NBC’s America’s Got Talent (AGT) is back for season 12 with a host of new contestants hoping to make it big and winning the advertised prize of $1 million and the chance to headline a show on the Vegas Strip. But for the first time since the show debuted in 2006, the most interesting storyline may not have anything to do with the hopeful contestants.
Tyra Banks is stepping in as host of AGT. This marks Banks’ return to reality series hosting after a long and lucrative run on America’s Next Top Model, which she also co-created. Banks will be replacing long-time AGT host Nick Cannon.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible,” Banks said. “I love how AGT brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true.”
Initially, NBC had said that host Cannon and judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B. and Howie Mandel would all be returning in 2017. However, Cannon left the series through an emotional post last month after claiming the network threatened to fire him over an AGT and NBC-related racial joke in his new Showtime stand-up special. Cannon hosted the series for 8 seasons.
Banks is a veteran in the reality TV game following her 22 seasons on Top Model and her own syndicated talk show The Tyra Banks Show.
“Welcome to the America’s Got Talent family, Tyra! This is really exciting,” said Cowell.
America’s Got Talent Season 12 Viewing Details
Date: Tuesday, May 30
Time: 8:00 P.M. ET
Season: 12
Network: NBC
