Tyra Banks on America's Next Top Model Firing: Time for a Boost!

America's Next Top Model will look very different next season, as long-time contributors Nigel Barker, Jay Manuel and J. Alexander were let go from The CW series this week.

What was the basis for their ousting?

"We reached a point where were feel the show needs a new boost," head honcho Tyra Banks told Access Hollywood at New York City's Matrix Awards. "It's very difficult because I love my guy."

Banks added that she's not against working with any of the trio down the line ("My partner Ken Mok and I have projects we're developing, and we're a family - it doesn't end," she said), though it's unclear if they feel the same way.

Barker has said he wasn't shocked by the decision to not renew his contract, but he also sounded a tad bitter this week when he wished good luck to his eventual replacement.

America's Next Top Model averages around one million viewers and will return for Cycle 19 this fall.

[Photo: WENN.com]