'America's Next Top Model' cycle 23: Tyra Banks returns on set, gives judges something to ponder

“America’s Next Top Model” is definitely not the same without model Tyra Banks in the picture. To everyone’s surprise, Ty-Ty is back in time for the finale episode of season 23.

Not only a celebrity, producer and businesswoman, Tyra Banks also coaches her aspiring models in becoming the next big thing in the modelling industry. For the past 22 cycles, Banks has focused on honing models in terms of attitude, professionalism and most importantly, their modelling skills.

With singer-mogul Rita Ora spearheading the most recent cycle, the show now focuses on not only making the next top model but in helping its participants to become business-minded. But the shift in the goals of the show does not mean that Bank's mentoring is no longer needed. As cycle 23 slowly reaches its conclusion, Banks makes it back in the show. This time, it is to advise judges on choosing the winner.

Banks tells Law Roach, celebrity stylist and image architect, “I want you to think about who you want to dress.” She also asks Drew Elliott, Paper Magazine chief creative officer, “Who do you want in the pages of Paper Magazine and who do you think all of your competitors want to book?”

Banks continues her streak of questions to the two female judges. She asks plus-size model Ashley Graham, “Which of these two girls can put the word ‘super’ in front of ‘model’ nine months from now?”

Finally, she saves the toughest question for British singer, actress and host Rita Ora. Banks asks her, “Who do you think is more than just a model,” quoted Entertainment Tonight. Banks dares Ora to find a winner with a Triple B vibe -- one who is a boss, brand and business just like the former.

Tyra Banks definitely knows how to stir things up when it comes to reality TV. First, after creating and hosting “America's Next Top Model” in 22 cycles, she surprised everyone by announcing that the 22nd cycle is the end of her long-running reality competition.

The 22nd cycle wrapped up with the most diverse and creative season that introduced a unisexual approach of model search. Contestant Nyle DiMarco, who was the show’s first deaf winner, was crowned top model for that cycle.

Then, a surprise reveal was made by VH1 and Banks regarding the show. They announced that the series would definitely come back for its 23rd cycle.

The surprises kept on going when the show confirmed that singer Rita Ora will be this cycle's host and mentor. Ora will be judging alongside three other new judges, which include Paper Magazine’s Drew Elliott, celebrity stylist Law Roach and plus-size model Ashley Graham.

Bank’s next surprise for this season is that she did welcome the new set of contestants to the competition. Even with the absence of the former Victoria’s Secret model, the show was raining with A-list guest stars, including Chanel Iman, Amber Rose, Zendaya and others week after week.

The final episode of “America's Next Top Model” cycle 23 airs Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on VH1 in the US. Finally, fans will get to see who among Cory Anne Roberts and India Gants will be the show's next supermodel.