Sign in to your Collider account
Image via NBC.
The official judges panel for America's Got Talent has been revealed for the 20th season of the show, which premieres on Tuesday, May 27. Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Sofía Vergara will once again be featured on the desk alongside host Terry Crews. However, long-time judge Heidi Klum will not appear for the reality competition's milestone season, leaving the door open for a familiar face to take her spot on the panel. After being absent from the show since 2018, British singer-songwriter Mel B will be making her long-awaited return to AGT.
Mel B Replaces Heidi Klum On 'AGT'
Image via IMDB
Mel B first began judging on America's Got Talent in 2013 and quickly became one of the most beloved personalities on the show until departing after her sixth season on the program. Despite choosing not to be apart of the main series, the Spice Girls alum did participate in two spinoff seasons of the show, appearing on America's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019 and AGT: Fantasy League last year. During her initial stint on the competition series, one of Mel B's most iconic moments was pressing the Golden Buzzer for ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne Farmer, who went on to win the show in 2017. Season 20 will mark the debut of Mel B and Vergara judging together on the show, but also the first time she will be without Klum on the panel.
Related
Why Is Heidi Klum Leaving AGT?
Earlier this month, speculation surrounding Klum's AGT status became uncertain when it was announced she would be returning to Project Runaway for its 21st season. Fans of the show became concerned over the 51-year-old's ability to fulfill her judging duties on America's Got Talent due to both programs sharing similar schedules. That being said, Klum has been featured on 11 seasons of AGT, and while some fans are disappointed she will not be featured on the next season, Mel B is a strong replacement thanks to her established connection with the audience. The upcoming season of Project Runaway will premiere on Freeform, with the show also being available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.
Auditions for America's Got Talent season 20 are underway with live shows set to begin on Tuesday, August 19 on NBC from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. AGT has remained one of the most watched shows of the summer each year, and with Mel B ready to return for her 7th season, ratings will likely continue to impress. It's yet to be seen if America's Got Talent has any other surprises in store for their landmark season, or if Mel B's shocking return will be the biggest twist of all.
"America's Got Talent" is available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.
English (US) ·