Rita Ora has officially been named the new host of “America’s Next Top Model.”
VH1 announced on Friday that the British pop singer would take over for Tyra Banks as host of the new iteration of the modeling competition series.
She will be joined by a judging panel made up of model Ashley Graham, Paper Magazine Chief Creative Officer Drew Elliott and celebrity stylist Law Roach. Banks and Ken Mok will continue to serve as executive producers on the reboot.
“We’re thrilled to bring ‘America’s Next Top Model’ back to VH1 and partner with CBS Television Distribution and Tyra Banks to reinvent this franchise for a whole new generation,” Chris McCarthy, General Manager of VH1, said. “This is a homecoming for the series, as VH1 helped catapult the show to cultural icon status as the first cable network to air the show after it launched.”
“After creating an incredible, global brand, I am beyond excited to have the show reborn,” Banks added. “I will continue as Executive Producer, but must turn my attention to new business endeavors, so I want to find a new host. I’m pumped to identify that person and bring back the show. Top Model fans, you demanded that the show come back, and VH1 answered the call. Get ready for a fierce-a-fied rebirth!”
“America’s Next Top Model” originally premiered on UPN in 2003, going on to run for 22 seasons. The CW announced the show’s cancellation last year, with the series finale airing on the network last December.
Shortly after the finally, VH1 announced it would revive the show without Banks as host or any of the original judging panel, though the former host would stay on as executive producer.