Tyra Banks will launch a modeling competition that features plus-sized teens, reports Us Weekly. Banks announced the 'Fiercely Real Teen Model' search on her daytime talk show, The Tyra Show, on Monday.

The search is open to "curvylicious" girls between the ages of 13 and 19, with dress sizes between US 12 and US 20, and heights from 5'9" to 6'1". Finalists of the competition will be announced.

On the March 2 airing of The Tyra Show and the winner will receive a one year contract with the Wilhemina modeling agency, a photo shoot in Banks' webzine, and a spread in a major fashion magazine.

"I’ve always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty," Banks said, "Through America’s Next Top Model, True Beauty and The Tyra Show I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty."

Banks was criticised for her appearance on the cover of People magazine three years ago, which featured her larger 161-pound (11.5 stone) physique. She has since celebrated a 30-pound (2.1 stone) weight loss.