Her efforts to hype up the crowd appeared to fall flat.
One TikTok video, captioned “somebody come collect tyra banks”, showed crowds looking puzzled during a break in her performance when she appeared to go on an incoherent rant.
Another clip showed Banks engaging the audience with call and response chants such as “flip your hair even if it ain’t there” and “Santa Claus got a big booty, oh yeah”.
One TikTok commenter asked: “Is she doing standup? what’s happening?”
Another concerned commenter asked: “Is she okay like for REAL?”
One user could not believe it was Banks.
“Please tell me this is a drag queen Tyra impersonator,” she said.
Former supermodel Tyra Banks performed her new Christmas-themed dance single SMiZE Santa, SMiZE Santa during an appearance in Sydney. Photo / Instagram
Banks’ new dance single tells the story of an ice cream maker from the South Pole who is engaged in a feud with Santa because they disagree on how best to deliver ice cream around the world on Christmas Eve.
The 51-year-old moved to Sydney permanently earlier this year after she “fell in love” with the city while travelling through it many times over the years.
She said she was attracted to its relaxed charm and sense of community.
“I love Darling Harbour because of this park, Tumbalong Park is magical,” she said.
“There’s a playground for older kids, one for younger kids, Darling Square nearby, the harbour – it just felt natural.”
Banks’ ice cream store “SMiZE and DREAM” is located in Darling Harbour.
SMiZE is a reference to her modelling days and TV show America’s Next Top Model, when she often instructed wannabe models to smize or “smile with your eyes”.
Tyra Banks hosted America’s Next Top Model. Photo / Supplied