"Her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize.

Smize, because Tyra Banks is back! The America’s Next Top Model co-creator and executive producer will return to the modeling competition as host for the next cycle.

In an official statement, the supermodel, actress, and mogul says,

I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ANTM fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ANTM is woven into my DNA.

Banks, through a series of Tweets, also confirmed her return and thanked Rita Ora for an exquisite job well done.

I missed my ANTM baby so Mama's back! #ANTM #ANTM24 — Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) March 16, 2017

Mizz @ritaora, you exemplify Business Boss Brand to the fullest! Thank you for all the amazingness you brought to ANTM — Tyra Banks (@tyrabanks) March 16, 2017

In his own statement co-executive producer Ken Mok said of Tyra’s return,

Tyra has always been the heart and soul of the franchise and her absence was deeply felt by our fiercely loyal fans who missed their Queen of the Smize. We’d like to thank Rita Ora for being a great partner and total pro. She infused this new iteration of ANTM with passion and creativity and we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

The remaining panelists will be announced at a later date. We are so glad to see Tyra back!