people I am 5-11 and it is not easy to be so tall either super hard to buy jeans and pants that are long enough, but clothes do hang better on taller women and that is what the designers want is their clothes to hang right and not have to be taken up many inches by you shorter women

Sherri on January 26th, 2010

Never did care for this woman. She just seems, or comes off as, fake to me. I work with a guy who’s daughter at one time worked for the Tyra Banks Show. This guy says he met her and doesn’t care for her, so I guess I’m not imagining my ill feelings about her.

lisa on January 26th, 2010

Many teens percieve themselves as unattractive because of weight and height. If this show will enhance their self esteem tjen why not do the show. Who knows what she may have planned for the future. Let these girls show others that beauty comes in all shapes and height.

Jan on January 26th, 2010

You are forgetting that she is fighting the norm and the norm is tall and skinny. She already did the short show. Let her do the tall/plus-size show. Designers believe their clothes look better (for the runway) on tall skinny people. So don’t get hung up on which group she is trying to help, just be happy she is willing to do so.

squirlgirl on January 26th, 2010

Funny that my daughter has been watching ANTM for years and writing Tyra requesting a teen version but is too short and thin for the show when it finally happens!

Alfie on January 26th, 2010

Let’s get real, folks. Anyone can say they are a model and have cards made up – but the facts are the facts – you have to be at least 5’8″ to get any real paying work. Tyra is making a sham of the real modeling industry. Look at any of the reputable agencies websites and you will see what they are looking for. They are there to make money and they don’t make money on short girls or girls that are not a size 0 or 2!! They don’t fit the designer’s clothing. So stop dreaming.

Maryanne on January 26th, 2010

The last time I saw a 13 year old that was 5’9″, she weighed about 100 pounds and looked like a tall bag of bones. Tyra, I love your motivation to let all women – young or old – know that each has their own sense of beauty. That leads to a confidence that can empower anyone. Don’t put any limitations on your search. Let all the girls of the world shine in their own beauty.

I also have wondered, what is your definition of “Plus-Size”?

Mary Curry on January 26th, 2010

I read most of these comments and go wow. It is a God given fact that you can’t please everyone. She already done short, it’s plus-size turn. If you want things your way, then do what Tyra is doing. Make a change in standards and how people do thinks, and stop waiting for her to make change and then you sit back and complain about it. You’re doing a great job, Tyra, keep changeing america!

Valerie on January 26th, 2010

The height requirement is an industry thing for CATWALK, not a Tyra thing. Plus-size in the industry isn’t a size 26 either. They are probably looking for girls who are a size 12-18. It is rare for a model under 5’9″ to walk the runway. While it happens, it is few and far between. And unfortunately, you want see a girl who is 5’1″ walking the runway for standard fashion, even plus size. The clothes would need to be altered because they are made for taller women.

Noel on January 26th, 2010

So, what exactly is “plus size” to Tyra? And how is that “non-traditional beauty”? According to the rest of the world, who are not super models, real women with real bodies are traditonal beauty, super models are “non-traditional”. They’re horrible role models for the real people in this world. Can you imagine how many stereotypes and insecurities super models have caused in this country? I’m sure these “plus size” girls look like everyother girl she has on her shows. I’m sure this will really boost the self esteem of young women who are 5 lbs or more overweight. So now, when plus sized women weigh 135 lbs., we’re going to think that someone who weighs 140 is obese? Good job Tyra.

Gross on January 26th, 2010

When you’re between the required heights, at a higher weight level, you don’t look as heavy. So what she’s trying to include the larger group, she’s still telling them they’re not good enough unless their height takes away from their fat. Whatever I guess – she’s gotten very rich from this so she knows what she’s doing.

Keisha on January 26th, 2010

Please note that Tyra is highlighting parts of the modeling industry that are generally unseen due to prejudice. A plus-size model under 5’8″ is a petite plus-size model. Most designers do not make there clothes for a petite frame. The length and width of the model is supposed to show off the clothes to it’s best ability. Tyra is looking for a pluz size regular model. One that would get more print and runway. While her goal is to educate the modeling industry she cannot change the standards all at once, she works within the industry to shed light externally. Petite is a completely different genre on its own and so is petite plus. I think we should give her a chance before bashing her. She’s doing her best. I think this is a great idea and I’m glad she’s looking for teens, its a great way to make them feel better about themselves. I am plus size and tall and its a whole different ball game all together when you are fat and towering over most of your peers. Give these girls a chance ladies. We will all have our turns :)

Keisha on January 26th, 2010

p.s. Jackie this is a people magazine site, I don’t know if Tyra will be reading the comments here…

brandy on January 26th, 2010

tyra i was really happy to hear about the compettion but i went to apply and it has a height requirement…….i was really disapointed because i thought i actually had a chance to model…..im only 5’4″

A on January 26th, 2010

It’s about dang time; however, I do agree with the comments about height. It would be nice to open it up to plus sizes regardless of the height.

