Mel B's Surprising AGT Comeback and Simon Cowell's Big Plans For The Show's Future

It has been a few years since Mel B graced our screens on America’s Got Talent. Many of us remember that back in 2019, she and Heidi Klum were replaced, with little public reason why. While Heidi returned alongside Sofía Vergara, we have not seen Mel B on the main show since she left. Now in 2025, just before rejoining the judging panel for the show’s landmark 20th anniversary season, which started on Tuesday, May 27, Mel B is sharing the real reason she left in the first place. This comeback is certainly making waves among fans.

"I got kind of laid off and fired," she openly told Craig Melvin during a May 14 talk on Today. "But yeah, I’m back now." She seemed pretty matter-of-fact about it. She added, "You know, I thought, well, I love working with you guys.” Her fellow Agt cast mates definitely agreed. Howie Mandel said "I love working with you." Terry Crews also chimed in saying "And we love you too, Mel." It sounds like a happy reunion for the whole team.

Beyond liking her co-workers Mel also shared that the chance to return to the show came at just the right time. "I mean, why not? It was perfect timing," she told Craig. She even explained more to PEOPLE, saying how special this chance is for her. "I’m beyond thrilled to be back at AGT — not only is it the 20th anniversary of the show, but it’s also a real homecoming for me, and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be back," she said. "So fasten your seatbelts, everyone, because I’m here, and I’m going to stir things up and be my usual loud, proud, Scary Spice self. This season is going to be unmissable!" It sounds like she is ready to bring all her energy back to the show. I am personally excited to see what she does this season.

The Reasons Behind Heidi Klum's Absence From The Judging Panel This Season

Understanding Why A Familiar Face Is Not Sitting On The Judges' Desk For The 20th Season

While Mel B makes her big return, there is a familiar face missing from the judging panel. That is Heidi Klum. The famous supermodel is not a judge on this latest season of America's Got Talent after being on the panel from 2013 to 2019 and again from 2020 to 2024. Many fans are wondering why Heidi is not on AGT this time around. I have heard the explanations and it seems to make sense.

Heidi has not said a specific reason for leaving AGT. However, many people guess this has everything to do with her going back to Project Runway. This is not like when Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough left the show because of a difficult work setting. Heidi seems to have left on good terms. In January 2025, Heidi confirmed she was returning to Project Runway. That show will move from Bravo to Freeform. She and Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and Christian Siriano will start a new time for the show. She cannot easily do that on Freeform if she is tied to a contract on NBC’s AGT. This is a common scheduling issue in television. A show’s representative told Deadline in a statement about Heidi: "Heidi has been an incredible part of AGT, bringing her signature charm, expertise, and warmth to the show." The statement went on to say, "We are enormously grateful for her many contributions and the impact she has had while celebrating the world’s greatest talent with us. We’d love for our paths to cross again." This makes it sound like an amicable parting, with the door open for future appearances.

Simon Cowell's Big Dreams For The Future Of America's Got Talent

How Fatherhood Changed His Judging And His Hopes For His Son Eric To Take Over The Show

Simon Cowell, the creator of America's Got Talent, has a clear idea of who he would want to take over if he ever decided to retire. He recently spoke to PEOPLE about the show's big 20th season. He also talked about handling his many jobs as a judge and executive producer of the show. And he spoke about being a father to his son Eric, who is 11 years old. Simon sees the show getting "bigger and better" over the years. He said this is a "really, really good feeling." He also added that doing the show is "the best job in the world."

Cowell is already thinking about the next two decades of the show. He said, "I'm now looking at the next 20 years of this show — where does it go next?" He feels strongly that the show is so open to everyone. Because of this, he thinks whether it is him or his son Eric, "you're going to be having a conversation with us in 20 years time saying, 'Well, how was the 40th anniversary?'" He cannot imagine the show not being on TV. When asked if Eric wants to follow in his footsteps, Cowell is not sure. But he admits nothing would make him happier. He said, "I haven't really had that conversation. I've hinted at it." He added that Eric, like him, likes these kinds of shows which is a good start. He thinks Eric "would actually be a really good producer." Cowell noted that Eric is "more shy" than he is. He is not sure if Eric would be comfortable on camera. But he also thinks that could change. If Eric wanted to produce, Cowell said he would "definitely encourage him." He added, "I mean, that would be my dream."

Until that day comes, Cowell plans to stay busy with AGT. He feels the talent level generally has improved since the show started. He thinks the quality keeps getting better. If he did not feel that way, he would stop. But he still looks forward to seeing who comes on next season. He said this motivation keeps him going. He admitted that some days are long and tiring. But when he watches the show back and sees it is great he feels happy. He would feel terrible if he was not doing this. Cowell also knows he has changed since becoming a father. He realizes other things are more important than his career. He believes becoming a dad made being a judge easier. He started watching acts through Eric's eyes. He would think "Would he like that?" He wants his son and his friends to love the show. When Eric visits with his friends, they have a wonderful time. This makes Simon feel good.

A Look At The Standout Acts From America's Got Talent Season 20's Start

The Golden Buzzers And Memorable Performances That Kicked Things Off With A Bang

Season 20 of America's Got Talent started with a bang. The judges, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, and Melanie "Mel B" Brown, saw many amazing and fun acts. It was quite a kickoff. The very first act of the season was Eric Booker. He made the judges and host Terry Crews uneasy by chugging all sorts of liquids. He drank pickle juice, hot dog water, and even hot sauce. Vergara was concerned. She yelled "Don’t do it, you’re going to get sick!" Cowell, though, cheered him on to keep going. While Booker did not make it through the auditions, two acts from the premiere got AGT’s prized Golden Buzzer. This sends them straight to the Live Shows, bypassing future audition rounds.

Cowell was particularly impressed by LightWire. This is a dance and light-up art performance group. They lit up the AGT stage. Cowell said "You never, ever, ever know, when you’re doing a new year, whether you’re going to see something better than you’ve seen before. And I'm not just saying this, this was one of the most beautiful, stunning Acts I have seen across all of the 'Got Talents'." He then delivered the first Golden Buzzer of the season to them. Backstage, Cowell even called LightWire's act "actually magic." That is high praise from him.

Street performer Jourdan Blue earned the second Golden Buzzer of the night. Mandel hit his button for the 23-year-old singer from New Orleans. Mandel told him "I think you’re a star" after Jourdan's emotional performance of "Breakeven" by The Script. He added "I think your name is gonna be on the lips of everybody watching this.” The judges also watched acts with magic stunts dancing and more. That was only the first night of AGT Season 20. New episodes of AGT Season 20 air Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC. They are also available to stream the next day on Peacock. Later this summer, the Live Shows will begin on Tuesday, August 19, at 8/7c. The results will air on Wednesday nights at 8/7c.