Tyra Banks Returns as ‘DWTS’ Host — How Did She Do in the Premiere? (POLL)

Martin Holmes
62 Comments
Tyra Banks DWTS Season 30 Premiere
ABC/Eric McCandless

Dancing with the Stars returned for its 30th season on Monday night, and so to did the show’s host, Tyra Banks.

Opinion is still split on the former America’s Top Model star, who replaced long-running DWTS hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews last July, much to the upset of many viewers. Banks came under criticism last season for her scene-stealing costume changes, talking over the judges, and flubbing her lines.

Addressing the backlash at the time, Banks said, “I hosted the second episode of Dancing with the Stars… and yeah, it wasn’t perfect. Yeah, I had a lot of fun, but I messed up, I said the wrong words, but I kept, kept going.”

Despite the negative reception, ABC decided to bring Banks back this year to present the show’s milestone 30th season. But has opinion changed? Judging by last night’s Twitter reaction, it is still going to take a while for DWTS fans to warm to the supermodel.

“Dear #DWTS, Can Tyra be the first elimination of the season? It would make me SMIZE!,” wrote one viewer on Twitter. Another fan expressed similar sentiments, tweeting, “How do we vote Tyra off???”

Others were still pining for the former hosts, with one viewer writing, “I still can’t get over ABC firing Tom Bergeron and hiring Tyra as host. She’s not right for this show. It’s not the same without him. Sorry, not sorry.”

However, it wasn’t all negative, as some fans shot back at what they deemed unnecessary criticism. “Here we go of yet another season of unnecessary Tyra hate in the hashtag because she took a white man’s job. These Karens are seething,” said one viewer.

Meanwhile, others thought that Banks showed improvement from her previous season as host. “Tyra is doing MUCH better as host on this season of #DWTS so far!,” posted one Twitter user.

Check out more reaction below.

Below, let us know what you think of Tyra’s hosting on Dancing with the Stars in the season premiere and don’t miss the next episode on ABC.

Dancing With the Stars, Mondays, 8/7c, ABC

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Conversation62 Comments

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  1. R

    RedBone

    Whereas Tyra has improved on the show, she still isn’t right for it. A leopard doesn’t change its stripes and Tyra hasn’t changed hers. She has made the show about her, with costume and hair changes and not about the contestants. Shame on ABC keeping her to prove they were right in replacing Tom.

    49

  2. G

    GreenCupcake

    The problem with someone like Tyra as host of a show like this is that she can't let go of her desire to be the center of attention. There is no reason for her to be making costume changes during the show because people are supposed to be looking at the dancers, not her. Yes, she's beautiful. Yes, she's glamorous. But this is not the "Tyra" show. She's not supposed to be competing with the female dancers for attention, which it still looks like she's doing.

    Imagine what she would be like hosting something like Miss America. As it is, the female hosts make multiple costume changes during the course of the pageant. But they don't throw their arms in the air or strut out with a "look at me!" pose.

    44

  3. G

    GoldBottleOpener

    Bring back Tom and Erin. I mute the TV or leave the room when Tyra is on. This is not the Tyra show. Get rid of the giant ego Tyra. She is ruining the show.

    40

  4. O

    OliveFlower

    I record DWTS and fast forward when Tyra is on. She has made this show about her. She doesn't know how to talk to the judges and dancers. She needs to go.

    35 1

    1. C

      CyanDog

      i do exactly the same thing - 😬PF

      5

  5. R

    RedPretzel

    It’s not called the Tyra Banks show for a reason. It’s not a fashion show. Tom in a suit is fine. He puts the emphasis on dancers where it belongs, not a model counting outfit changes.

    31

  6. P

    PurpleMustache

    First time I watched since Tom left.

    Tyra looked out of place. Too much bling. Dancers are lost In all the

    Lighting!! Sorry I tried to be fair.

    Please bring back old show.

    Tyra had other talents. This is not one of them.

    31

  7. G

    GreenCarrot

    I've been a fan of Tyra Banks since ANTM and her talk show, but she is just out of her element here. She doesn't seem to really know what to do or say. Sorry.

    25 1

  8. G

    GoldCorn

    Still don’t care for Miss Thang! Wants full attention on HER, not the show or the dancers. Also, I really don’t care what she wears. BRING BACK TOM! (Not Erin)!!

    24

  9. R

    RedBulb

    I read the comments and see a few people relating the online buzz of why people dislike Tyra as the new host. I really don’t believe it’s a hatred towards her, nor anything racial she has a established place & and audience that she has spent a good amount of time and effort building. And that’s the issue. It’s not for DWS! It’s like having a cooking show where the person showcasing how to cook is interrupted by costume changes and comments that don’t relate. Cooking show that focuses on how to change the oil on a car! It isn’t relevant and it doesn’t fit. Unfortunately for her the chemistry has already been established for many years with Tom & Erin, and that mix with the established format & entertainment value of the show as a whole was perfect. Why ABC executive’s felt the need to change it is beyond me but I think that the online responses are pretty clear, it was a mistake.

    19

  10. O

    OliveBox

    Not a fan of Tyra Banks. I fast forward through her talking. Yes I miss Tom and Erin but I’m sure they could have found someone other than Tyra to host. Just my opinion.

    19

  11. R

    RedBulb

    I wish they would listen to EVERYBODY saying they do not like her. She was awful on America's Got Talent, she's awful on Dancing With The Stars. I'm all set with watching until she's gone.

    16 1

  12. G

    GreenPretzel

    Tyra needs to go! Bring Tom back. She is terrible, makes me not even want to watch the show!

    12

  13. O

    OliveCactus

    Tyra's just awful. I fast-forward whenever she's talking. She's just so aggressive; not warm, not funny, not engaging. She comes off as very shallow and her "she's all that"- attitude just turns me off. I can't stand her.

    13 1

  14. G

    GreenToast

    I have stopped watching tyra I'd the wrong person for the job as she acts like the show is all about her

    12 1

  15. C

    CyanTree

    I miss Tom and Erin more and more every time I have to suffer through yet another God-awful "Tyra Show"!!! Please, please, please ABC......bring Tom and Erin back!!!! Tom made that show great and Tyra is tearing it down.

    10

  16. O

    OliveSailboat

    I'm not a fan of Tyra on this show at all. She is very awkward when asking questions of the dancers and her overall commentary. She also says the wrong dances and comments on them when she has absolutely no idea what she's talking about. I've watched every season. I'm definitely not a pro but I've seen so many dances and comments from the judges that I kind of know what is expected for each type of dance and when she comments on them I just cringe sometimes. Now, saying this, I don't necessarily have to see Tom and Erin again but I do feel someone else needs to host this show. Tyra is absolutely wrong for this job...Period!

    7

  17. G

    GreenButton

    Tyra Banks as the host of DWTS is dreadful. This is not the right gig for her. She is ruining a show where she is the Executive Producer. Just shows what an ego she has that she thinks she is the most qualified to be the host. I am not sure how much more I can take watching and listening to her. I have to put my tv on mute when she talks and her costume changes are awful. She needs to go. I am sure the show can easily find a replacement for her.

    7

  18. R

    RedApple

    DWTS is not the best outlet for Tyra's hosting duties. The prancing out in dresses (that are not pretty or flattering) is uncalled for and her delivery of her lines should be normal talking, not just punching out every word like she's at a wrestling match. Former hosts knew how to converse with the contestants and not make it all about them.

    7

  19. C

    CyanFries

    It seems like Tyra can’t let go of her modeling career. It’s like she is using this platform to strut down the runway again. I like Tyra but this is about the dancers on a dancing show. Not about outfit changes and modeling.

    7

  20. G

    GoldBug

    She is so wrong for the show- not just that she changes her ridiculous costumes frequently but her voice is inaudible- Does no one realize that? Something has to change or this show will go down the tubes- I have always loved DWTS but now it’s awful-

    6

  21. G

    GoldBlowdryer

    I can barely watch her. Her style of delivery is cringe worthy. Very little rapport with the judges. So awkward. Host needs to let the stars and dancers shine. Not try and be the center of attention. I’m not sure I will continue to watch as Tyra is so distracting and adds nothing. Sorry to see this show go down like this

    6

  22. G

    GoldHammer

    No longer watch Dwts live. I dvr it and watch it later so I can fast forward past Tyra Banks.

    Ballroom is elegant attire, she looks like a clown!

    5

  23. R

    RedBowtie

    The worst

    6 1

  24. P

    PurpleTrumpet

    I echo all the commenters opinion. This isn’t the Tyra Banks show. And those outfits? Please don’t turn DWTS into a freak show.

    4

  25. R

    RedGoggles

    Not watching until Tyra is gone!

