Rhode Island Model Agent Seeks $25,000 Podcast Prize in Top 10

Yemi Sekoni has advanced to the Top 10 in the 2026 Top Host competition. The Rhode Island entrepreneur currently serves as owner and director of Donahue Models & Talent. She is also the founder and executive producer of Rhode Island Fashion Week. This national contest invites participants to compete for a new role as a podcast host.

The winner of the competition will receive a $25,000 cash prize. They will also host a six-episode podcast produced by iHeartRadio. The final winner will appear as a guest on the show On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Sekoni entered the contest to expand her career beyond managing other people's public appearances. She described the opportunity as a way to share her experiences in conversation.

Sekoni holds an MBA and works as a volunteer mentor for SCORE. She is scheduled to become the Executive Director of the Miss Rhode Island Scholarship Organization in November 2026. Her professional background includes representing models and actors. She also supports small business owners in starting and growing their companies. Her roots include England, Nigeria, and Jamaica.

The competition supports the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. This foundation creates interactive broadcast media studios inside children's hospitals. These studios allow young patients to explore radio and television. Sekoni noted that the mission aligns with her professional focus on developing talent and self-expression. She plans to blend culture, humor, and personal stories if she wins.

Sekoni has passed several elimination rounds to reach the current stage. The competition now requires each group to narrow from ten contestants to five. Voting closes on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Supporters can cast one free vote per day through her official competition profile. She expressed surprise at her progress, stating she did not expect to advance this far.

The contest offers a platform for individuals from various industries to showcase their hosting skills. Sekoni believes her experience connecting people in fashion and business translates well to this medium. She views the competition as a chance to step outside her usual professional role. The outcome will determine if she moves forward to the next round of the national challenge.