The CW network shakes up primetime and the modeling world with it’s latest casting call for the hit show, America’s Next Top Model. Before cycle 12 even begins, casting for cycle 13 is underway and with a twist. Contrary to the stereotypical model, averaging a height of 5′10″, the show is limiting auditionees to a height of no more than 5′7″.

“There have been top supermodels in the past that weren’t as tall as the industry demands, like fashion icon Kate Moss,” Tyra Banks said in a press release. “So we are changing up ‘Top Model’ for cycle 13 and making it a year for the shorter model!”

This new twist is quite a stretch considering the past 12 cycles of the show have made height a tall issue, requiring all applicants to be at least 5′7″. Co-producer Tyra Banks claims to want to change the face and figure of fashion, so she starts with height? Seriously Tyra, let’s focus on a more pressing issue for young girls, like anorexia and bulimia. How about a cycle that requires applicants to weight more than 90 pounds?

In addition to the height requirement, those interested in applying for Top Model’s thirteenth season must be ages 18 to 27 of “diverse backgrounds, shapes and sizes.”  Cycle 12 of America’s Next Top Model begins March 4 on the CW. Open calls for cycle 13 began Saturday, February 28, in Florida and will continue throughout March.