Mel B Says She Might Not Return to ‘AGT’ in 2019
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Like with most reality shows, we’ve seen quite a few changes to the America’s Got Talent panel over the years. The Season 1 judges are all long gone and after several shifts over the past, the seats are currently occupied by Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Mel B. However, the latter may not remain on the panel for long.
During recent court proceedings regarding her divorce with Stephen Belafonte, Mel B – who is currently judging her sixth season in a row of the program – revealed that her current contract ends later this year, and she does not currently know if the AGT producers intend to keep her around going into 2019 and beyond.
I am currently a judge on the NBC television show, America’s Got Talent. I am currently in contract until the end of October 2018. I do not know if I will be asked back as a Judge on America’s Got Talent or if they will renew my contract.
It doesn’t sound like Mel B is wanting to leave AGT, but the producers might not want her back after this season. There were some reports of Mel being increasingly difficult to work with last season, as well as speculation that the stress surrounding the split with her ex had been getting to her and affecting her work on the show. From what I’ve observed so far, she seems to have gone back to being a bit more down to earth compared to her somewhat spacey behaviour last season, so hopefully things are going smoother for her this year.
It’s also possible the producers might decide to shake up the judging panel next season. We’ve had the current judging lineup since 2016, and all of them except Simon have been on the show several years longer than that. I recall a rumor they were considering Queen Latifah, who I think could be an interesting addition to the panel (though personally, I have an easier time picturing her in a hosting role).
While I really enjoy Mel B at times and appreciate that she often advocates for some of the more “out there” acts like Dancing Pumpkin Man from last season, a new judge would definitely bring buzz to the show and could be a way of keeping things fresh. Of course, she could have simply been stating a fact about her contract, but with the rumors and reports that have come out about her behind-the-scenes behaviour – as well at the upcoming Spice Girls reunion – this possibility is something I’ll be keeping a close eye on in the coming months.
