Some reality shows have remarkable consistency from season to season with their judges. Other shows bounce around and incorporate new faces almost every year. During its initial run, America's Got Talent mixed it up quite a bit, but recently, a more stable crew has emerged. Howie Mandel has been on board since Season 5, Heidi Klum and Mel B since Season 8 and Simon Cowell since Season 11. If the latest rumors are to be believed, however, that all could be about to change.
Right now, America's Got Talent is in the middle of a season of champions. The spinoff brought with it all four current judges but swapped out host Tyra Banks for Terry Crews. The show has already been renewed for Season 14, but Page Six is claiming that when it does return, Simon Cowell may be the only one back. No one on the show is commenting on the record, but the outlet is claiming its sources are saying the talk originally centered on whether to bring Mel B back and eventually questions about all the others were raised, with Simon allegedly "ready" for new judges.
Now, at this point, all of this is just a wild rumor without any confirmation, but it's important to note there is some related smoke. Some whispers of Tyra Banks leaving as host have been swirling for weeks, and Terry Crews hosting the spinoff definitely isn't the best sign for her future, though some are claiming she's the one who decided to bail. We might never know, but at some point sooner rather than later, we will get confirmation on the status of the rest of the judges.
It's always important to keep a judging panel fresh, but it's also worth noting that the America's Got Talent judges have pretty good chemistry and pretty good diversity of opinion. Simon Cowell is the blunt and aggressive one. Howie Mandel brings a wholesome and warm-hearted energy. Heidi Klum always has the most delightful reactions, and Mel B does a good job of waffling back and forth between genuinely rooting for the contestants but also providing direct feedback. The balance is there.
There aren't any rumors as to who might take over any of the judging spots if they end up vacated, but with the show headed for a summer return, we should start getting some answers soon. I predict we'll see a new host and probably one new judge, but I obviously have no inside knowledge and am just guessing as a fan. Stay tuned here at TV Blend though, and we'll pass along more definitive word as soon as we hear anything. Until then, enjoy the spinoff season because it could be the last we ever get from some of these familiar faces.
