Star: Real Beauties Return

Vogue's larger than life editor-at-large, Andre Leon Talley, joins Tyra on the judges panel for a new cycle of America's Next Top Model!

March 15th, 2010 | Star Magazine

He's been a fixture in the front row of fashion shows and the right-hand man to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour for decades. Now Andre Leon Talley is taking his boldest step yet and becoming a judge on America's Next Top Model! And even though he admits he's never watched the show, he's up for the challenge. "I've known Tyra Banks since she was a teenager," Andre tells Star. "One day we had lunch, and she proposed the idea to me. I decided to join her, and I've had a great time!"

This season, Andre, Tyra, photographer Nigel Barker, J. Alexander and weekly guest judges- such as Wilhemina Models President Sean Patterson ad The City's Whitney Port- will scrutinize 13 hopefuls to find the next star of the catwalk, who will receive a $100,000 cosmetics deal and a modeling contract. How did Andre approach his role? "Being a judge is not just throwing personal platitudes out for the aduience," he explains. "It's a chance to share life experiences that will help people to grow. The girls listen, learn, and study what Tyra and the other judges impart to them."

Feel The Burn!
For Andre, who hilariously tried to shed pounds in the documentary The September Issue, the quest for slimness continues- Star spotted him at New York University's Program for Surgical Weight Loss in Manhattan  Feb. 19. "It's a challenge and struggle everyday," he says. But I think I'm doing very well, I'm walking and exercising on a rowing machine." And s for that often critical boss who once demanded of him, "Don't eat!" Andre can say she didn't get all The Devil Wears Prada when he decided to become a reality star. "Anna is very happy that I wanted to branch out and try this," he says. "She's thrilled for me!"