Television July 14, 2020
Tyra Banks Named New Host of 'Dancing with the Stars'
A day after Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews departed "Dancing with the Stars," the show has found its new host!
On Tuesday night, it was announced that Tyra Banks, 46, is taking over the hosting duties. The show tweeted, "Please join us in welcoming @tyrabanks as #DWTS host. Thank you to @Tom_Bergeron and @ErinAndrews for so many seasons of glitz, glamour, and good times!"
In a statement obtained by "Extra," Tyra said, "I've been a fan of 'DWTS' since its beginning... 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 10 notches on the catwalk."
Along with hosting the show, Tyra will also be getting an EP credit. She said, "Tom has set a powerful stage, and I'm excited to continue the legacy and put on my executive producer and hosting hats."
In a separate statement, Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, praised Tom for his 15 years on the show as well as welcoming Tyra to the "DWTS" family. Burke said, "Tom has been an integral part of the ABC family for nearly two decades, from hosting 'AFV' to 'Dancing with the Stars' – we are grateful for all he and Erin have done to make 'Dancing' a success. As we gear up for the show's 29th season, we can't wait to welcome Tyra Banks to our 'Dancing' stage. Tyra is an award-winning multihyphenate whose fierce female prowess and influence across many industries have made an indelible mark. Her fresh take on America's favorite dancing competition will surely bring more than a 'Smize' to fans everywhere.”
Major Shake-Up! Tom Bergeron & Erin Andrews Exit ‘Dancing with the Stars’
View StoryValerie Bruce, general manager, L.A. Productions, BBC Studios, added, “Tyra Banks is an icon whose powerful presence, trademark confidence, and industry-leading achievements inspire us. We are proud to partner with ABC to welcome her as the new host of 'Dancing with the Stars.' This represents a landmark moment in our 28 seasons producing 'Dancing with the Stars' as we take this iconic show in a new creative direction. We offer our sincere thanks to Tom and Erin, whom we will always consider part of the 'Dancing with the Stars' family.”
The following morning, Banks teased what's to come on the show during an appearance on "Good Morning America." She told Amy Robach, "It is gonna be so next level. I am having meetings with the producer that I walked in to join, Andrew Llinares, and... he's like, 'Tyra, you just don't know. It's gonna be next level.' We're doing all this crazy stuff, taking to the next level, but still keeping the stuff that we know America loves. But you need to get ready, 'cause it's gonna be different."
Banks will be the first solo host. She commented, "I like breaking those doors down, so that we don't have anymore firsts. But it's nice to be first, right? So you can open that door and let so many people in after you. I'm excited!"
"Dancing with the Stars" debuted in 2005.