But according to Niki Taylor and Tyson Beckford, the model hosts of Bravo’s latest reality competition show, “Make Me a Supermodel” is different. The show is setting out to be less drama-fueled and more instructional—like a crash-course on how to make it as a model.
Although, with a mix of pretty ladies and handsome guys pitted against each other for cash prizes and a major magazine spread, we’re sure the drama isn’t too far behind.
What was it about this show that most appealed to you and made you want to be part of it?
Niki Taylor: This show was positive. It was nurturing. And I think it's different from the other shows because we have guys and girls. And it's kind of got an “American Idol” kind of twist to it: America gets to vote on who stays in the house. I just thought it was a neat idea and Bravo always does such a great job with their shows.
Tyson Beckford: Ditto. That's what attracted me to the show. I was like OK, I get to represent for the guys.
How has modeling changed from when you two were getting started?
NT: It's definitely changed since Tyson and I first started. Like on covers of magazines, there's celebrities where we used to be. And reality TV—it's a great way to get exposure and get your name out there.
TB: I agree. It is definitely easier now to get a modeling job than it was when we came up.
Are you all territorial about celebrities on magazine covers?
NT: No, it's a cycle, right Tyson?
TB: They come in for a little while and they'll go out and then the models will be back in again.
NT: So we'll see. We're waiting for it. [Laughs]
I’m sure you’re getting a lot of comparisons to "America's Next Top Model"—any comment?
TB: I've been on "America's Top Model," I've done some of the judging and it's totally two different shows. We push the kids into a real work environment. Theirs is kind of made up, you know—they want more drama. We want less drama, more on the runway, more in the photo shoots.
NT: Yeah. We want them to work more.
Is either of you like a Tyra Banks? Or a Simon Cowell?
TB: I don't know. I think I'm the Simon. I could be a little Simon, a little Tyra. Niki's the sweet one.
NT: Yeah.
TB: I tell them all the time, “Don't be mad at me, but I'm always going to tell you the truth.” The reality of being a quote unquote “supermodel” is the whole world is looking for a flaw. So if I can spot the flaw before the world sees it and help you correct it, it's only going to be better for you.
In casting, you all let one girl go because she was too skinny. Were you looking to make sure there wasn't anybody on the show with an eating disorder?
TB: Yeah. We definitely want to set a good example and let people know that the eating disorder models are not what's hot. I don't care what they think. It's not hot to be anorexic. And those designers who are still using them…you know, shame on them.
So who are your favorites so far?
NT: I know Tyson's favorite.
TB: I know Niki's favorite, but we can't tell you. You'll have to watch.
Well, Jacki seems to be Tyson's favorite…
TB: Ah, is it that obvious?
NT: Yeah.
TB: Oh, boy.
NT: [Laughs] Just a little bit. No Jacki's just all-around great. Great personality, great face, great walk. But I'm leaning towards Perry.
TB: He's one of my favorites, too.
Any other standouts?
TB: I've got the ones I'm going to help a little more than the others. A couple of them are shy, and I know what it's like to be shy. To help break somebody out of that is really going to help them—and it's also going to make for great television.
What's the secret to staying in this business for so many years?
NT: Just having a good head on your shoulders, being humble and working. Giving the client what they want, what they're looking for. Being able to sell the magazine, sell the clothing, whatever you're wearing. The numbers speak for themselves. If the magazine did really well, then they'll book that person again.
Do you guys think Janice Dickinson is the world's first supermodel, or do you think she hijacked that title?
TB: I don't. I'm trying to figure out who gave it to her. I would love to talk to that person because, you know…
NT: Yeah, because like Cheryl Tiegs, Twiggy—
TB: Yeah. There was so many. Not to take away from Janice. Janice was hot in her heyday. But what she's become today…oh my God. [Laughs]
Is there anything that’s off-limits in your book? Something you just won’t ever do?
NT: Lingerie. I did swimsuits because I'm from Miami and we were always in swimsuits. But lingerie was just something a little too personal for me—that's for my husband. That's probably the only thing I would say no to. And, you know, Playboy.
TB: Yeah, I've been offered a lot of nudes myself. I never really found the need to do it. Every time someone would ask me, I'd always think of what my mom would be sitting there doing as she looked at it. Like, “Look at my boy, showing everybody his goods.” So I've always stayed away from it.
You both really are so humble…
TB: Yeah. You've got to stay humble. I think that's one of the problems with this new bunch of kids coming into the industry. They're already saying, “Oh, I won't wear this.”
NT: Yeah.
TB: If you gave me a thong and said, “Look. You've got to wear these heels and this thong down 42nd Street,” I would be like, “OK!”
”Make Me a Supermodel” premieres Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 p.m./9c on Bravo.
