The 25-year-old singer/model/judge is almost unrecognizable with a big platinum blonde wig and bold, bright blue and pink make-up as she stares seductively into camera on the striking cover of Paper Magazine. Steering away from her usual looks, the star is wearing classic pearls around her neck and a pink blazer.
Inside the monthy magazine, which is due out tomorrow, the former X Factor judge opens up about her new hosting duties as the new star of America’s Next Top Model.
“I don’t think just taking a photo is enough anymore,” she said of the new lot of contestants. “We focus on how you’re going to create a fan base on social media, how you’re going to make people want to imitate you. That for me is the difference between somebody who’s just a regular model and somebody who’s a superstar.”
She continued:
“I’m not here to tell them what to do. I’m here to show them that they can do this, too. I’m an example of what you can achieve because it’s worked.”
Rita also revealed she’s working on a new album after splitting from Jay Z’s label and moving to Atlantic Records.
“I’m so happy [to go into the studio] because I can take my extensions out, put my cap on and hibernate in a cave and just make great songs with my label, who is awesome and who has my back,” she shared, seemingly taking a veiled swipe at Roc Nation.
