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'Top Model' Is Back And Countering Stereotypes

The CW

This time around on "Top Model," one contestant bears scars on her body from an accidental scalding she suffered as a child and refuses to hide the marks. Another has startlingly large, mesmerizing eyes. A third is a street preacher.

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The Associated Press

Published: March 4, 2009

Tyra Banks, with a lively rush of words, describes a photo session featured in the season debut of "America's Next Top Model."

In the shoot dubbed "Return to Innocence," the CW reality series' aspiring models are depicted playing "games that young girls played back in the day - dodge ball, jacks, double-Dutch jump rope," Banks said.

But the 13 women are posed to look anything but pure.

"There's a girl smoking. A girl from the wrong side of good," Banks said. It's part of the TV producer and talk-show host's campaign against what she considers pop culture's harmful messages for girls.

Banks said she created "America's Next Top Model," back with a two-hour episode at 8 tonight, to counter stereotypes of who and what is considered beautiful. The show has included minorities and women dubbed "plus-size" by the fashion industry.

Banks, who also leads the show's judging panel, challenged convention herself as one of the few African-American supermodels.

This time around on "Top Model," one contestant bears scars on her body from an accidental scalding she suffered as a child and refuses to hide the marks. Another has startlingly large, mesmerizing eyes. A third is a street preacher.

"This is a very special group of girls," Banks said. "I want them to connect with viewers, and not just with their looks, but with their personalities."

Banks is ready to push industry boundaries on the show's next season, due in September. Women on the comparatively short side will be the focus: Nobody over 5-foot-7 need apply for the shot at a modeling contract.

Supermodels usually tower over mere mortals, with only a handful of less-than-statuesque beauties like Kate Moss making the cut. Banks already has encountered skepticism from industry insiders.

"A couple of designer friends said, 'Look, girl, you better make sure that winner is fierce if it's not going to be a joke. You've got to make sure her face and body photographs like a tall model. She has to be really amazing.'"

No problem, said Banks. There's a big pool of stunners able to fit that profile.

"It's harder to cast somebody who's 5-foot-10 and has personality and looks. I feel like we've got 10 times more to choose from," Banks said.

Open tryouts are ahead this month in cities including New York, Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles.

IT WAS NO ILLUSION: Legendary illusionists Siegfried and Roy appeared in public last weekend for the first time in more than five years, sharing the stage with the Bengal tiger that had ended their careers, for what they said was one last performance.

"They really wanted a final chance to get on the stage and say good night, goodbye, and thank you to all the fans who have supported them so devotedly," says ABC News' Elizabeth Vargas. "And they wanted to take this risk."

On a special edition of the "20/20" newsmagazine, Vargas reports on their performance at Las Vegas' Bellagio Hotel and Casino, where for more than 13 years they thrilled thousands.

In the hourlong program (which was not available for preview), Vargas also visits with Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher at home, and hears about the grueling five years endured by both of them since Montecore, a massive white tiger, brutally mauled Horn during a 2003 performance.

"Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Returns" airs Friday at 9 p.m. on ABC.

NO LIFE IN MARS: ABC announced Tuesday that it is canceling "Life on Mars," the time warp drama about a New York police officer who was hit by a car and wakes up in the 1970s.

It won't, however, end abruptly like other ABC series, such as "Pushing Daisies," "Dirty Sexy Money" and "Eli Stone." TVGuide.com reports that writers and producers should be able to wrap the series, starring Jason O'Mara and Harvey Keitel, with a satisfying conclusion. Here's hoping for a fab homecoming.

TUNE IN TONIGHT

"Hudson Plane Crash - What Really Happened," 10 p.m, Discovery

Just in case you want to hear more about Capt. Sullenberger and the "Miracle on the Hudson," Discovery steps gives us a moment-by-moment account of the flight.

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