Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B are returning to the judges’ table for Season 11 of “America’s Got Talent,” NBC announced Tuesday.
The trio will join previously announced judge and show creator Simon Cowell, who will replace Howard Stern. This marks Mandel’s seventh season as judge, and the fourth for his female costars. Nick Cannon will again host the show during its live performance and results shows from Los Angeles.
“Howie, Mel and Heidi have an undeniable chemistry together and bring unbridled energy to everything they do,” said Paul Telegdy, President of Alternative and Late-Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. “We are very excited to bring them back along with Nick Cannon as host, and with the addition of creator Simon Cowell as a judge, the panel just got a little more interesting. We can’t wait for the new season to begin.”
“Without sounding too arrogant I am going to call us the Fantastic Four,” said Cowell. “I like this panel because they are slightly nuts. And now let’s find a star.”
“It’s great to have Howie, Mel, Heidi and Nick back on ‘AGT’ and to welcome Simon and his unique judging style. This panel knows how to spot great talent and how to have a lot of fun while doing it. It’s going to be an entertaining season!” said Trish Kinane, FremantleMedia North America President of Entertainment Programming and ‘AGT’ exec producer, in a statement.
Season 10 of “America’s Got Talent” averaged a 2.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.5 million viewers overall in its Tuesday edition, making it the number one summer alternative series in total viewers for a tenth consecutive year.
“America’s Got Talent” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Syco Entertainment. Cowell, Kinane, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff and Richard Wallace serve as executive producers.
