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Tyra Says It: She 'Wants Power'

Host of 2 TV shows produces a third to 'instill self-esteem in young girls'

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 1, 2008 7:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – The supermodel who hosts two TV shows and sits front-row center at fashion galas insists she is frugal and unhip, but ambitious. "I want power,” 34-year-old Tyra Banks says in a New York Times profile. “The power to make change.” Savvy and outrageous, the follower of Martha Stewart now has young girls listening—and watching.

Her two TV vehicles—a talk-show and America’s Next Top Model—are consistent money-makers that offer what she calls “attainable fantasy.” “I was put on this earth to instill self-esteem in young girls,” says Banks, who is producing a third show. She already earns $18 million a year—top dollar for a woman who says she just wanted “to be the black girl next door.”

Tyra Banks, 34, began modeling at 15 in Los Anegeles and was soon whisked off to Paris.
Tyra Banks, 34, began modeling at 15 in Los Anegeles and was soon whisked off to Paris.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
%u201CI think I was put on this earth to instill self-esteem in young girls,%u201D Tyra Banks said.
%u201CI think I was put on this earth to instill self-esteem in young girls,%u201D Tyra Banks said.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
Tyra Banks welcomed Hillary Clinton to the Tyra Banks Show in January.
Tyra Banks welcomed Hillary Clinton to the "Tyra Banks Show" in January.   (AP Photo/Warner Bros.,Jason Kempin)
Tyra Banks sat down with Barack Obama and asked what he sees in his crystal ball. Obama replied, The White House.
Tyra Banks sat down with Barack Obama and asked what he sees in his crystal ball. Obama replied, "The White House."   (AP Photo/Warner Bros,Jason Kempin)
Tyra Banks says, I want power. The power to make change.
Tyra Banks says, "I want power. The power to make change."   (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
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