SOFIA Vergara and Mel B’s future on AGT is ‘uncertain’ as Simon Cowell has the ‘most say’ on who returns, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
In addition to being the head judge, Simon, 65, is credited as an executive producer for America’s Got Talent and all its spinoffs – giving him power both on and off camera.
Sofia Vergara stuns during the quarterfinals for America’s Got Talent[/caption]
Mel B on the judging panel for AGT season 20[/caption]
Simon Cowell on set of AGT for Tuesday’s quarterfinals[/caption]
NBC has already greenlit the talent competition show for its 21st season, and a production insider has said that it’s currently still “way too early” for the judging panel to be locked in for next season.
According to the source, the network will most likely make a decision in the winter after season 20 wraps up.
However, they revealed more of who might make the cut, and who might not, explaining that Simon, 65, and co-star Howie Mandel have the most stability.
“No one knows for sure because no decisions have been made but, I doubt it will be the same exact four judges.
“Howie and Simon have longer-term, more stable contracts. When Sofia first signed on, I believe it was initially a 3-year contract or something like that.
“And there’s a mutual option for both her and the network to renew by the year following.
“Which, clearly, they have been doing. Mel. I want to say is on a year-by-year contract.
“So it depends more on the ladies and what the show, or honestly what Simon, says.”
Mel B and Simon Cowell at the AGT Season 20 Red Carpet held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on March 26, 2025[/caption]
Sofia Vergara dn Simon Cowell during season 18 of AGT[/caption]
The source added that Simon has “the most pull” and say on who makes the panel.
“Basically, anyone who wants a job on the show has to get it approved by him and stay on his good side.
“He’s got the most say, but it’s not solely his decision,” they added.
Sofia, 53, first joined the judging panel for season 15 in 2020 after the end of her hit sitcom, Modern Family.
She has continued to be a judge every year since – with this current season being her fifth consecutive time on the judging panel.
Meanwhile, Mel B has a storied history on AGT after first joining season 8 back in 2013.
The Spice Girl went on to judge every year until 2018, and later admitted she was “fired” and replaced with Gabrielle Union.
She returned for the AGT: The Champions and AGT: Fantasy League spinoffs in the years since, but didn’t make her grand comeback until this current season.
Howie, 69, remains the longest-running cast member to join the show as he’s been on the panel since 2010.
The Deal or No Deal host replaced David Hasselhoff in season 5 and has been a main fixture every year since.
America’s Got Talent judges
THOUSANDS of hopefuls have graced the America’s Got Talent stage to showcase their abilities.
Here is some more information about the A-list judges for season 20:
Simon Cowell – On October 22, 2015, it was revealed Simon was replacing Howard Stern on the AGT judges panel. He became a judge during the program’s 11th season and has since remained a series regular.
Mel B – In March 2013, Mel B was announced as Sharon Osbourne’s replacement on AGT. She remained on the show for five seasons before leaving in 2018. She made her grand return this year for season 20.
Sofia Vergara – On February 27, 2020, NBC revealed Sofia was replacing Gabrielle Union for AGT season 15.
Howie Mandel – Out of all the panelists, Howie Mandel is the longest-tenured judge on America’s Got Talent. Howie joined the hit reality series during the show’s 5th season, replacing David Hasselhoff.
His 15-year run marks him as the longest-serving judge the show has ever had.
This gives him a great amount of power on set; however, he still doesn’t have a producer credit like his buddy, Simon.
Simon was instrumental in creating the Got Talent format and helped launch the show all the way back in 2006.
Although he was still an American Idol judge at the time for Fox, he helped produce AGT for NBC.
It wasn’t until the show’s 11th season in 2016 that Simon would finally join the series in an on-camera role, replacing Howard Stern as a judge.
Simon has been back every year since as a judge and remains an executive producer of the franchise.
AGT airs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 pm EST on NBC.
Mel B and Sofia Vergara on Wednesday night’s quarterfinals episode on AGT[/caption]
AGT season 20 panel Pictured: (l-r) Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofía Vergara, and Simon Cowell[/caption]
