Zoolander vs. Hansel—for Real

Do you have what it takes to be a model citizen? How about something better—a supermodel citizen? Tonight Bravo debuts its new reality show, "Make Me a Supermodel," which follows in the mold of "Project Runway" with a pinch of "America's Next Top Model." The show throws 14 models, both men and women, into a house where they must live together and perform model stunts (like strutting around in swimsuits on a freezing cold New York morning) until America votes for its favorite. The show's host, Tyson Beckford, a former supermodel for Ralph Lauren, spoke to NEWSWEEK's Ramin Setoodeh. Excerpts:

NEWSWEEK: So this show is going to be live like "American Idol"?
Tyson Beckford: That's what they're telling me. I don't know who I am. As long as I'm not Paula or Simon. Well, I guess I'm the Simon. I'm the bad guy.

But you're not mean.
I take it seriously. I only asked for two things: good wardrobe and to keep the content of the show real.

Did you get a good wardrobe?
My wardrobe is better than theirs.

So you should wear your own stuff?
That's what I do. A lot of the time I'm casual, in jeans and T-shirts. I'm definitely going to be fashionable.

I have a very important question for you: could you make me into a supermodel?
I'm going to be getting that for the rest of my life. I know I'm going to be at a light somewhere: "Could you make my daughter into a supermodel?"

No, I'm serious.
Yeah, I could make you into one. You've got to cut your hair. I've got to get you into the gym.

What's wrong with my hair?
It's long.

But I just got it cut.
Short is good. We also got to teach you how to walk.

What's the secret?
Confidence. A lot of these guys are more like salesman; they're very timid.