Tyra Banks Launches Plus-Size Model Contest

Fiercely Real Teen Model Search will end with contract, spread

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 27, 2010 9:39 AM CST

(Newser) – Tyra Banks is jumping on the plus-size model bandwagon with a new modeling competition—the Fiercely Real Teen Model Search. “I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty,” she tells Us. Teens with dress sizes between 12 and 20 who stand 5'9" to 6'1" tall are eligible to compete for a one-year modeling contract and a spread in a major fashion magazine.

“I want young girls to realize that what's considered plus-sized is the average American woman,” Banks says. “That woman is healthy, fit, and beautiful.” For more details, including how to enter, click here.

TV personality Tyra Banks tapes a dance mob segment for "The Tyra Banks Show" and also traded in her weave and revealed her natural hair for her 5th season celebration, in New York, on August 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)

Tyra Banks arrives at the 9th Annual BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

Tyra Banks, host of "America's Next Top Model," arrives at the The CW Network 2009 Upfront on Thursday, May 21, 2009 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Model Tyra Banks attends the Calvin Klein Collection and Visionaire 56 Solar launch at The Standard Hotel on June 1, 2009 in New York City. (Getty Images)

NEW YORK - MAY 04: TV personality Tyra Banks attends 'The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion' Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2009 in New York City. (Getty Images)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 16 comments

juno1226

Feb 27, 2011 12:44 PM CST

ok im 14 and 5'6 and not rele sure how much i weigh but im "plus size" for sure. and i've watchd ANTM since i was 10 and i was ssooo happy wen whitney won and became the 1st plus size model to win ANTM. i've still got the ads from seventeen mag. i jst wantd to kno if i'd have a shot/ chance, and if u wld message me or comment bak plse? thank you,(:

Mimie

Nov 17, 2010 7:35 AM CST

tyra i am 15years old my birthday is on feb3 and 5'5....145........and im not "plus size" but im not skinny like the women on next top model eitha. i was wonderin if you would ever have one modeling show for "teens" to try and be next top model?????

Breezy dha Official

Mar 2, 2010 3:21 PM CST

TYRA IM INTERESTED IN THIS HONESTLY.. IM 17 YEARS OF AGE. I STAND 5'9 1/2, DRESS SIZE (18-20).. PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME ABOUT THIS EVEN IF I DONT OR IF I DO MAKE IT PLEASE JUST LET ME KNOW SOMETHING.. IM A BIG FAN OF YOURS AND I WOULD LOVE TO MODEL..

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Tyra Banks Launches Plus-Size Model Contest

Fiercely Real Teen Model Search will end with contract, spread

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entertainment • Tyra Banks • celebrity • model • body image • women's issues • models • plus-size • fashion model • plus-size models

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The Rise of the Plus-Size Model

Crystal Renn is the most successful, but others hope for more work

Tyra's Apology Is BS: Janice Dickinson

Says Banks definitely saw Top Model promo

Tyra: Skinny Girls Have It Tough, Too

But she apologizes for the tiny-waist promo

Tyra Banks Loves Super-Skinny Model

Maybe it's deceptive editing, but it sends the wrong message

What Happened to Crystal Renn's Curves?

Agent reassures us she's not being unhealthy

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Tyra Banks Launches Plus-Size Model Contest

Fiercely Real Teen Model Search will end with contract, spread

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

entertainment • Tyra Banks • celebrity • model • body image • women's issues • models • plus-size • fashion model • plus-size models

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

The Rise of the Plus-Size Model

Crystal Renn is the most successful, but others hope for more work

Tyra's Apology Is BS: Janice Dickinson

Says Banks definitely saw Top Model promo

Tyra: Skinny Girls Have It Tough, Too

But she apologizes for the tiny-waist promo

Tyra Banks Loves Super-Skinny Model

Maybe it's deceptive editing, but it sends the wrong message

What Happened to Crystal Renn's Curves?

Agent reassures us she's not being unhealthy

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Newser By Users

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