Could Tyra Banks Have Ever Filled Oprah's Shoes?

By Rashod Ollison Posted Jan 7th 2010 09:30PM

With a media empire steadily growing under her piercing runway-ready gaze, Tyra Banks seemed poised to be the next big talk show diva -- after Oprah Winfrey, of course. The former supermodel, the force behind 'America's Next Top Model,' expanded her brand even more with 'The Tyra Banks Show', now in its fourth season.

But despite winning two Daytime Emmys for the sometimes-zany talker, whose topics centered mostly on women's issues and, uh, Tyra, the California-born media personality announced in late December that she's ending the program in spring 2010. With Oprah's coming vacancy, there were hopes Tyra would expand her show even more in an effort to fill the void left by her mentor.

"I think many turned to Tyra in hopes that she might fill the void that will ultimately be left by Oprah. But let's face the true fact here: There will never be another Oprah," says urban TV personality BJ Coleman, CEO of Coleman Entertainment. He appeared on Tyra's show in early 2008. "No matter how much success Tyra had on daytime television, she nor anyone else could fill Oprah's shoes."

Maybe it's for the best. Without the familiar, older-sister-like warmth of her mentor on another station, Tyra's over-stimulating style would be in danger of becoming downright insufferable. But there's no doubt that the decision to leave her talk show was a strategic business move.

"She's been able to succeed at whatever she puts her mind to, so it was definitely a smart move on her part," Coleman says. "The bad news now is that the only face for black women on the television circuit is Wendy Williams -- and I don't know how good that will be for pop culture."

But the "fierce" media star certainly doesn't plan to slow down. Her mission to uplift young women and celebrate all things that make her great will continue, just not on the small screen.

Tyra is aiming for film. After the show ends, she plans to launch Bankable Studios, a production company focused on movies that project positive images of young women. This direction makes sense for Tyra. There are only so many times on her talk show that she can disguise herself in a fat suit, reveal the true length of her hair, confront old nemesis Naomi Campbell, or gab about the wonders of Tampons.

Tags: oprah winfrey, OprahWinfrey, Tyra Banks, Tyra Banks Show, TyraBanks, TyraBanksShow

Comments

(22)

Friday 08 January

By Zarathustra

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The only thing Tyra fills out well are her HUGE BRAS.............

By miataboy

I've always objected to Oprah and Tyra the same way I object to Limbaugh, Hannuiy and Beck. The real problem in America is that too many citizens rely on others for their opinions. It doesn't matter if you're liberal or conservative. Do your own research and think for yourself. Noone should have that much control over what you think.

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