By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Tyra Banks is becoming known for taking a no-holds barred approach to her Emmy Award winning daytime talk show.
Using the topical, female-centric chat fest as a conduit to reach the masses, the former Victoria's Secrets model has gone undercover as an obese woman seeking affection and went behind bars (pictured right) -- to let the television audience get an inside peek into real life issues.
And that was just during the first season!
So far -- during the second season-- the "America's Next Top Model' diva has gone under-cover as a man, lived life as a homeless person for a day, interviewed "part-time lesbians," cried over an array of subjects and even hosted TV's very first "panty party."
Now, the former Cover Girl is taking reality TV to the next level, tackling AIDS Awareness.
On Jan. 24, Banks will take the OraQuick Rapid HIV Test and the results will be revealed on the nationally syndicated show.
"With one quarter of the estimated 950,000 Americans infected by AIDS unaware that they are carrying the virus, Tyra stresses the importance of getting tested to prevent spreading the disease and takes the test herself live on her stage," a show spokesperson noted.
Along with four of her viewers who have reason to think they may have been exposed to the virus, Banks will get teste, publicly.
The show will also touch upon the importance of sobriety tests, and the role drug addiction plays in relationships.
Comments: (19)
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By: suznsly on 1/23/2007 11:17AM
I think some of these issues as trite, and a few over the edge (the girl losing her virginity on air), I view some of them as timely. While I don't watch her show and don't even know when it airs in my area, I feel that she is doing things that no other on air personality is doing and that's bringing these topics into our homes. I, very fortunately, have no idea what it's like to be homeless, in jail, a member of the opposite sex, etc. Do you?
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By: jennifer on 1/24/2007 3:27PM
i think tyra is a great person because yea no one else has guts enough to go out there and put themselves in the postions and shoes that she is putting herself into and she is doing on air so people around the world can get a bit of the experience. i think that is above and beyond any celebrity on television...because its more than just donating to the aids foundation or to a homeless shelter she is letting other people see the reality of life!she is an inspiration to me ...keep up the good work..and everyone go out and get tested!!!!!!11
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By: CArly on 1/24/2007 6:34PM
Tyra, isn't just another pretty face.
She has smarts and empathy to go along with all that. She goes where few woman talk show host have gone, true reality of the not so pretty side of some people's lives.
She's a very interesting and caring woman who's goal is to make the world a better place.
That alone is more beautiful that just being pretty
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By: Jj on 1/24/2007 9:36PM
I love the Tyra banks Show and she has inspired many young women across the nation. She helps people view life from a different perspective and be moer aware of the issues in the country and world wide. Tyra is a great person! Go Tyra!!
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By: Bianca on 1/24/2007 10:36PM
I think Tyra is awesome!!! At first I do admit I thought her show would not go far. But she has proven that she is different. I compare her to the Oprah for teens and young adults. I just hope that she continues to keep doing a wonderful job
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By: anonymous on 1/25/2007 5:40AM
wow, homeless for one day...
i'm sure that's hard to do while you know you have so much money to go home to when the 24 hours are up.
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By: Jon Bodack on 1/25/2007 5:52AM
What Tyra Banks is doing is for a good cause! A lot of people in this world are HIV infected, and they can't do to much about it, so what Tyra Banks is doing is the right thing! She is a good model-actor, talk-show host!
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By: OABthe3 on 1/27/2007 12:22AM
Yeah, it was a good idea for Tyra to be tested; in fact, it's a good idea for everyone to get tested; nonetheless, it doesn't need to be exposed or shared with the public for airing on National & Worldwide television. Tyra's good intentions are well received. oabthe3.
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By: Faye Dolloway on 1/27/2007 2:09PM
I must admit, I did not like Tyra's show when she first came on. I thought she would be just another celebrity with a talk show. However, after hearing some of my friends say nothing but good things about her show, I have watch her show when I am home. I wish her nothing but continual success. She is a beautiful, intelligent and talented person!!
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By: felicia on 1/27/2007 10:54PM
i really enjoy your show when ever i get a chance to watch due to the hours i work your show comes on at 3pm and im still at work, the only time i get to watch it is when there is a hoilday and im off from work keep up the great work.
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