Message from Tyra: Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart!

Like this story?

Message from Tyra: Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart!

06/27/08 10:03 PM

filed under: Entertainment Hot Topics Tyra's Show Journal Web Exclusives

Hey y'all -- I hope you are having a great summer. I have been shooting Top Model, first in Los Angeles, and most recently overseas in a 'top secret' location. You may have seen photos on the Internet of me in this 'secret' location, but I'm not telling (plus, maybe I was just vacationing in that city and not shooting Top Model).

What I will tell you is that the Daytime Emmys were scheduled for June 20th -- and I knew I was going to be far, far away in a foreign country, with Mr. and Miss Jay, Nigel and Paulina and a bunch of girls who 'wanna be on top!' But there was nothing that could stop me from being in Hollywood for the big event. I boarded a plane and flew for over 12 hours so I could walk down that Emmy red carpet and be with my producers. Being nominated was a huge accomplishment and I brought my Momma with me for her unconditional love and support.

When I signed up to do a talk show, before I had even taped my first episode -- I had people tell me, "Tyra, you'll never make it. You'll get canceled in two weeks." I remember being shocked and hurt by that immediate negativity, but then I was shown the statistics that 95% of all talk shows FAIL -- and I remember thinking 'what have I gotten myself into?!' After a few minutes of being stunned, I pulled myself together and said, "I AM GOING TO DO THIS." I vowed to give it everything I had, because I wanted it to work so badly. Also, I believed what I have to say to women out there is important enough to fight for.

That was three years ago, and sitting in that seat at the Daytime Emmys I have to say I did truly feel honored just to have been honored and recognized. (I know everyone says that, but what I will admit to y'all is that I wanted that Emmy statue. I was absolutely prepared not to win, and really didn't think I was going to win -- but I did want it, just like everyone who is ever nominated for an award).

The big moment came in the first ten minutes of the show. I was surprised our category came so soon in the show. The presenters took to the stage to announce the nominees for BEST TALK SHOW INFORMATIVE...and the Emmy goes to....THE TYRA BANKS SHOW!!!! I was immediately overcome with so many different emotions...excitement, pride, tears, joy, accomplishment -- everything was whirling around in my head. I went onstage with my staff of producers, and really just started speaking from the heart. You can watch my speech in this clip.

*Tyra’s Emmy acceptance speech.

I will never forget looking out at my Momma and seeing her WEEPING like I have never seen before. I finished my speech, ran offstage and in the middle of everyone hugging and congratulating me, I burst into uncontrollable tears.

I was trying to figure out why I was crying so hard. Just a few years ago I was walking around in underwear and angel's wings -- and today I was holding a golden winged statue that said BEST TALK SHOW! All at once, all the tough times, the hardships, the grueling hours, working to the point of exhaustion, the torture and harassment I had endured at different points in my life and career, the haters who said I couldn't do it, all the people who told me no....every negative thing that should have made me quit, that should have kept me down, that should have shut me up and destroyed me, instead made me stronger. I don't think I realized it until that moment backstage. Even though I had some really rough times, I wouldn't change them or take them away. They made me who I am. Your tough times make you who you are too. Don't be DEFINED by your situation. Instead, DEFY your situation

I wanted to share what I was thinking, because I want to share my Emmy with all of you. I wouldn't have won it without your love and support and loyalty. I don't forget you or take you for granted for even a second. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. I LOVE YOU ALL!

*Tyra’s interview backstage after winning her award.

next: Backstage Secret: This Not That

Comments (838) | Post a comment now »

hi tyra i am a student of your cousin at Mark Twain middle school i love yoour show u are the best

Posted by aj 10/14/08 8:29 PM

Posted by Anonymous 10/14/08 8:28 PM

omg!!! tyra i love you so much and i always watch ANTM!!! everytime there is a marathon i sit there and watch it all day :D i always love how you give the girls their hair makeovers and i was wondering if you could help me try to figure out what to do with my hairstyle. i have never colored it i have only put highlights in it. so if you could help me that would be AMAZING!!! please email me! :( love you tyra!!!

Posted by adrianne 10/11/08 2:04 PM

Hi Tyra! I love your show! I watch it everyday.Please advise me on wat to do to get a sexier look.And i want your advice on how to put on make up, style my hair, and lose my stomach.I need my self-esteem back fast.Thank you. Love you Tera A from chicago

Posted by Tera Adams 10/08/08 9:12 AM

Posted by Tera Adams 10/08/08 9:11 AM

hey tyra.
my name is anayeli and i just love your show...
i'm so so so glad you won that grammy. Felicidades (i love the episode of america's next top where you speak spanish) well thats all i wanted to say, by the way i think a lot of girls would love tips of how to start a modeling career, that would be a good topic for your show.. i'll love to model but i'm only 5.3' any chances

love anayeli
cuidate!

Posted by anayeli gomez 10/08/08 12:29 AM

hi tyra i have been trying to email u but i dontknow how i can im in love with your show and i want to do modeling but im only 16 can u get back to me im about to start getting my portfolio together my mom is getting a person to take my pictures for me

Posted by Anonymous 10/07/08 11:17 PM

Hi Tyra! I just wanted to make a request bout a guest on your show... I'm a big fan of JoJo.. Please do make her as a guest on your show... I Miss Her So Much... Too bad she refused the offer to be Hannah Montana instead of Miley Cyrus.. I miss her... Thanks! :)

Posted by Sam 09/26/08 12:26 AM

Hey Tyra,

I am so proud of you, you deserve that emmy. You have worked your butt off to get where you are now and that proves it. I love your show and I watch it every day, actually I tebo it every day so that I won't miss it. Your shows are always full of helpful information. You know how to keep your views attention, your such an inspiration to a lot of people. My 3 year old daughter just loves sitting back on the couch and watching your shows with me, when she hears the show theme song and she knows it "TYRA TIME" lol. Keep up the good work, and I will continue watching "The BEST Talk Show"

Posted by Lacey P 09/22/08 11:13 PM

hey tyra i would to see Zac Efron and Vanessa hudgens on your show. Both are great role modles and i think that there will be alote of veiwers on your show becase of there upcoming film HSM3. Hope u read this and put these pop stars on the show
Thanks

Posted by vicky 09/22/08 11:40 AM

hi tyra i love your show. i would love to meet you one day,ur my idol,i look up to you alot,because i want to be a model just like you,tyra.i love ANTM also.PS i love the pussycat dolls!!!!!

Posted by corinthia 09/19/08 5:19 PM

Posted by corinthia 09/19/08 5:18 PM

hay girl i love your style and every think but wat was up with that blond weave at the grammies you are to cute to be blond

Posted by savannah 09/17/08 10:59 AM

Hi Tyra,

Congrats on your first Emmy.And many more to you. I really think that you deserved that award 110%. I watch you everyday when I can, but if i don't I catch up on it in the Summer reruns or . I watch you on Fox 29 @ 10:00 a.m. Also, do you have any tips for me on modeling. I am 14 and I'm 5'7. I always wanted to model ever since I started watching ANTM since 2004 when it first came on. So if you do can you please let me know.

Posted by Cierra-Mylissa 09/16/08 11:37 AM

Hi tyra i love your show its awesome its the only i reali watch. Tyra im 18 years old and i want to start a career in modeling but i have no idea where to start i was wondering you could help me out

Posted by Tasia 09/13/08 6:25 PM

Posted by Tasia 09/13/08 6:24 PM

i already kno where the top secret location is but i wont tell

Posted by kiera coleman 09/12/08 5:33 PM

Tyra-
You Rock! I am so happy for you! My 10 year old son loves watching America's Next Top Model!(so do I) He's kind of a little fashion critic. He's taken to photography lately and I think it may be because he watches the show.
My dad also likes watching, so when we get ready to watch we pop popcorn and make it a family night. I just wanted to tell you we all love you and we're all really happy for you!

Love Ya
Christina

Posted by Christina 09/04/08 2:50 AM

I'm very proud of you tyra! we all love your show so much!

Tyra, i hope you could make Ms. Charice Pempengco to guest your show. She is very talented singer, yet needs fashion makeover since she will becoming an international star soon (check her on youtube.com) I bet she will be excited if you will let her to be one of your guests.

thanks and more power!

Cass

Posted by Cassandra 09/04/08 1:49 AM

Hi tyra,
I love American Next Top Model. It fun to watch ANM. I would like to see the next season if you could bring the girls to vist my country in Vietnam. Thanks you rock!!!!

Posted by Truc 09/03/08 9:35 PM

Comment Page: << 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... >>