Yahoo Lifestyle Mel B Returns to Judge ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 20 as NBC Announces Premiere Date
Mel B will return to the judge’s table on Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent,” which debuts Tuesday, May 27 at 8 p.m. on NBC.
The former Spice Girl will replace Heidi Klum, who exits the series after 11 nonconsecutive seasons. Mel B joins fellow judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara. Terry Crews returns to host the national talent competition for his seventh season.
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Auditions for Season 20 of “America’s Got Talent” are currently underway, with virtual and in-person opportunities available for aspiring talent. Mandel will host an audition comedy showcase on Feb. 6 at the Ice House in Pasadena, Calif., and “AGT” finalist Sofie Dossi will host virtual auditions on Feb. 25. An in-person open call will take place March 10 at the Pasadena Civic Center.
Mel B first joined “America’s Got Talent” in 2013 for Season 8. She sat on the panel alongside Klum, Mandel and Howard Stern. Mel B departed the series in 2018 after six seasons, before signing on the judge the spinoff series “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” and “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.”
“It is absolutely brilliant to be able to announce this year as our 20th season,” said judge and executive producer Cowell in a statement. “Over the years, we have seen some amazing acts and met some truly incredible people. It’s true that two or three minutes can change your life. I want to thank every contestant, all the fans who have supported the show every year and to NBC for believing in this show. And of course, the amazing team, past and present, who make the show so special. Now as always, I am really excited to meet the contestants this year.”
More than 70 local versions of the “Got Talent” format have been produced across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, not to mention various spinoff titles. Across all social platforms, “AGT” has received more than 26 billion video views, per NBC. In September, singer Richard Goodall, who was working as a middle school janitor, was crowned the winner of “America’s Got Talent” Season 19. Many “AGT” acts still have their own residencies on the Las Vegas Strip, including Terry Fator, Piff the Magic Dragon, Shin Lim, Mat Franco, Vicki Barbolak and Tape Face.
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