Tyra Banks’ Jaw-Dropping Transformation—And Why She’s Returning to Modeling After 20 Years
Supermodel Tyra Banks is no stranger to reinvention. Now, after 20 years away from the runway, she’s making a stunning comeback, debuting a dramatic transformation on a new magazine cover and announcing her return to modeling.
Tyra Banks’s transformation
Tyra Banks is the cover model for Essence Magazine’s March/April issue. She’s transformed back into Tyra the supermodel, smize intact, and looking fierce.
Tyra announced a triumphant return to the modeling world after 20 years. She last professionally modeled in 2005, retiring to focus on other career endeavors.
Some of these projects included hosting and executive producing America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) from 2003 through 2018. Tyra also hosted and produced Dancing with the Stars from 2020 to 2023, during seasons 29 through 31 as well as The Tyra Banks Show, which earned her a Daytime Emmy Award.
In addition, Tyra expanded her career into entrepreneurship. She launched the cosmetics brand, Tyra Beauty, focusing on empowering women through makeup, as well as an ice cream company SMiZE & DREAM. She’s also worked as an actress, and author.
So why is she returning to the modeling world almost 36 years after she started her career at 15? Because, as always, she’s got something to prove.
Tyra Banks upstaged models half her age upon returning to the catwalk
In October 2024, Tyra Banks returned to the Victoria’s Secret catwalk, closing out the show. But Tyra had a tough decision to make about participating and leaned on her mother Carolyn London, who gave her excellent advice.
Tyra told Essence, “My mama said, ‘You’re not just walking for you this time. You’re 50 and you’re walking for so many people. You’re walking for Black women, for older women.’ ”
However, Tyra didn’t realize the impact her appearance would have on the industry and her decision to return to modeling. “I had no idea it was gonna blow up in the way that it did,” Tyra admits.
“So now I am going to model again, officially. I’m gonna sign with an agency in Sydney. I’m gonna have agencies in Paris, in New York. Like, I’m just gonna do this.”
Fans shared their excitement the ‘Smize’ queen is reclaiming her throne
On the cover of Essence’s The Beauty Issue, Tyra looks straight into the camera. Her piercing eyes speak volumes, and her message is loud and clear; she’s back!
Fans picked up on the imaging right away. They shared their excitement regarding Tyra’s return in the post’s messages.
“She never left, she just gave others opportunities! Love you mama T!” wrote one Instagram user. A second penned, “Welcome back legend.”
“Modeling has always been her talent and gift. She always delivers. Well done on the cover!” applauded a third follower. A fourth claimed, “She was one of my very first role models. I know every single season of ANTM by heart, literally word for word. I love this for her so much!!”
Tyra Banks hasn’t revealed when she will return to modeling full-time. She is currently living in Australia with her son York and her boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, whom she’s been dating since 2019.