A on January 26th, 2010

By the way I agree, that No Way’s comment should be deleted. Racism just doesn’t have a place in this venue!

thelipstickfemme on January 26th, 2010

For the fashion industry and for them to do the runway work, the samples are made for 5’9″ minimum women. That is just their standard. Plus size in the fashion industry mean size 12-14 dress max with size 16 being the odd size out for the max.

afgail on January 27th, 2010

Since when was size 12 a Plus Size? Geez this just reinforces the notion that ultra skinny is the norm. Size 12 is at best a normal size for any girl over 13 years old depending on height.

Fashion News: Jessica Simpson, Tyra Banks + More «MAMA'S A ROLLING STONE on January 27th, 2010

[...] • Tyra Banks has announced a modeling competition – the Fiercely Real Teen Model – for curvy teens between the ages of 13 and 19. [People StyleWatch] [...]

shay on January 28th, 2010

I think its agreat idea and its something new but the show is going tu hav tu go beyon just 1 improvement. i want to enter but i dnt fit the standars im 14 5`4 and 120 lbs

shay on January 28th, 2010

I t hink it will be a great way 2 improve self esteem in plus size teens, i think it will educate them on their beauty and relevance i hope she just does one for smaller teens too i hope that it helps and not hinder i dnt want any1 2 get the wrong idea success is happ7iness and hopefully thats wat they recieve i wish all of them the best of blessings

shay on January 28th, 2010

Gud age range wat is going tu be the time the show will be recorded and what kind of assigments are going tu be completed by the girls hopefully its something that helps the girls learn more about themselves because i want every1 tu grow from the experience can i be a judge on the show i think itd be helpful and fun

Tyra Banks to launch plus size competition « Lindsay Curvy Lifestyle on January 28th, 2010

[...] Get more info about the competition at tyrashow.warnerbros.com. Watch the video here! [...]

mai on February 1st, 2010

I totally agree on the height thing!
do you know how restricted your height limit is?
do you know how many teens are actually that tall?
i’m 5′ 1″. you’ll get more results if you didn’t have the height requirements.

plus why not be the first to have short models. apparently tall skinny girls wear clothes better so is everyone insulting the short people? tyra please be the first to look past that.

juswondering on February 2nd, 2010

I agree with the height issue being a big issue. My daughter who has a dream of being a model is a 14 yr old biracial girl and is beautiful. However…she weighs 140 lbs but is only about 5’6″. Does that make her too large to be a regular petite model but not big enough to be a plus size model? She looks thick but in no way fat and wears maybe a size smaller than 12. What am I suppose to tell her when she watches Top Model religiously and keeps saying “Tyra needs to have a plus size teen Americas next top model”? I don’t want to tell her about this contest because at 14, girls already are trying to figure out exactly where they fit in and this would just be saying, no… you still have to fit this mold. She’s already taller than most of the boys her age and still has a lot of growing to do. There are lots of beautiful people in the world, just let them all be on the same playing field!

Tyra’s Newest Model Find: A ‘Fiercely Real’ Contest Winner | Celebrity gossip on March 4th, 2010

[...] Meet Sheridan Watson, the 17-year-old winner of Tyra Banks’ newest modeling competition, the Fiercely Real Teen Model Search. “Since cycle 1, the teen fans of America’s Next Top Model have written me letters and [...]

ein search on July 19th, 2010

thanks for posting and my back link.

Mary on November 5th, 2010

I just dont agree with the height! I mean, so many girls awere looking forward to finally having a modeling competition for them when she announced it on the show. But now, it’s. Just crazy that so many of those girls are let down because they might not be tall enough! This competition says that you dont have to be a skinny little thing to live your modeling dreams! Well, where in the book does it say that you have to be tall either?!?!

 

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