Courtesy of NBC
New addition Simon Cowell will be joined by returning judges Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B, as well as host Nick Cannon.
America's Got Talent is firming up its talent behind the judges table ahead of season 11.
Panelists Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B are officially set to return to the reality competition series, NBC announced Tuesday. The trio join returning host Nick Cannon and new judge Simon Cowell, who replaces Howard Stern. The news also comes as the series prepares to move back to Los Angeles for its live shows and results shows, after spending several years in New York City.
This marks Mandel's seventh season at America's Got Talent, making him one of the show's longest-running judges. Season 11 will be Klum and Mel B's fourth.
“Howie, Mel and Heidi have an undeniable chemistry together and bring unbridled energy to everything they do,” said NBC president of alternative and late-night programming Paul Telegdy. “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.”
Added Cowell: "Without sounding too arrogant, I am going to call us the Fantastic Four. I like this panel because they are slightly nuts. And now let's find a star."
Cowell signed on for the series in October, a month after Stern indicated season 10 would be his last. The shock jock bid the show an emotional farewell in September.
In addition to his years spent judging American Idol, Cowell also created the Got Talent format.
America's Got Talent continues to be a solid performer for NBC. Season 10 of the summer staple averaged a 2.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 12.5 million viewers.
Auditions for season 11 of America's Got Talent are already underway.
