Tyra, Tyra, Tyra

I like this time of year. Not only do I get to watch "America's Next Top Model" latest cycle, I have the chance to see former contestants on Tyra Banks' talk show. This week, I've noticed both Fatima from last season and contestant Toccara from several cycles ago on different episodes of "The Tyra Banks Show". I admit, I tend to watch the show most often when there is a link to the modeling show. I always want to know what happened to the contestants from previous seasons.

Sadly, it seems that the same past contestants guest over and over, while others I'd really like to catch up with haven't appeared at all. I'd really love to see an interview with Elyse, for example. I know there are lots of factors involved in scheduling guests for a show. Most likely availability is the main obstacle in getting guests onto the show. Elyse, since I've already mentioned her, seems to keep very busy modeling in Asia. I can keep up pretty well with her by following her blog, but that's not the same as getting to see and hear her on television.

Sometimes I wonder if there might be other issues that prevent some models from appearing. Is it possible that they aren't invited at all? There are some who left the show under less than pleasant circumstances. Some have left ANTM with Tyra angry at them, or vice versa. Others have turned on Tyra. First cycle winner, Adrianne Curry, said some very harsh things early on. When she saw following cycles offering better prizes, she didn't take it well. Adrianne has never seemed like a tactful person. She's taken a lot of it back, but she might be considered a loose cannon. This, of course, is all just speculation on my part.

There is a lot about Tyra Banks that I admire. She's carved a niche for herself that I think will rival Oprah's. Her company, Bankable Productios, has several projects under development. What I like most about her is that she has a special concern for young women and I love the way she empowers them through both her shows and through her camps. It's important for girls to know they can do and be whatever they dream.

Back to past contestants on "America's Next Top Model". I noticed there's a feature during one of the breaks where they catch up with a former contestant. It's called "Top Models in Action" and is sponsored by CoverGirl. I don't know if they've stopped doing their "My Life as a Covergirl", but I like this new feature better. The first model featured was Toccara. I'm looking forward, then, to seeing former contestants on both shows now.