'You've replaced the heart of the show': Tyra Banks' 'DWTS' debut has fans missing Tom Bergeron
Here's hoping Tyra Banks can "smize" through the rough reactions to her "Dancing with the Stars" premiere.
Monday, the model and entrepreneur made her ballroom debut as host of the competition series, after ABC announced in July that Banks, 46, would replace Tom Bergeron, who has hosted since the series launched in 2005, and Erin Andrews, who came aboard for Season 18 in 2014.
(Banks paid respect to Bergeron, in a statement released by ABC and production group BBC Studios, at the time the news broke. "Tom has set a powerful stage, and I’m excited to continue the legacy," she said.)
Unfortunately, many Twitter users felt the new host fell flat.
"The problem w/ Tyra Banks as host is that you've replaced the heart of the show," wrote @hmarie12. "Nothing against her, but it just sounds so off when you hear her voice instead of Tom Bergeron's. On a year where people WANT comfort of the familiar... it's just a really poor decision."
@TheGinaP quickly tired of Banks, writing: "2 minutes in and I'm already over #TyraBanks as host."
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User @Grannaland tuned into the premiere wanting to give Banks "the benefit of the doubt."
"Unfortunately, I didn’t think she did a very good job," read the tweet. "In my opinion, she did a lot of posing, talked way too fast at times, interrupted the judges several times, accused the judges of 'throwing shade'(really?)"
"I adore Tyra and she’s a wonderful host...when it’s her OWN show lol, so right now I’m not a fan, hopefully she’ll be better adjusted," shared @NicolesFandoms. "But Tom and Erin are MISSED they brought so much heart to DWTS!"
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Although the number of negative posts appeared to heavily outweigh those less critical, some Twitter users supported were vocal about their fondness for of Banks.
"I’m torn," tweeted @bowtiedbeyonce. "I loved Tom, but I also thought Tyra was great. Having just one host took away so much of the unnecessary filler that has plagued DWTS for years. The show moved really quick and I was never bored, unlike past years."
"Dancing With the Stars has premiered & my girl Tyra Banks is the host," wrote @CZoranj. "I’m watching every episode this season."
"The intro was amazing @tyrabanks that gown is incredible," raved @Roe30111524.
Prior to the Monday's debut, Banks shared her excitement on social media.
"Can't wait to show y’all my premiere outfit tonight!" she wrote in one Instagram, which followed another promotional post.
"The day has arrived, y’all, and it’s going to be MAJOR!" Banks promised. "Who’s ready to DANCE?! 💃🏾🔥 Tune in TONIGHT at 8|7c on ABC to see me host and these stars light it up live in the ballroom!"
Contributing: Bryan Alexander
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dancing with the Stars: Tyra Banks Twitter reviews won't bring a smize
