TV Throwdown: Tyra Banks Vs. Tyra Banks

There's Top Model Tyra and there's Oprah-wannabe Tyra. Which Tyra wins?
Tyra Banks hosting 'America's Next Top Model' / Tyra Banks laughs with a guest on 'The Tyra Banks Show'
Tyra Banks hosting 'America's Next Top Model' / Tyra Banks laughs with a guest on 'The Tyra Banks Show' - The CW / Warner Bros.
Maisy Fernandez

I'll be honest. When it comes to Tyra Banks, there's a bit of debate that goes on in my house: Is she a gorgeous, successful supermodel/TV host who can do no wrong or a totally annoying woman whose goofy behavior and crazy facial expressions make you cringe?

tyra photosSee pictures of Tyra Banks

If you've ever seen the ludicrous clips of her behavior on The Soup, you'd probably lean toward the latter. But one thing is for sure: Whether you can appreciate it or not, Tyra has personality in droves. So we're pitting the America's Next Top Model Tyra against The Tyra Banks Show Tyra in a TV Throwdown.

OUTFITS
No matter where she is, Tyra is a fashionista who rocks stunning and fashion-forward looks, highlighted by bold accessories. However, on the most recent episodes of her talk show, she's been extolling the virtues of shoulder pads.
I don't know if many people are ready to incorporate those into their wardrobes again, especially those of us with high school photos from the 1980s. So we'll take ANTM Tyra on this one.
ANTM: 1
Tyra Banks Show: 0

GUESTS
On the current season of ANTM, Tyra has snared celebrity guests like Ciara and Clay Aiken, as well as hotties Tyson Beckford and Taye Diggs in previous seasons.
Generally, Tyra's talk show centers around real people, but recently she's recruited Levi Johnston (Bristol Palin's baby-daddy), Patti LaBelle, Patti Stanger (The Millionaire Matchmaker) and Danny "Nitro" Clark of American Gladiators fame. And I'd say at least 15 percent of the times I've tuned in, she's had past contestants from ANTM on her panel. But big names, such as T.I., Beyonce, Miley Cyrus have also been featured so we can forgive a bit of a dry spell lately (LaBelle excluded). It's a never-ending cycle to book guests on a daily talk show ... and Beyonce trumps Clay Aiken any day.
ANTM: 1
Tyra Banks Show: 1

PERSONALITY
On ANTM, viewers usually only see Tyra at the end of the show during judging. But every once in a while, she'll show up to a challenge wearing some ridiculous costume and demonstrate her "acting" skills -- and this is when The Soup loves to taunt her. I try to enjoy her antics. She's just having fun, after all -- but usually, I'm just completely embarrassed for her.
On her talk show, she's still self-effacing and remarkably goofy, but we get to see her serious, thoughtful side, too. Tyra approaches important personal issues (careers, money, body image) as well as topics that appeal to pop culture enthusiasts and younger generations (Facebook, vampires, advice panels, etc.). She's devised a format that appeals to audiences that Oprah and Ellen may be missing.
ANTM: 1
Tyra Banks Show: 2

TRADEMARKS
Tyra struts down a runway at the beginning of each of her talk shows -- and, of course, does it like a pro. But her guests are often subjected to the same method of entry and it's almost always an uncomfortable disaster. They always try, but it's mostly just awkward. Also, Tyra's standard response to things she likes is "Holla!" which totally gets old, especially after you hear it four or five times in one episode.
If ever there were a cliché war from ANTM, it would involve the overuse of "Smile with your eyes" and "fierce." But Tyra's breathless whispering during elimination rounds -- "I only have two photos in my hands. The girl whose name I call still has a chance at becoming America's Next (pause) Top Model" -- make me want to install a runway at my front door and holla at everyone who walks in. Tyra, you're not discussing matters of national security. You're kicking someone off a reality show. Please speak normally.
ANTM: 1
Tyra Banks Show: 3

WOMAN-FRIENDLINESS
Tyra spends a good deal of her talk show time trying to uplift ladies and boost women's self-esteem. She does serious segments about things like abuse, eating disorders, health issues and finances that encourage women to love themselves and be the best that they can be.
ANTM is basically a job interview where the qualifications involve being skinny and stylish. Even knowing that, it pains me to watch models publicly get called out for gaining five pounds, not wearing their hair exactly the right way or donning a dress that doesn't live up to their model standards. It's a harsh reminder that models are little more than living, breathing clothes hangers.
ANTM: 1
Tyra Banks Show: 4

Bottom line: Even though Tyra can act a fool and make me cringe when she gets in front of a TV camera, I have to give credit where credit is due. She's a good, fresh talk show host who shares personal stories to relate to her subjects. And more importantly, she isn't afraid to be herself -- no matter who that is.

Now you decide ...




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