

After 22 cycles, and 12 years on television, one of the top rated fashion reality shows came to an end last year after the head honchos at CW and the host and co-executive producer, Tyra Banks, decided that America's Next Top Model had run its course.
After much disappointment by fans everywhere, VH1 decided to bring it to their network complete with a new host and judges. After thinking that we would never see Tyra back in the judges seat she announced recently that she's coming back to ANTM for cycle 24; she's back with new rules!
“There have been 23 cycles of America's Next Top Model and every single cycle we say you have to be 27 years or younger. You know what I hear all the time? 'Tyra, come on. Why have an age limit?' So you know what? I'm taking that age limit off.'"
I'm excited about Tyra's return of the show because I will never forget what I learned from watching ANTM. When I was just eight years old, on Wednesdays I would be dressed in my PJs, finished with my chores, and sitting in front of the TV before 8pm so that I didn't miss a minute of that show! It was considered “Tweety's TV Time"! I dreamed of the day where I would grace the screen just like the many models that appeared on the show each season.
I just knew I would have my opportunity to stand before Tyra and receive my photo letting me know that I would make it to the final two.
By the time I was 13, my dreams changed and my pursuit to become a model were null and void but it didn't change the fact that I learned so much from watching ANTM. There were many lessons to take away from the show that even today, I see many beautiful girls using it to enhance their beauty on the 'gram.
Here are just a few tips that I learned from Tyra and the original ANTM that I will never forget:
1. How to Pose
Before ANTM came on the scene, we girls had a limited amount of poses. Mine was definitely the hand on my hip while leaning on my knee, or the terribly concave look that every model looks great doing but makes an amateur look quite—amateur. After watching the show, I learned how to elongate the neck to appear taller, and how to create shape with the body that can make you look lean and fierce in every photo.
2. To Always “Smize"
"Smize" is a word created by Ms. Banks that means to smile with your eyes. This is one that took some time for me to accomplish but I finally got it. Smizing has a way of making your face look bright and happy.
3. To Do the “Booty Tooch"
Another word that was created by Tyra, "tooch" means to pop out the booty just a lil bit to give shape to your profile. This is like having an instant butt lift in images.
4. Not To Be Afraid of Change
One of the most anticipated moments on the show was definitely the makeover. Yes, this when the models literally had breakdowns because they were going to be transformed into something that they were unfamiliar with. From drastic haircuts and colors to changing the models teeth (remember Cycle 6 Joanie Dodds), the young women were made to look edgier in order to take their look to the next level.
5. Full-Figured Girls Are Beautiful
Tyra was never afraid to break the rules and set trends on her show! While the industry insisted that supermodels could never be plus-sized, Tyra introduced real-sized women, like Toccara Jones, who were Ah-mazing! Toccara was featured on the cover of King and she also had a full spread in Vogue Italia showing off her all her sexiness. Thanks to people like Tyra and other trailblazers, we see more real-sized women strutting their stuff down the runway and I hope it continues.
6. Shortie Got It Going On
While Kate Moss reigned as one of the most famous short models to have a long lasting career in the modeling industry, Eva Marcille Pigford came on to ANTM and took the modeling industry by storm being featured on the cover of several publications, like Essence, and had an on-going career as an actress on shows that include The Young and the Restless.
7. The Modeling Industry Can Be a Beast
Tyra has never sugar-coated that the modeling industry is a beast and those with thin skin need to develop layers or go home. Women in the industry are faced with body shaming, color prejudice and many other jabs at people's self-esteem. Because of shows like ANTM, the standard of the fashion/modeling business has been scrutinized in order to make the business safer for young models and the young women who hope to be like them.
8. Never Take Your Opportunities Lightly
Who can forget the time that Ms. Banks went all the way off on contestant Tiffany Richardson (Cycle 4)? Yes, she let loose and let have because she felt that Tiffany did not take her opportunity seriously when she was eliminated. This was Tiffany's second opportunity as she was disqualified after getting into a fight on cycle 3. Tyra wanted her to know that her failure was because of her own actions and not anyone else's. After watching this moment, I think we all learned that all opportunities are blessings that should be counted, especially from Tyra.
9. No Matter What, You Are Beautiful! 
No matter who we chose as our favorites, Tyra made sure that we saw the beauty in each of the models through their images because most of the time, then were young women who are just like us. Just look at runway model Winnie Harlow (Cycle 21), the beautiful girl with Vitiligo, who is seen taking prideful strides down the runway—stunning! Although she didn't win, it hasn't stopped her from popping up in fashion spreads like Ebonyand Glamour and being featured in publications like Cosmopolitan and Complex, as well as major campaigns with brands like Diesel. Yes, Gawd! With our insecurities and flaws, Tyra taught young women to own them because they are a part of what tells our story and those stories make us beautiful.
10. #BlackGirlMagic Is Real
Tyra used her platform to feature the beauty of black women. Thanks to ANTM, young black women saw the likeness of their own beauty on the runway. Although many of them did not win the show, they are #winning in their careers.
Don't believe me?
Check out the careers of Fatima Siad (Cycle 10) who did ad campaigns with Armani Exchange, Ralph Lauren, and Pantene; Naima Mora (Cycle 4) did print modeling for CoverGirl and ELLE Magazine. She also released a book in 2012 titled Naima Mora's Model Behavior; Isis King (Cycle 11 and 17) was the first transgender on the show who became a model and actress that was featured on several episodes of the Bold and the Beautiful. She is also a spokesperson for the transgender community. And last but not least, Yaya DaCosta (Cycle 3) has made it clear that she is more than just a beautiful face. The multi-lingual and professionally trained dancer has been featured in countless ad campaigns and several movies that include her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the Lifetime film. Awesomeness!
