America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel recently responded to rumors that the show is moving production out of California by admitting that he hasn’t been invited back to the panel for next season.
Howie Mandel Hasn’t Been Invited Back to AGT
It was recently reported that AGT might go the way of other talent shows like The Masked Singer and American Idol by moving production out of California to take advantage of tax breaks in other states. Judge Howie Mandel recently spoke to TMZ about the rumors.
Mandel spoke to the outlet at his podcast studio in Los Angeles, where he admitted that he has yet to be invited back to the judging panel for Season 22. He said he wants to return to the show, but explained, “I don’t think anybody has been asked.”
The comedian said he would prefer to stay in California “because I want to sleep in my own bed.” However, he shared that he has “a small piece of a hologram company” called Proto Hologram, so he would be able to judge the show remotely no matter where production might move. Mandel then demonstrated the technology.
“Why aren’t they giving people a tax break to stay here?” Mandel wondered, pointing out that there are hundreds of people who work on the show and support the economy in Los Angeles.
Howie Mandel has been a judge on AGT since 2010, so he’ll most likely be invited back to the panel next year. However, it’s still very soon after the most recent season ended, so it makes sense that the show hasn’t solidified plans for next season.
Season 21 came to a close last week, as 16-year-old guitarist Nene Royal was crowned the winner of the million-dollar prize thanks to America’s votes. Nene performed a powerhouse cover of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes in the first night of the finale.
What do you think about the rumors that AGT might be moving production out of California? Let us know in the comments below.
Words by:
Jill O'Rourke Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit
