Tyra Banks' Supermodel Search

Tyra Banks is a supermodel and an actress whose face and figure have graced magazines and runways from New York to Paris.

Now she's taking on the world of reality television to show that life at the top of the modeling field isn't always a pretty picture.

Her new UPN television show, "America's Next Top Model" will follow 10 women for eight weeks as they try to prove they are worthy to be called "supermodel."

Banks told co-anchor Harry Smith, "What I cast were type-A personalities because to be a top model you have to have a personality. You have to be able to come on The Early Show and talk to someone like you. With those type-A personalities, I think conflict does happen."

During the show, cameras capture the lives of the women contestants as they live together in a New York penthouse and vie for the grand prize.

During their time at the penthouse, the women will be exposed to high-profile fashion industry gurus. And the finalists will compete in a modeling boot camp.

During the show, Banks also provided some mentoring. Banks created the series and is executive producer with Ken Mok. "And by no means am I a figurehead," she said. "It's not a vanity title. I've been involved with preproduction, and I'm in post right now, still editing shows."

The winner gets an opportunity to receive a Revlon modeling contract, to be managed by Wilhemina Models and a guaranteed appearance in Marie Claire magazine.

Banks noted, "Models right now that are top models would die for a Revlon contract. I look at cosmetic contracts as the Academy Award for a model. It is the pinnacle of success."

"America's Next Top Model" premiers Tuesday, May 20, 9 p.m. ET on UPN.

"I'm really excited about it," Banlks said. "There are a lot of reality shows out there and no disrespect to them. But this is a show that is creating a real star."