What were some of the lessons you learned from ANTM that you continue to use and favorite moments from the show? Share below!
Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
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Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney & Jill Marie Jones On 'Games Women Play' & Dating Over 40
What do you get when you mix unfiltered truths, high-stakes romance, and a few well-timed one-liners? You get Games Women Play—the sizzling new stage play by Je’Caryous Johnson that’s part relationship rollercoaster, part grown-woman group chat.
With a powerhouse cast that includes Claudia Jordan, Demetria McKinney, Jill Marie Jones, Carl Payne, Chico Bean, and Brian J. White, the play dives headfirst into the messy, hilarious, and heart-wrenching games people play for love, power, and peace of mind. And the women leading this story? They’re bringing their whole selves to the stage—and leaving nothing behind.
From Script to Spotlight
The road to Games Women Play started over 20 years ago—literally.
“This script was written 20 years ago,” Jill Marie Jones said with a smile. “It was originally called Men, Money & Gold Diggers, and I was in the film version. So when Je’Caryous called me to bring it to the stage, I was like, ‘Let’s go.’” Now reimagined for 2025, the play is updated with sharp dialogue and modern relationship dynamics that feel all too real.
Demetria McKinney, no stranger to Je’Caryous Johnson’s productions, jumped at the opportunity to join the cast once again. “This is my third time working with him,” she shared. “It was an opportunity to stretch. I’d never been directed by Carl Payne before, and the chance to work with talent I admire—Jill, Claudia, Chico—it was a no-brainer.”
Claudia Jordan joked that she originally saw the role as just another check. “I didn’t take it that seriously at first,” she admitted. “But this is my first full-on tour—and now I’ve got a whole new respect for how hard people work in theater. This ain’t easy.”
Modern Love, Stage Left
The play doesn’t hold back when it comes to the messier parts of love. One jaw-dropping moment comes when a live podcast proposal flips into a prenup bombshell—leaving the audience (and the characters) gasping.
Demetria broke it down with honesty. “People don’t ask the real questions when they date. Like, ‘Do you want kids? How do you feel about money?’ These convos aren’t happening, and then everyone’s confused. That moment in the play—it’s real. That happens all the time.”
Jill chimed in, noting how the play speaks to emotional disconnect. “We’re giving each other different tokens of love. Men might offer security and money. Women, we’re giving our hearts. But there’s a disconnect—and that’s where things fall apart.”
And then Claudia, of course, took it all the way there. “These men don’t even want to sign our prenups now!” she laughed. “They want to live the soft life, too. Wearing units, gloss, getting their brows done. We can’t have nothing! Y’all want to be like us? Then get a damn period and go through menopause.”
Dating Over 40: “You Better Come Correct”
When the conversation turned to real-life relationships, all three women lit up. Their experiences dating in their 40s and 50s have given them both clarity—and zero tolerance for games.
“I feel sexier than I’ve ever felt,” said Jill, who proudly turned 50 in January. “I say what I want. I mean what I say. I’m inside my woman, and I’m not apologizing for it.”
Demetria added that dating now comes with deeper self-awareness. “Anybody in my life is there because I want them there. I’ve worked hard to need nobody. But I’m open to love—as long as you keep doing what got me there in the first place.”
For Claudia, the bar is high—and the peace is priceless. “I’ve worked hard for my peace,” she said. “I’m not dating for food. I’m dating because I want to spend time with you. And honestly, if being with you isn’t better than being alone with my candles and fountains and cats? Then no thanks.”
Channeling Strength & Icon Status
Each actress brings something different to the play—but all of them deliver.
“I actually wish I could be messier on stage,” Claudia joked. “But I think about my grandmother—she was born in 1929, couldn’t even vote or buy a house without a man, and didn’t give a damn. She was fearless. That’s where my strength comes from.”
For Jill, the comparisons to her iconic Girlfriends character Toni Childs aren’t far off—but this role gave her a chance to dig deeper. “If you really understood Toni, you’d see how layered she was. And Paisley is the same—misunderstood, but strong. There’s more to her than people see at first glance.”
Demetria, who juggles singing and acting seamlessly, shared that live theater pushes her in a new way. “Every moment on stage counts. You can’t redo anything. It’s a different kind of love and discipline. You have to give the performance away—live, in the moment—and trust that it lands.”
Laughter, Lessons & Black Girl Gems
The show has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments—and the cast isn’t shy about who steals scenes.
“Chico Bean gets a lot of gasps and laughs,” Claudia said. “And Naomi Booker? Every scene she’s in—she’s hilarious.”
But the play isn’t just about humor. It leaves space for reflection—especially for Black women.
“I hope we get back to the foundation of love and communication,” said Demetria. “A lot of us are in protector mode. But that’s turned into survival mode. We’ve lost softness. We’ve lost connection.”
Claudia agreed. “We’re doing it all—but it’s not because we want to be strong all the time. It’s because we have to be. And I just want women to know: You can have peace, you can be soft. But stop bringing your old pain into new love. Don’t let past heartbreak build walls so high that the right person can’t climb over.”
Final Act: Pack the House
If there’s one thing this cast agrees on, it’s that this play isn’t just entertainment—it’s necessary.
“Atlanta is the Black entertainment hub,” Claudia said. “We need y’all to show up for this play. Support the arts. Support each other. Because when we pack the house, we make space for more stories like this.”
Games Women Play is more than a play—it’s a mirror. You’ll see yourself, your friends, your exes, and maybe even your next chapter. So get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even heal—because the games are on.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy