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.