Palisadian Tyra Banks Named First Solo Host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’

By JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter 

Palisadian and television powerhouse Tyra Banks will replace Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews as the new host for ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

“Tyra is an award-winning multihyphenate whose fierce female prowess and influence across many industries have made an indelible mark,” Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, shared in a statement.

Prior to joining “DWTS,” Banks co-created “America’s Next Top Model” and formerly hosted “America’s Got Talent.”

“DWTS,” based on a UK series called “Strictly Come Dancing,” is a long-running, Emmy-winning reality show based on celebrities partnering up with professional dancers to compete against each other in weekly elimination rounds until a winner is chosen.

The contestants are judged by both a professional panel on the show and the audience. The couple with the lowest combined votes each week is eliminated.

“I’ve been a fan of ‘DWTS’ since its beginning,” Banks shared in a statement posted on the show’s website. “The fun mixed with raw emotion, seeing celebrities push past their comfort zones, the sizzling dance performances … it’s always transported me to my days of turning it up to 10 notches on the catwalk.”

Banks also complimented Bergeron, who has been hosting the show since it originated in 2005.

“Tom has set a powerful stage,” Banks said, “and I’m excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats.”

The award-winning host Bergeron joked on Twitter: “I guess I won’t be getting back my monogrammed towels,” alluding to Banks and Bergeron sharing the same initials.

The news appeared to come as a surprise to Bergeron who tweeted he was “just informed” he would not be returning the day before the news broke and his co-host Andrews confirmed her departure on Instagram a day later. Both shared positive thoughts on their departures.

“Thank you ABC and the entire ‘DWTS’ family for six memorable seasons … ,” Andrews tweeted.

Over the past 15 years of being on the air, the show has won 17 Primetime Emmy Awards for many different categories.

“This represents a landmark moment in our 28 seasons producing ‘DWTS’ as we take this iconic show in a new direction,” Valerie Bruce, general manager, LA Productions, BBC Studios, said in a statement.

The show, heading into its 29th season, typically runs one hour long, varying from 40 to 86 minutes.