Using Reality TV For Your 15 Minutes Of Fame
It's the end of an era in the world of reality TV as well as discovering new models. America's Next Top Model (ANTM), currently in it's 22 season, will not be renewed by it's current network, CW. Tyra took to Twitter on Wednesday announcing the news:
I, like many others, caught on to the show from season 1, mind you, I lived in Sweden at the time. That's how big this show was. The show has had over 50 adaptions around the world, from Ghana, to China, to Romania. All have had their version of the show, including airing the original.
I belong to the camp that felt this story's ending was imminent. The format just wasn't the same, and I actually fell of a number of years ago. However this doesn't take away the huge impact, and success this show has for not only the 2 networks it aired on, but the lives of some of the contestants who knew how to take their 15 minutes of fame and run with it, remaining in the fashion industry, and some now in acting.
Eva Marcille - Actress, TV host, Model. Season 3 winner of ANTM.
Yaya DaCosta - Actress and Model. Runner-up on season 3 of ANTM.
Toccara Jones - Hip Hop model, TV personality, Model, Actress and Singer. Placed 7th on Season 3 of ANTM.
Dani Evans - Model. Season 6 winner of ANTM.
Winnie Harlow - Model and Vitiligo spokes-model. Placed 6th on Season 21 of ANTM.
This brings me to today lesson. If you ever had ambitions to being a fashion model, and thought to yourself, "next year". Well there isn't a "next year" for ANTM. I've mentioned before that reality-TV is an excellent opportunity to get discovered.
[Related: Do More - The Secret To Standing Out In A Crowd]
I know it can be nerve wrecking to put yourself out there, specially on TV. Disclosing your perhaps secret dreams and ambitions is definitely a moment of vulnerability, specially when you fear that the response will be negative. And although I don't believe you should share your dream willy-nilly with whomever, you shouldn't let opportunities pass you by in fear of public opinion. Pray about it, and if you don't feel that the competition format is for you, ask the Holy Spirit what is. As mentioned yesterday, social media will very likely be part of the equation. YouTube, which is an excellent way to showcase talent, is now also the home of web-series (for aspiring actresses), and dance-competitions. Perhaps you'll feel less "exposed" online. Mind you, if you're dream involves "Hollywood fame", you're gonna have to get used to exposure :)
[Related: How To Use YouTube To Showcase Your Talent]
To all those who managed to pursue their dream on the show, congrats! To Tyra, a standing ovation for all your accomplishments. For us viewers, the last episodes airs on December 4.
Be blessed!