America’s Next Top Model” is about to get a serious makeover. According to on-set sources, Tyra Banks’ CW beauty contest (which is experiencing the lowest ratings of its 13 seasons) will get a helping hand from none other than Banks’ on-again, off-again frenemy, Kimora Lee Simmons, who Tyra has recruited to serve as a judge next season.
Apparently, the divas have remained friends despite rumors that Kimora was fired after her appearance on the show’s first season. The same can’t be said for Tyra’s other former co-hosts Janice Dickinson (seasons one to four) and Paulina Porizkova (who survived only seasons 10 to 12).
Both ex-models have spoken out about their tumultuous relationship with TyTy, insinuating that she was difficult to work with. “Tyra is obsessed with people’s perception of her and was not happy when Porizkova and Dickinson said they didn’t get along,” says a network source, adding that Tyra’s uncomfortable interview with “Nightline’s” Cynthia McFadden (who questioned her in September about rumored catfights) only fueled Tyra’s rage.
“So Tyra called Kimora to prove the notion [that she doesn't work well with others] wrong,” the source adds. A CW spokesman would say only: “Not true.”
Kimora, who will fill the seat occupied by celebrity guest judges like Kim Kardashian, Chanel Iman and Jessica White, won’t be the only Type A personality on the bench: Word is that fan favorite J. Alexander is getting bounced back to his original role as runway coach and will be replaced by Vogue editor at large Andre Leon Talley.
“No one is sure why Miss J has been demoted from being a judge back to just doing the runway coaching,” continues the source.
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