    4

  26. G

    GreenBee

    Thanks, but no thanks

    4

  27. G

    GreenCloud

    Totally agree. I do the same!

    3

  28. O

    OliveRadio

    Get rid Tyra she is not doing the show any good! She is a disgrace! When she is gone I will watch the show again not till then!

    3

  29. G

    GoldPopsicle

    Do not like Tyra Banks as host of DWTS. She screeches too much and costumes are ridiculous.

    3

  30. O

    OrangeCandy

    My wife and I watched the first episode last year and none since then. I am a fan of tyra but she is a terrible fit for this show. Tom Bergeron was perfect. This move to tyra reminds me of the disasterous decision that dropped Meryl Streep from mama mia 2. Nothing was broken in either case....what fool is tinkering with such "winning" chemistries.

    3

  31. P

    PurplePuzzle

    TYRA BANKS is to much ME, ME, ME. Should represent the dancers not herself. Lacks in grace when presenting the Dancers. I love Len, Bruno and Darell. I am so glad Carrie Ann left THE TALK which I'd watched since the beginning, when they let Marie Osmond go I left also. TALK sucks now and is not worth watching.

    2

  32. O

    OlivePaw

    I am a compassionate person who “pulls for” others, but Im afraid there’s even a limit to that ability.

    When a person does not show any humility & acts like it’s all about her, she makes it close to impossible to like her. Unfortunately, this is evident by every single comment I’ve read. I can’t imagine that Tyra feels at home here. Surely, she would feel more comfortable in a different venue.

    2

  33. P

    PurpleLeaf

    Erin was okay, but yes,Tom made the show (as host).

    2

  34. O

    OliveClover

    I think she is ridiculous and annoying. Does she know the show is NOT about her? From the outrageous outfits to the stupid slang voice. She is so disrespectful to the dancers and stars--so can't even remember there names.

    2

  35. G

    GoldTrumpet

    Tyra Banks singlehandedly ruined DWS. Complete narcissist and everyone is sick of her!

    2

  36. G

    GoldPizza

    Tyra is talented in many ways and America's Top Model wouldn't have been such a success without her, but DWS is just not her lane. She lacks the easy banter that Tom and Erin had. They created an additional entertainment value. I'm just learning ABC fired Tom and Erin, I thought all along they were ready to move on. Unbelievably disappointed in that. Although I love watching the dancing and the judges, my interest and enthusiasm for DWS has taken a nosedive since Tom and Erin are gone. Tyra is simply unable to replace two awesome hosts! Pretty much a jerk move by ABC.

    2

  37. G

    GoldButterfly

    Tyra is just not a palpable option for a lot of us. This is not a Karen / Color replacing a white man thing. She is who she is and not everyone enjoys her. It’s hard if it was a favorite show. Feels wrong. Stopped watching 1/2 way through last year. I have watched since the first season. The silly games the show runners have been playing by putting in controversial political player or all the bachelor and bachelorettes is just shallow ratings trys.

    I’m over it. Would love to see another network take it over and get back to substance and likability.

    2

  38. C

    CyanWeights

    This has nothing to do with a black woman taking a white man’s job. This is a case of a no-talent person taking a talented person’s job. Race isn’t always the issue, trough it’s always used.

    1

  39. B

    BlueBox

    Tyra needs to go. OMG she makes the show all about me with her awkward sayings and tone of voice and costume and hair changes

    1

  40. G

    GoldCar

    I don’t mind Tyra Banks on talk shows. She is a fun and sassy person. That said I absolutely do not care for her on DWTS. Her outfits are way too far out there for me. I struggled through last season with Tyra but I cannot watch this season with Tyra. I tried three Mondays and finally had more than enough.

    1

  41. O

    OrangeBasketball

    I really dislike Tyra as host. Leilani is right, she thinks she’s the focus of the show not the dancers. Hosts should be just that- hosts, not competitors for attention. Bring back Tom Bergeron- he was a really “class” act!

    1

  42. C

    CyanScissors

    Please please get rid of Tyra please! I’m getting tired of muting the sound when she speaks! She’s awful!!!!

    1

  43. G

    GoldCocktail

    I think Tyra is awkward and doesn’t fit in with this show. She seems to always be struggling with comments to say to the contestants. I agree with other people that all of her costume changes are a distraction and really don’t have anything to do with the show. Some of them are laughable. Why doesn’t she just stick to one nice evening gown that is flattering to her figure. She seems to be trying to find a show that works for her but so far she hasn’t found one. This isn’t the first show she has tried to host. Bring back the original hosts. The show will be much better. Sorry Tyra.

