ANTM is an American TV series on VH1 based on young models attempting to become successful in the modeling business. The host of the show, Tyra Banks, is a world renowned model who began her career at the age of 17. The show began in 2003 and has returned on January 9, 2018 for the 24th season. Rumor has it that this is the most diverse season ANTM has constructed, aside from seasons 21 and 22 with male and female models. Since the show hasn’t been aired in about 1-2 years, Tyra Banks’ has a lot of expectations to fulfill. With the new season, there comes new judges. Ashley Graham, a full figured and body positive model, was one of the inspirations for the figure preference of the cast. The year of 2018 is bringing in a relatable cast versus the tall and slim models from previous seasons. Perhaps this will be the most anticipated season as it showcases body positivity and diversity.

Like previous seasons the models are given challenges regarding their abilities to take unique and professional photographs. Tyra Banks’ famous “smeyes” (smiling with  eyes) is the key to a good picture, but the poses are also essential. In the photoshoots, the models are put in uncomfortable or challenging situations to test their determination for modeling. For example in season 16, the models were put in an inflatable clear ball and had to walk down a water runway while keeping focus and staying in character. A challenge of this season treated  the contestants with a baby bump and of course they had to model with it. Just imagine attempting to stay glamorous with a baby bump! This introduces the concept of being comfortable in your own body. That’s what this season is all about! Tyra wasn’t looking for girls with a tall, small frame as usual She wanted to appeal to the new era of feeling beautiful while being a plus-sized or curvy girl.

        One of the new judges, model Ashley Graham, knows all about the feeling of expressing and admiring her body. Ashley isn’t scared to flaunt her imperfections, but instead embraces them. When she designed her very own barbie doll, she made sure there was no thigh gap ,so girls don’t have to feel as though thigh gaps and small waists are the perfect bodies. Even the Barbie brand has dropped a new line of dolls that include curvy, petite, classic, tall, etc dolls and each come from differing ethnic backgrounds. It’s good to see that perfect bodies aren’t the norm anymore, especially for younger girls. They can see that diversity and beauty can join to create an amazing result.

In conclusion, America’s Next Top Model season 24 is introducing a new kind of model who doesn’t have to be basic model material to make it big in the industry. Tyra is making a good example of accepting different body types as the same. This season has the ability to shine light on problems women and girls are facing with loving the body they’re in. Since television and social media is a big part of people’s  lives, the topic is more likely to be looked upon and portrayed in today’s society as a positive idea. Feeling beautiful isn’t easy when everyone is trying to become the popular body types seen online such as hourglasses and coca- bottles , but watching America’s Next Top Model season 24 can inspire so many people to post awesome pictures or just show off their curves at the beach. If the image of a small waist and small frame are constantly seen as the most beautiful bodies, why can’t stretch marks or natural-born bodies be seen as beautiful? There is a possibility this season can really inspire females to not care what society or people say about them. Finding love for yourself is key to being confident in their bodies and passing on good vibes to other girls who went through the same struggle for self acceptance!