Tyra Banks, fabulously successful supermodel and UPN reality show host, wants to make it big as the new Oprah.

And the real Oprah Winfrey, the reigning Daytime Talk Queen, has already told her that she has a good shot at being the next big talk show host, despite the trail of Jane Pauleys and Marilu Henners in her wake. "Oprah told me my life is going to totally change," Banks said here to a gathering of TV critics previewing the new fall shows. "She's like, 'You think you're famous as a supermodel? Try being a daytime talk show host on TV every single day when people really feel like they know you and really feel like you're changing their lives.' "

Well, that remains to be seen, when The Tyra Banks Show debuts in September. The 31-year-old Banks says the goal of her syndicated show is to inspire young women. The show will be more Oprah than Ellen. "I'm really trying to reach women of my generation — women 25-to-35," she says. "The show's going to be a lot about self-empowerment, taking control of one's actions. I think young girls will get a lot out of that."

Here are five reasons why Banks thinks she can be mini-Oprah.

1. She can relate to real people.

2. She's not afraid of being seen without makeup.

3. She'll know how to talk to celebrities.

4. She's hasn't failed much professionally.

5. Oprah said she could do it.

--Um, don't think so, Tyra. I saw you do the pre-Oscar red carpet arrivals show once, and you were terrible. Not everyone should be called, "Girlfriend," and it's not cool to say "You go girl," to everyone.

---

Posted by Lawren at July 21, 2005 07:28 AM | Trackbacks (0)

You Said

She can relate to real people? Really? Oprah's initial appeal, to me anyway, was how down to earth she was when her show first aired. I somehow doubt Tyra will have the same appeal.

Says: Kelly at July 21, 2005 01:16 PM

---

I think she will fail miserably. She needs to stick to shows like "Top Model." Whatever happened to the CD she was supposedly recording?

Says: at July 21, 2005 05:01 PM

---