If you're one of those people who heard the news that Karrueche Tran might be a new America's Next Top Model judge and raised one or both eyebrows, then you've come to the right place. I understand that she's an unlikely choice to succeed such professional models as Twiggy, Janice Dickinson, and Paulina Porizkova, or industry experts like Nigel Barker or Andre Leon Talley, but I have a feeling there's a method to this madness. After all, Karrueche Tran isn't just Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend — we know that, right? — and she actually does have quite a bit of experience to bring to the table. Personally, I'm hoping these rumors are true.
As of right now, there's no official confirmation, but Page Six alleges that Tran's name has been thrown around as one that might appear on the ANTM judging panel once the show moves to VH1 from the CW. Sure, Karrueche Tran is no Tyra Banks, but, first of all, who is? And ,second of all, Tran isn't being looked at as the new host, just as one member of the judging panel. So, even if she has absolutely no place there, if they keep the format the same, there will likely be three other people representing different sides of the industry to help fill in the gaps, not even counting the weekly guest judge.
So cool out, everybody panicking over this decision. There are plenty of reasons that Karrueche Tran could do a great job on ANTM , and here are seven of them.
1. Things Are Getting Shaken Up
A whole new network, a whole new host, and potentially a whole new audience, while also holding onto the majority of their old audience? This is the perfect time to try something a little edgier and riskier like an all-new judging panel.
2. They're Going Younger
The names that have been thrown around as a replacement for Tyra Banks as host are Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, both 20, so they would match up pretty well with 27-year old Karrueche Tran.
3. Tyra Knows Best
Tyra Banks is, of course, staying on as executive producer, and I have explicit faith in any decision she makes — yes, even her more terrible makeover choices — so I'm along for the ride no matter what.
4. Tran Has Had Modeling Experience
She's known more for her personal life these days, but Tran does have experience in the industry. In addition to working for the streetwear brand Crooks and Castles in 2013, and the Korean athletic brand Le Coq Sportif in 2015, she's also done a lot of magazine covers, and is in fact still signed with Wilhelmina Models LA.
5. She Sees The Other Side Of The Industry
Karrueche Tran is only 5'1", which means she brings a whole 'nother perspective to the modeling industry. It doesn't have to be all Amazons all the time, and Tran is a perfect representation of that.
6. She's A Former Stylist
And don't forget, this isn't all about pure looks. It's about the full package, so, as a former stylist, Karrueche Tran will be uniquely suited to give advice that incorporates all of that.
7. She Did Well On Catfish
I don't know if everyone does the rounds of MTV reality television, but I sure do, which is how I happened to catch Tran co-hosting a recent episode of Catfish. And you know what? She did a pretty good job.
I've seen everything I need to see, and I fully endorse Karrueche Tran being installed as one of the new judges on the rebooted America's Next Top Model.
Image: MTV
