Without Tyra, there is no Top Model. Tyra started the competition with the dream of giving ordinary girls a shot at extraordinary fame. Aside from being part of the judging panel, Tyra also actively participates in creating high-octane challenges for her girls. She also usually takes on the role of photographer for one of the challenges.

Nigel Barker

Nigel Barker is an acclaimed fashion photographer. He helps Tyra critique the girls’ photos during elimination panel. He also frequently shoots the girls for their challenges. A lot of Top Model girls have a crush on this former model!

Andre Leon Talley

Andre the fashion world’s undisputed “big man,” literally and figuratively. Aside from doing panel duties, Andre is a known fashion savant and is editor-at-large for Vogue US. He regularly rubs elbows with couture bigwigs, and he brings real high-fashion flair and commentary to Top Model’s judging panel.

Jay Alexander

Ms. J is the long-legged runway expert of Top Model. His panel trademark is wearing outfits featuring detachable numbers that “count down” the remaining girls until the finale. He stepped out of the panel starting Cycle 14, to focus on mentoring the girls in the runway tasks. He also sometimes joins Jay Manuel during the girls’ outdoor challenges.

Jay Manuel

Jay Manuel is Top Model’s resident creative director. He is always with the girls during their challenges and encourages them to bring out their fierce factor, pose after pose. He knows a good photo when he sees one, and he also tells the girls when their shots didn’t quite make it.