    1

  44. R

    RedLobster

    Tyra is making the show all about her! Even the ads for the show she is the center, is this show not suppose to be about the dancers?? Bring back Tom so I can watch the show and not tape it so I can fast forward anything with Tyra. By the way, the "outfit" on Sept. 27/21, this past Monday, was disgusting, she looked absolutely ridiculous - again, all about her. FIRE HER!!

    1

  45. B

    BlueBeer

    Also, the lighting this year distracts from watching and enjoying the dances. It is mike someone is on some psychedelic acid trip. This show is going down the tubes! What a shame!

    1

  46. B

    BlueBeer

    Tyra is more concerned of being the center of attention that she distracts from the show. She is just terrible. They fan dress… really it is pathetic.

    1

  47. G

    GoldSubmarine

    Can’t stand Tyra, she needs to go, she acts like it’s her show, strutting in as if she’s still a model.

    Worst decision ever to drop Tom and Erin…….bring them back please and get rid of the attention seeking diva

    1. G

      GoldSubmarine

      Disney+, please get rid of Tyra. She’s not a good fit for the show. ABC ruined it letting her host, now’s your chance to make things right!!!!!!

  48. B

    BlueProcessor

    I don't like the way Tyra makes herself the focus of attention, the walk onto stage, the costume changes but I especially do not like the way she interrupts to make her comments....which are such ramblings. She makes comments that do not need to be made, just to hear herself speak. The think I liked about Tom was his comments were brief, added to the moment, not take away from it. This used to be Dancing with The Stars and is now more The Tyra Banks look at me show!

  49. G

    GreenButton

    I really don't care who they get as host, but they should know something about dancing. And ABC needs to give the judges the respect of more time and not cut off their comments.

  50. B

    BlueSailboat

    My wife and I are sick and tired of Tyra. She's a horrible host, and makes the show hard to watch. I would very much love her off the show please and thank you! Don't know if we can watch another season with her as a host. She gives us second hand embarrassment!!! Not the job for her and that's ok!

  51. G

    GoldTeepee

    Awkward is an understatement. Ridiculous and redundant questions that have obvious answers. Totally embarrassing to see her prance around the stage in her outrageous and over the top outfits. She tries too hard to be entertaining and it comes across desperate. What was ABC thinking brining her back. One season was torture enough.

  52. R

    RedBee

    Put Tyra in a tasteful ball gown every week and she will be accepted by DWTS fans. Please end the clownish costumes. She does not deserve to be treated that way.

  53. B

    BlueTooth

    not sure why Tyra was hired and think it was a bad move on ABCs part. Tom and Erin were the best. How do we vote Tyra off?

  54. G

    GoldDucky

    Her costuming is distracting from the real stars and her voice cadence is unnatural and fake. I didn’t like her on AGT either. Someone needs to tell her she isn’t the star of the show. I don’t watch as much because I can’t stand watching or listening to her.

  55. C

    CyanPumpkin

    Derek Hough would make a wonderful host!

  56. P

    PurpleGlasses

    While Tyra has toned down her "larger than life" personality this season, DWTS has lost some of its class with her as the host. Thankfully I am able to fast forward through all of her dialogue with the contestants and hosts. I am sure there is a much better host out there who is more compatible and qualified.

  57. C

    CyanGuitar

    Tyra needs to go. First off this isn't Her show, it's about the dancers. She really sucks. She needs to go. They need to find someone else. Please, please, please. I can hardly watch it with her on it. I didn't finish last season because of her. I'm guessing I won't finish this season. And I used to LOVE it.

  58. B

    BlueFan

    Always loved Tyra on Next Top Model but not on DWTS pls bring Tom (and Erin) back!!!!

  59. G

    GreenCloud

    Cannot stand her in this role. I fast forward the DVR through any part of the show when she is speaking. Her look including outfits, hair and makeup are a major distraction. This show is not about her and how outrageous she can be. BIG MISTAKE getting rid of Tom. Don't care about Erin - she wasn't so great either. Very awkward speaking to pros and celebs. Tyra however is MUCH WORSE!

  60. B

    BlueHelmet

    I don't watch DWTS anymore. Tyra ruined it for me. She thinks it is the Tyra show and it feels like it is more about her than the dancers.

    I was a HUGE ANTM fan and loved her on that show. I wish she would bring that back and leave DWTS.