ABC Banks on Tyra as ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Host

Earlier this week, the ABC Network announced that Tyra Banks will replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as the new host and executive producer of “Dancing With the Stars” in its 29^th season.

Bergeron has hosted the last 28 seasons, and Andrews has been a host since 2014. For years, Banks has brought sass and discipline to television screens across the world and now people are wondering what she will bring to the hit dance show.

Since Banks, 46, is notable as a former supermodel, some fans of the show felt that she is not a good fit as the host considering that dancing and modeling are too different. People took to Twitter to voice their disapproval.

I don’t give a shit that Tyra Banks is the new host of Dancing with the Stars, I am still not going to watch Season 29. I hate that Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were forced out of the show, especially since Tom had been the host for 28 seasons. I will not forgive ABC for this!

— Jennifer Irons (@TeamBobbyEwing) July 15, 2020

Tyra Banks was a terrible host on AGT. She will destroy Dancing with the Stars!!#DancingWithTheStars

— teachlp (@teachlep) July 15, 2020

Woah…#DWTS @DancingABC is going to be hosted by this super fake @tyrabanks? No!!!!!! Who is she trying to be. Her identity meshes a Beyonce imitation (looks) with a Kim Kardashian imitation (speech). #NothingToSeeHere https://t.co/rbFKQygr4M

— puthtshhdwn_grl (@ptsd_grl) July 16, 2020

However, on Instagram, others commented about their excitement under the model’s post about joining the hit television show. Instagram user @itsshangela said “You continue to inspire on the daily. Thank [you] for getting up and being a go-getter.” Another user, @sssoniarenee, said “Miss Tyra [is] ALWAYS doing something! I’m so glad and bless[ed] for your presence and your barrier breaking self!”

On Twitter, one user felt that ABC’s decision was rooted in the network trying to prove that it’s committed to diversity. While it’s unclear if the change was to bring about inclusion, the vision for season 29 is to take the show to the “next level.”

No disrespect to your new hostess but this is such a politically correct move it’s so transparent it’s sad that ABC and dancing with the stars would do something like this to Tom and Erin after all they have done for this show. Did you watch AGT when she was the hostess?

— Fancynancy40 (@Fancynancy401) July 15, 2020

Despite the claims that Banks is unqualified, she does have experience hosting successful shows. Most recently, she hosted “America’s Got Talent” from 2017 to 2018. Beyond that, she both hosted and executive produced “America’s Next Top Model” and “The Tyra Banks Show.”

In the past, Banks has been criticized by fans for her approach and harsh comments that she made while judging on “America’s Next Top Model.” The cutthroat style of the show may have been reflective of the model industry. Banks has been accused of gaslighting several times.

So I’ve been watching ANTM this past week. Tyra Banks is actually a witch. The gaslighting, the lack of political correctness, subtle colourism, anti-POC and homophobia…

— PanAfrican Deity (@PanAfricanDeity) April 26, 2020

tyra banks spent years gaslighting women on america’s top model for their weight and enabled so many eating disorders on the show and when she gained weight she went on a whole body positivity rant about embracing it😌 like girl

— ayan (@AYANLAVANZANT) July 7, 2019

Also gaslighting contestants who were only defending themselves bc you had to have the final say and authority wasn’t a good move. I’m at least glad you acknowledged that you did some wrong on the show.

— lusanda (@lusanda__) May 9, 2020

Earlier this year, the supermodel acknowledged that some of her methods may have been harsh. In a tweet she said, “[I’ve] been seeing the posts about the insensitivity of some past ANTM moments and I agree with you. Looking back, those were really off choices.”

Considering Bank’s history, there is wonder about how vocal she will be in expressing herself. Although she won’t be a judge, she will have influence as an executive producer.

Banks will be the first African American host of “Dancing With the Stars” and also the first to host solo. She told Good Morning America, “It’s nice to be first so that you can open that door and let so many people in after you.”