The Face of ‘America’s Got Talent’ is Changing as Heidi Klum and Mel B Leave the Judges’ Panel

Getty Images | Rich Fury

“Turn and face the strange, ch-ch-changes ...” sang the forever-missed music genius David Bowie. And how right he was. There are several big changes brewing within the global phenomenon that is America’s Got Talent, and it’s making us feel very strange indeed!

©Getty Images | Alberto E. Rodriguez

To kick things off, likeable, hard-talking judges Mel B and Heidi Klum are not returning for the next season. Terry Crews is now “officially” taking over from Tyra Banks as the host of the show, and two new judges will join the panel. But before the mountain of changes threatens to bury us in an avalanche, let’s breathe a collective sigh of relief as there will be two pillars of constancy to guide us through: Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel aren’t going anywhere! And, to be frank, the show would not be the same without them.

Julianne Hough ©Getty Images | Michael Tran

So, “Who are these new judges?” you might be asking. Well, dancer and singer Julianne Hough, 30, plus actress Gabrielle Union, 46, will be gracing the panel with their expertise, constructive criticism, and itchy trigger fingers for that world-famous, coveted golden buzzer next season.

We’re sure they'll be great. But why did Mel B and Heidi leave in the first place?

Gabrielle Union ©Getty Images | Tibrina Hobson

Model Heidi has been conspicuously quiet on the subject. However, she has hosted AGT since 2013, and it’s likely that the longevity of her role has started to encroach on her other commitments, not least her new Amazon Prime Video reality show with Tim Gunn. Heidi is also a long-running host on television show Germany’s Next Top Model.

But it’s clear that despite Heidi’s seemingly sudden departure, she’s leaving on good terms with the other judges and crew. Sharing a tweet, Heidi referred to her six years on the show as an “incredible experience.”

For ex-Spice Girls singer Mel B, it’s a slightly different story. And one that Spice Girls fans will be delighted to hear: she'll be joining Geri, Victoria, Mel C, and Emma for a Spice Girls reunion tour around the United Kingdom in summer of 2019. Dig out your platform trainers! Mel B has likewise been on the panel for six years, so both she and Heidi have given a lot of love and a lot of time to the show’s many talented contestants, not to mention that they’ve formed tight bonds with the other judges along the way.

As for Tyra Banks, did you see it coming? Terry Crews hosted AGT: The Champions in her place, which was our first clue. US Weekly reported that “Tyra’s leaving on her own volition ... because she wants to produce and act more.” Well, kudos to Tyra for following her ambition to branch out into different projects. Terry is doing a sterling job, but Tyra will certainly be missed!

Are you braced and ready for season 14? It’s hard to envisage where these extraordinary talents keep coming from; the country is literally brimming with talented folk who peep out from the woodwork to grace our screens every single season. It’s humbling, and it surely makes for great TV.

Julianne, Gabrielle, and Terry—welcome. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the show.

What do you think of the new AGT lineup? Will you be watching in summer of 2019? We can’t wait to see what’s coming!