Rumour has it that the next cycle in America's Next Top Model, number 8, which will appear in March of 2007 will feature thirteen fuller model wannabes than in previous seasons. In previous cycles/seasons there has been the odd curvy model attempting to take the top prize of a magazine cover and one year modeling contract with a top agency but none of them make it very far. Not for lack of trying or lack of talent or lack of beauty. They just didn't fit the industry standard in terms of body type.

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The spring season promises to show off more curvy women. They won't be bigger than a size 14 but still it's promising. The heaviest model America's Top Model has featured so far was Toccara Jones from Cycle 3 at 180 pounds which is what a size 8 or 10? Still when compared to the going size of 2, or smaller, it is fuller.

Part of me wonders if America's Top Model is responding to what Dove started with their real women campaign. It's success has spurred other companies to shout from the roof tops "Buy our products! We love real women!" I don't mean to sound negative. Honestly, I love it. We come in all shapes and sizes and it's nice to see it in the advertising. Finally.

I hope the new show won't go on about how big the ladies are and how they don't fit the runway standards. We all know. We don't need to keep hearing it. What we want to see is how they are going to change what has become the standard. If anyone can do it it's Tyra Banks. Really, if you look at Tyra and her career she has changed the face and body of modeling. Especially the last few years.

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This is my third season rushing home to the tube to watch America's Top Model. A show I swore I wouldn't get into out of principle. But for some reason it's addicting as hell. And of course a similar principle forced me to watch the Canadian version (Canada's Next Top Model), how could I not after all. I'm looking forward to watching the second season only because it will be hosted by the fierce Jay Manuel. I'm just hoping this doesn't mean he'll be leaving America's Top Model.

Visit the official website for info on the models from each cycle.

After you've finished perusing that then check out Tyra Banks updated official website. It's lovely.

Relive the first cycle with a DVD from Amazon.com.

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